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Insurance Checklist for Home Buyers

By Personal

There are many different issues to consider when looking for the perfect home to purchase. One of the most overlooked issues is insurance coverage. However, it is one of the most important aspects about home ownership. It's essential for those who are shopping for a home to factor in the cost of insurance. Before going out to look for a home, consider all of the expenses the purchase will incur. There are several other things to do before preparing to sign the final documents.

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Protecting a Home from Mold

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It's important to have a plan and routine in order to protect a home from mold. This involves constantly looking for watermarks on ceilings or walls, signs of mold growth and musty smells. If mold is caught early enough, it can be removed with a simple cleaning solution of bleach and water. However, preventing mold from growing again requires that the source of moisture be eliminated. The area where the mold started growing must also be dried properly. In some cases, the surface or area may simply need to be replaced. After cleaning the mold and attacking the source, be sure to place all rags, clothing, materials, paper and other debris affected in a plastic bag to be thrown in the garbage.

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How to Avoid Post-Disaster Scams

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Homeowners must exercise caution after their homes are destroyed by fires, tornadoes or other disasters. There are many dishonest scam artists and service providers who are ready to take advantage of distressed homeowners. They know that individuals who have just experienced such a great loss due to disaster are in a panicked state of mind. Since homeowners in such situations aren't thinking clearly, scam artists are able to get the money they want. In order to avoid such a fiasco, simply avoid making rash decisions by talking to an agent immediately following a disaster to get a list of reliable service providers. When disaster strikes, this will make it easier to know who to turn to. In addition to obtaining a list from an agent, consider the following tips for hiring service providers.

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Choosing the Right Roofing Material

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Every homeowner wishes for a roof that is cheap, never requires repair and will last forever. However, the average roof must be replaced or repaired about every 10 years. It is important to choose roofing materials carefully to get the most life out of a roof, lessen the amount of waste in landfills and use fewer natural resources. For example, the color of a roof impacts how hot or cold the attic and the rest of the home will be, which affects cooling and heating bills. Choosing the right material may yield a result that lasts for more than 30 years. There are many roofing materials available. Cost does not always determine the level of quality for many of the popular materials. The following paragraphs outline the positive and negative features of the most popular types of roofing.

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Vehicle Type has Impact on Insurance Rates

By Personal

The costs associated with purchasing a vehicle do not end when you pay the dealer. When you own a car, you must pay for gasoline, maintenance and car insurance. The cost of car insurance usually varies based on your driving history, age and the type of car you drive. While certain types of cars lower the cost of your insurance, others will raise it.

Car insurance companies determine the cost of your policy based on the risk of loss on insurance claims for the company. If the type of car you drive is associated with a larger number of expensive insurance claims, insurance companies will charge you a higher premium than it would charge if you were insuring a vehicle with fewer risks.

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Six Tips for Insuring Young Drivers

By Personal

Now that your blood pressure has recovered from giving your teenage driver her first driving lessons, it's time to add him or her to your insurance policy. But teenage drivers and young adults are historically risky clients for insurance companies – and rates generally reflect that. What is the best way to manage the situation?

Here are some things you and your new driver can do to keep premiums affordable.

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Understanding the Basics of Insurance Deductibles

By Personal

To get the most out of a car or home insurance policy, it is important to understand the roles deductibles play. A deductible is the amount deducted from an insured loss. When a damage claim is filed, the deductible is the amount of money a policyholder must pay upfront. It may be a percentage of the policy's total or a set dollar amount. Larger deductibles are associated with smaller premiums. To find the verbiage concerning deductibles, consult the front page of the auto or homeowners policy. Deductibles are subtracted from the claim amount. For example, if a person with a $500 deductible files a claim for $10,000, that policyholder will receive a check for $9,500. However, if that individual's deductible is calculated using percentages, the amount may differ. With percentages, the variable is calculated from the total claim and then subtracted from the total.

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Understanding Tree Damage & Your Homeowners Insurance

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When a tree falls on a house, the first thing most homeowners wonder is whether their insurance will cover the damage. Fortunately, they do, and the coverage inclusions are clear. If a tree falls on a home or other insured property structure, a homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for the structure itself and the items inside of it. This type of coverage includes trees that fall due to hail, lightning or wind.

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How Credit History Affects Auto Insurance Premiums

By Personal

Many factors are involved in determining an auto insurance rate. The age of the insured driver, the vehicle type and the individual's driving history are all key factors. However, there is a more controversial factor used by auto insurance companies, which is individual credit history. It is important for all drivers to consider the following issues.

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How to Protect a Vacant Home

By Personal

When the summer season approaches, many families and couples start planning their vacations. Whether the destination is near or far, it is important to make sure the home is properly protected. Locking the door and setting the alarm is not enough. The following five tips provide useful information for making a vacant home look less attractive to criminals.

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