Congratulations Seahawks! That was a great game on Saturday! If you’re going to follow the Seahawks to their next game against the Chicago Bears at the “new” Soldier field in Chicago then there are a few things you’ll want to know about your homeowner’s policy. When most people think of their homeowner’s policy they are usually thinking about coverage for their home. But, surprisingly enough a good homeowner’s policy covers so much more than just your house! It also covers your personal property. 10% of your personal property coverage (applicable to the deductible) follows you everywhere you go. For example, you go on a trip to Chicago, and your personal belongings are stolen from your hotel room. The hotel may not cover the loss of such things as your laptop computer, jewelry, clothes, etc, BUT, your homeowner’s policy will! The same benefits also apply to those who have renter’s insurance.

Personal liability is another coverage that follows you everywhere you go. What that means for you is this: Let’s say you decide to go skiing, and on the slopes you accidentally injure another skier. Your homeowner’s policy will provide coverage for the accident. Also covered are optional endorsements such as personal injury, which will cover such things as liable, slander, defamation of character, and wrongful arrest.

Another amazing benefit is that if your homeowner’s policy includes fraud and identity coverage, that coverage also follows you wherever you go. For example, you are at the big Seahawks game in Chicago, and after we win you get mugged on your way home, and the mugger then uses the personal information in your wallet to steal your identity. Your homeowner’s policy will cover that as well!

It is extremely important to have an independent local insurance agent you can trust, with whom you can talk these options over, and make sure your insurance plan includes these benefits. The other plus to having a local agent, is that they know your name, and will be there to take care of any problems for you, whether you are at home or on vacation. A large insurance company may offer a cheap price, but when you have a claim will they be there with you, or just keep putting you on hold? Great deals are important when choosing an insurance plan, but even more important is making sure you have a plan that will cover you through those unexpected emergencies. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your family is protected, and there is a friendly voice on the other end of the phone, is worth every penny.