Best Homeowners Insurance Agencies in Virginia Beach

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.
  

• Do homeowners' insurance policies cover damaged personal belongings during a move to Virginia Beach?

  Some Virginia Beach homeowners' insurance policies do not cover personal items during relocation, while others do. These policies may follow the policyholders' personal property wherever it goes; however, losses like fire damage, collision during transportation, or theft are excluded. Situations such as a broken object caused by improper handling or mispackage, on the other hand, are not covered by homeowner's insurance policies in Virginia Beach, but rather by the moving company's coverage.

• What are weather-related catastrophes protected under the homeowners' insurance policies in Virginia Beach?

  Damage to property or personal belongings caused by weather-related disasters such as wildfires, hail, lightning, and wind, including hurricanes and tornadoes, is covered under Virginia Beach homeowners' insurance plans. Windstorm damage may have a higher or separate deductible in homeowners' policies. Damage caused by fallen trees during harsh weather and the weight of ice or snow, on the other hand, can be added as a covered peril on a Virginia Beach homeowners' policy.

• How do credit reports impact those applying for homeowners' insurance policies in Virginia Beach?

  Insurers in Virginia Beach thoroughly examine the applicant's credit score to better underwrite and determine the likelihood of a homeowners' insurance claim. A good credit score predicts insurance losses by reflecting the policy buyer's financial behavior based on the length of their credit history, foreclosures, bankruptcies, or outstanding debts. Furthermore, a good credit score entitles applicants to a reduction in their Virginia Beach homeowners' insurance premiums.

• What types of properties are not eligible for homeowners' insurance policies in Virginia Beach?

  In Virginia Beach, commercial properties like barns, college housing such as sorority and fraternity houses, and short-term rentals are not covered by homeowners insurance. Private schools, churches, non-profit organizations, and assisted living facilities are not eligible for these plans. In addition, primary residences prone to landslides and floods, those in commercial neighborhoods, and dwellings with unusual features, such as A-frames and flat-pack homes, are not covered by Virginia Beach homeowners' insurance policies.

• Do homeowners' insurance policies in Virginia Beach cover the cost of repairing broken appliances?

  Yes, the cost of repairing broken appliances such as kitchen stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers is covered by Virginia Beach homeowners insurance plans. Damage to HVAC systems and plumbing fixtures caused by explosions, windstorms, vandalism, snow, and fire is also typically covered under homeowners' insurance policies. The latter, however, does not cover the costs of replacing or repairing worn-out or obsolete appliances in Virginia Beach.

• 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.