Homeowners insurance can protect you and your home in case of damage, theft, fire, or many other occurrences. Look here for more information about homeowners insurance and how to find the best policy for you.
Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
Is homeowners insurance required for all homes? Can the homeowners association require the owners to buy a separate insurance policy? Q: I read your column in our local Florida newspaper. In my development, all of the homes are attached townhomes. I recently got an email from our community’s management company that said homeowners' insurance was [...]
Property Damage From Trees
When it comes to property damage from trees, who is responsible? Reader wants to take on the city for refusing to let her cut down a healthy tree. Q: I just finished reading your article What Happens if My Neighbor's Tree Falls? I live in Orlando, Florida, a hurricane zone. For years we have been [...]
What happens if my neighbor’s tree falls?
What happens if my neighbor's tree falls and there is damage? Who pays for the damage caused when trees or tree branches fall? With the increase of wild weather this Spring, we're getting an influx of questions from readers whose trees fall and cause damage to their own property and to their neighbors. They're also [...]
Neighbor’s House Fire Damaged My House
Neighbor's House Fire Damaged My House. Is our Neighbor Liable for the Damage? Q: We live in a townhouse. The unit attached to ours had a major fire. The fire also caused considerable damage to our home. We have been in temporary housing for the last 17 months waiting for our home to be restored. [...]
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
What does homeowners insurance cover? What typical policies cover and how to adjust premiums and deductibles to get the right coverage for you. Homeowners insurance can shield families from devastating losses if they have the right amount of coverage but it turns out many are unclear what that looks like for their home. Nearly half [...]
How to Insure a House in a Living Trust
How to insure a house in a living trust. This reader wants to know how insurance coverage works if policies are titled in the name of a living trust. Q: My insurance agent said the insurance company wants my policies (fire, wind and umbrella) titled in the name of my living trust. While doing some [...]
Who Is Responsible for Condo Repairs?
Who is responsible for condo repairs? This reader wants to know why they have to pay for painting their unit after damage from association work. Q: Last year my condo association had a company replace the roof in many of our buildings. I live on the top floor of my building. When the new roof [...]
I Bought a House With Problems Not Disclosed, Now What?
I bought a house with problems not disclosed, now what? This new homeowner found out about a major insurance claim for tornado damage after closing. Q: My husband and I bought a home two years ago and we had a multitude of problems. First, the real estate agent forgot to offer us a walk-thru until [...]
Peak Hurricane Season 2019: Are You Prepared?
Peak hurricane season 2019: are you prepared? As Hurricane Dorian and Tropical Storm Fernand bare down Gabrielle strengthens over the Atlantic. Peak Hurricane Season 2019: Are You Prepared? Most hurricane seasons to date have had six hurricanes, but this year the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts five to nine hurricanes in the Atlantic [...]
HOA Insurance: What Coverage Do You Need to Insure Your Unit?
HOA insurance: What coverage do you need to insure your unit? This is what homeowners association insurance covers and why you need insurance for your unit. Q: Our homeowner’s association (HOA) is requiring that each owner buy insurance to insure that owner against damage caused by their unit to the common areas of the association [...]