A homeowners policy is a package type of policy, which means that it includes protection for several types of possible losses called perils, including damage to your structure, your personal property, expenses for loss of the use of your home and liability or medical claims that may arise.

The standard homeowners policy covers fire, lightning, smoke, windstorm, hail, theft, vandalism, malicious mischief, explosion, aircraft and vehicle damage, riot and civil commotion, falling objects, accidental discharge of water or steam, and freezing of plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems.

Most policies today are HO3 and "All Risks" which means the structure is covered for anything not specifically excluded, and contents are covered for the main perils above. An HO5 would provide more coverage, and an HO2 or HO8 would prove less. Some normal exclusions are intentional acts, acts of war, animal activity, material and building defects, failure to maintain the home, flood, earthquake, and more. It is important to read your policy thoroughly and be familiar with what is and what is not covered.

We do business with the top insurance companies in the country. Our highly-trained licensed agents will evaluate your situation and find the right policy with the best insurance company for you. We provide the personal touch to be sure you get what you need while using technology to make it easy and efficient.

Your home should be covered for the estimated replacement cost. This is generally determined by the average cost contractors in your area would charge to rebuild your specific home. It’s a good idea to review this amount regularly with your Westwood agent, to be sure you are keeping up with housing trends in your area. Do not try to save money by insuring your home for less than replacement cost — your Westwood agent can help you find better ways to save.

The standard homeowner policy provides coverage for "separate" or "other" structures which are not attached to the dwelling such as fences, sheds, pool, and detached garages. This is generally 10% of the dwelling amount but often can be increased if the replacement value for these structures is greater. This coverage cannot be removed from the policy except in Florida.

Coverage for your contents (personal property) is provided at a percentage of your dwelling amount. This generally ranges between 50% and 75% of your dwelling coverage. There are special limitations on certain personal property items such as jewelry, furs, watches, guns and silver.
Please check these limitations on your policy and be sure the amount is adequate in case of a loss. If not, a “personal articles schedule” can provide broader coverage for specified items at an additional premium. Or you could purchase a specialized insurance policy that will only cover these valuables. Your Westwood agent can discuss which option is best for you. It’s very important that your policy has a “replacement cost” endorsement so that you receive the full cost of lost or damaged personal property, not just the current value – which could be significantly less. Be sure you are getting this endorsement on any quote you are comparing.

If you are a legal employee of your employer, your employer may provide coverage for furniture, tools and technology that you use. Ask your employer about this, and if it is not covered, talk to your Westwood agent for more information.
If you are an independent contractor working from home, your homeowners policy probably will not cover the space, furniture, tools and technology you are using for your work. You may need (or your clients may require) a commercial policy.

This part of your homeowners policy pays for increased costs of temporary living arrangements after a covered peril occurs. This includes items such as hotel and food expenses beyond your normal expenses for these items.

This part of your homeowners policy protects you financially against claims resulting from bodily injury or property damage for which you may be legally liable. You are covered up to the liability limit stated in your policy for each occurrence. This excludes auto and business-related claims, as well as criminal activity.

This coverage pays for medical expenses of guests or others injured in your premises, up to the coverage limit.

Several optional coverages can be purchased to meet your insurance needs.

1. Flood Insurance coverage for damages due to floodwaters. Flood damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. A separate policy can be written to obtain coverage for floodwater damage.

2. Earthquake coverage for earthquake damages that exceed specified earthquake deductibles. This may be available as an endorsement on your homeowners policy or as a stand-alone policy.

3. Excess Personal Liability coverage beyond the liability limits stated in your homeowners and auto policies. This is always recommended if you have a swimming pool, rental homes, more than one property and/or more than two cars.

4. Personal Articles Schedule coverage above standard limitations for certain items (jewelry, furs, fine arts, silver, etc.). This may be available as an endorsement on your homeowners policy or as a stand-alone policy.

5. Building Code Upgrade covers the extra cost required to bring your house "up to code" in the event of a covered loss (i.e., replacement of a wood shingle roof with a composition roof). Most policies include 10% at no additional charge but have options to increase to 25% or 50%.

6. Loss Assessment Coverage pays for your share of the loss charged by a corporation or association of property owners (i.e., HOA). For example, a special assessment by your HOA for storm cleanup of common areas and streets. Most policies include $1,000 of coverage, but additional amounts can be added.

The deductible is the co-insurance amount you pay toward a settled claim. The company will adjust and pay each claim for the full approved amount minus the deductible.

Several things can help reduce your insurance premiums, including home alarm discounts, retired person discounts, optional coverages and having your automobile and homeowner insurance (and other policies!) with us. You may be eligible for a multiple policy discount if you have both homeowners and auto insurance with Westwood, even if both policies are not with the same insurance company. Please call us to discuss the best options for you.

Yes. Please notify us immediately when you pay off your loan, so we can delete the lender from your policy.

Call our customer service team and we will change your policy to reflect the new mortgage company. This is especially important if your lender pays for your insurance policy through an escrow or impound account. A common reason policies cancel is due to non-payment because the renewal invoice was sent to the incorrect lender.

Your current homeowners policy extends coverage for 30 days after you leave your covered home. Personal property may be subject to limitations; please review your policy in advance of your move. Even when you’re not moving, your policy may provide personal property coverage away from your home – usually up to 10% of your personal contents coverage.

No. Your policy is not transferable. Each policy is issued to cover a specific property address which is shown on the "Declaration" page. When this property address changes, a new policy must be issued. We are more than happy to assist you with insuring any new property.