Insuring Lakefront Properties
Having a second home on the lake comes with its share of perks such as relaxation, boating, soaking in the sun, and spending time with family and friends. However, there are risks involved when insuring lakefront properties that must be addressed in order to have the protection you deserve. If you own another home or are in the market for a second home on the lake, it is recommended you address some specific concerns so that you can optimize the insurance protection along with your investment.
Considerations to Explore When Insuring Lakefront Properties
You love spending time at your second home on the lake, especially now and in the coming months, but in an effort to maximize coverage you need to be aware of some typical challenges and find ways to minimize the risk of these hazards occurring. Below are some key considerations to discuss with your local N.C. independent insurance agent in order to protect your vacation home.
Water
Having a house by the water comes with its unique share of issues that may result in an increased risk of damage. If your second home is near the lake/water, you need to be aware of floods, hurricanes, and severe weather conditions that could result in extensive water damage that could devastate your home and everything in it. It is recommended you speak with a N.C. local independent insurance agent who specializes in lakefront property insurance so that you can rest assured you have the right type of coverage for your waterfront vacation property.
Flood
If you have a second home on the lake/water, you are at risk for flooding. Keep in mind that flooding doesn’t just target lakefront homes but homes that aren’t even in a “high-risk” zone. Basically, if your vacation home is anywhere close to water, you should consider flood insurance, which is separate from coverage under a standard N.C. homeowners insurance policy. For more detailed information on flood insurance, contact your local N.C. independent insurance agent.
Fire
Protecting your investment is key! Consider the fact that there may be times you aren’t present in your second home and that’s when unfortunate situations can happen, such as fire. Faulty wiring or other fire hazards may not be recognized if you aren’t there to inspect. It is important that you have routine inspections done on all HVAC and electrical appliances to ensure they are operating correctly. Fire can destroy your entire home and all its contents, so it is imperative to discuss the value of your vacation home and its valuables with your local N.C. independent insurance agent.
Theft
Theft happens all too frequently, especially if you are only there part of the time. In an effort to avoid theft and vandalism, consider installing a home security system equipped with motion detection and video cameras. Also, it may be wise to have someone (neighbor or police/security) to do routine checks on your property while you are not there.
Additionally, you may want to consider taking a home inventory of your personal belongings/valuables so that if theft occurs, you have the needed documentation to provide to the police and insurance company. Keep in mind that your valuables and personal belongings may be subject to specific limitations under your standard N.C. homeowners insurance policy so make sure you review your coverages with your local N.C. independent insurance agent TODAY to make sure you are adequately insured.
Supplemental Homeowners Insurance
It is wise to find out whether your current N.C. homeowners insurance policy will extend to your second home or not. Contact your local N.C. independent insurance agent to find out if you need a second policy for your lakefront property.
Renting to Others
If you rent out your lake house, you run into other challenges and concerns as well, such as injuries to renters, cleaning duties, and an increased risk of theft/vandalism. It is recommended to take precautionary measures such as hiring a property manager to handle the business operations of renting or investing in an umbrella insurance policy in an effort to increase your limits of liability to account for risks of injuries. Additionally, you need to address renting your property to others with your N.C. independent insurance agent. Be aware that your N.C. standard homeowners insurance policy may not have coverage for rental situations.
Protect your vacation home by adequately insuring your lakefront property. The best way to do this is to contact us at Paramount Insurance Agency. We specialize in insuring N.C. lakefront properties and our job is to make sure your lakefront property has the insurance it needs and deserves. Your job is to relax and enjoy! Call us TODAY at 336-869-3335