Best Homeowners Insurance Agencies in Berkeley

Frequently Asked Questions

• Introduction

  Homeowners' insurance is a type of property insurance used by private property owners to protect their home and property from a range of risks and liabilities. It is also called home insurance.
  

  
  

  All homeowners' insurance policies cover the primary home on a property, meaning that most damage from weather, accidents, vandalism, and other events will be at least partially paid for by the insurance company. Many policies also include coverage for other structures, personal property, and some premises liability.

  
  

  It is not required by law that a homeowner purchases insurance for their property. However, if you have a mortgage, the lender will usually make purchasing a homeowners' policy a mandatory part of the loan process. Since the mortgage lender is essentially selling you the home, they require you to protect the investment.
  

• Are you required to have homeowners insurance in Berkeley before purchasing a home?

  Homeowners insurance is not required by law in California, but if your home in Berkeley is financed with a mortgage or you are planning to purchase a home, your lender may require you to get homeowners insurance Even if your lender does not require you to get one, it is still advisable to purchase homeowners insurance to protect your home and its contents in the event of a covered peril.

• Does homeowners insurance in Berkeley cover dog bites?

  Some homeowners insurance policies in Berkeley cover dog bites, but not all insurance companies allow them. Some insurance companies require dog owners to purchase separate dog bite coverage or an insurance rider, which may increase the insurance premium. Depending on the insurance company, some may have breed restrictions, meaning the coverage will only include dog bites unless the breed is allowed in the policy.

• Does homeowners insurance in Berkeley cover wildfires?

  In Berkeley, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage, which includes wildfires. After a wildfire damages your home, dwelling coverage can cover the cost of rebuilding or replacing the physical structure. Personal property coverage can pay to repair or replace your personal items damaged by a wildfire. You can use your coverage for other structures if wildfires affect unconnected structures on your property. Also, your insurance can pay for hotel stays, meals, and other expenses related to your relocation.

• What will happen if you fail to pay your homeowners insurance in Berkeley?

  If you fail to pay your homeowners insurance in Berkeley, then your policy lapses. This means that you lose your homeowners insurance coverage. You can no longer claim from the insurance company should anything happen to your home. Plus, if you are on a mortgage, your lender could force-pay the house for you. Your lender may pay out of its pocket to protect their collateral. You will be charged a fee, and your loan could be forced into default.

• What does the Additional Living Expense part of homeowners' insurance in Berkeley cover?

  If your homeowners insurance policy includes Additional Living Expenses, then it means that if your home in Berkeley becomes unlivable, you can use your insurance for some financial help, which covers temporary rent, pet boarding, and other expenses. It also pays for gas and mileage if you have to drive from your temporary home to school, work, or elsewhere. ALE can also pay for food if your temporary home has no cooking facilities.

• What determines the price of homeowners insurance premium?

  The premium, or monthly cost, of your homeowners' insurance policy depends on several factors, including the value of your home and amount of coverage you choose. Your credit history and whether the property is in a higher risk area also play a role.