Fire Insurance

Gary North
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If your home burns down, will your insurance policy guarantee you that you will receive enough money to rebuild? Maybe not.

Your policy must specify "replacement cost coverage." This is the insured amount, plus an extra percentage that you might have to pay due to rising prices. To have 125% of the insured amount is wise. I know of one advisor who says 200% is wiser.

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Then there is the question of holdbacks. The company may hold off paying you the full amount. It may hold back 20% until you actually pay to get your house rebuilt or repaired. Then the company will pay.

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Your policy should have an annual escalation of the insured value. If there is any question in the contract regarding "replacement cost coverage," get it cleared up in writing from the company. Ask your agent what to ask the company to explain. He may tell you that you're covered, but the policy will determine what you are paid.

The more valuable your home, the faster you should get out the policy's contract and read it.

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