Common Shreveport Homeowners Insurance Mistakes


Homeowners insurance is a crucial form of protection that safeguards homeowners from potential financial losses due to unforeseen events such as property damage or theft. This type of homeowners insurance policy specifically covers both the structure of the home and the personal belongings within it. Get it right, you won’t have to worry. Get it wrong, well, that’s another story. We’ll take a look at common Shreveport homeowners insurance mistakes and how to avoid them.

In the event of a disaster or mishap, homeowners insurance provides financial reimbursement for repairs or replacements. It also offers liability coverage, which protects homeowners if an injury to someone occurs on their property and they file a lawsuit. We highly recommend homeowners insurance no matter if your mortgage lender requires it or if you own the house outright. It helps to mitigate any potential financial risks.

It is important for homeowners to educate themselves about the different types of coverage options available and to choose a policy that adequately meets their needs and budget. This helps to avoid common mistakes that homeowners often make when it comes to their insurance policies by not having adequate protection.

What Are Common Mistakes?

What Are Common Mistakes Shreveport Homeowners Make with Home Insurance?

When it comes to home insurance, Shreveport homeowners may unknowingly make some common mistakes that can lead to costly consequences.

Avoiding these common mistakes can ensure that Shreveport homeowners have adequate coverage and peace of mind.

Mistake 1: Not Shopping Around for Rates

When it comes to home insurance, one of the most common mistakes Shreveport homeowners make is not shopping around for rates. Many homeowners in the area stick with their current insurance provider without exploring other options. By failing to compare rates from different companies, they may miss out on potential savings and better coverage. It is important for homeowners to regularly review their insurance policies and consider obtaining quotes from multiple insurance companies. By doing so, they can ensure they are keeping the cost of homeowners insurance as low as possible, getting the best rates and coverage for their specific needs. Shopping around for rates can help homeowners make informed decisions and potentially save money in the long run.

Mistake 2: Not Understanding the Policy Terms

When it comes to homeowners insurance, one common mistake that many Shreveport homeowners make is not fully understanding the terms and conditions of their policy. Insurance policies can be complex documents filled with legal jargon and technical language, making it challenging to decipher what is covered and what isn’t. Failing to grasp the policy terms can lead to costly surprises when it’s time to file a claim. It’s essential for homeowners to take the time to thoroughly review their policy and ask questions if they don’t understand something. It’s also a good idea to work with an independent insurance agent who can help explain the terms and ensure that homeowners have the appropriate coverage for their needs. By taking the time to understand the terms of their policy, Shreveport homeowners can avoid potential pitfalls and have peace of mind knowing that they are adequately protected.

Mistake 3: Underestimating Property Value or Coverage Limits

One common mistake that Shreveport homeowners make when it comes to their home insurance is underestimating the value of their property or the coverage limits they need. It’s essential to accurately assess the value of your home and its contents to ensure that you have adequate coverage in the event of a loss.

Underestimating the value of your property can result in not having enough coverage to fully repair or rebuild your home in the event of a disaster. Additionally, failing to accurately assess the value of your personal belongings could leave you without enough coverage to replace them if they are damaged or stolen.

It’s important to regularly review and update your coverage limits to ensure that they reflect the current value of your property and belongings. Consulting with an independent insurance agent can help you accurately assess your coverage needs and avoid the mistake of underestimating your property value or coverage limits.

Mistake 4: Failing to Update Home/Insurance Information Regularly

A common mistake that Shreveport homeowners make with their home insurance is failing to regularly update their home and insurance information. It’s vital for homeowners to keep their insurance company up to date with any changes in their home, such as renovations, additions, or improvements. Failing to do so can result in being underinsured or having inadequate coverage in the event of a claim. Additionally, homeowners should regularly review their insurance policy to ensure that the coverage limits and deductibles accurately reflect the current value of their home and possessions. Life changes such as getting married, having children, or acquiring new valuable items should also prompt homeowners to update their insurance information. By staying proactive and regularly updating their home and insurance details, homeowners can avoid potential coverage gaps and ensure that they have sufficient protection in the event of a loss.

Consider an Independent Insurance Agent

When shopping for homeowners insurance premiums, it can be overwhelming to navigate through the various insurance coverage options and find the right policy for your needs. That’s where an independent insurance agent, like our team here at Watley Insurance Group, can be a valuable resource to help you navigate the seas of insurance products.

One of the biggest benefits of working with an independent agent is our access to multiple insurance companies. Instead of being tied to a single provider, we have the ability to compare coverage and prices from a variety of insurers. This means we can do the legwork for you, saving you time and effort in researching different policies.

Another advantage of working with an independent agent is the personalized service we provide. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor coverage to meet your specific needs. We can also answer any questions you may have and help you navigate the complexities of homeowners insurance.

Furthermore, independent agents offer unbiased advice. Since we’re not limited to offering policies from a single company, we can provide objective recommendations based on your requirements. This ensures that you receive the most suitable coverage at the best possible price.

Partnering with an independent insurance agent can simplify your search for a standard home insurance policy. With their access to multiple insurance companies, personalized service, and unbiased advice, we can help you find the best coverage options that fit your needs and budget.

Why Work With Watley?

Our goal is never the cheapest home insurance (and neither should that be your goal), but the most effective when you need it the most. Those looking for the cheapest option often find out the hard way about insurance they wish they had at claim time.

Here at Watley Insurance Group, we provide you with friendly customer service (straight out of the Ark-La-Tex located here in Shreveport/Bossier City) and insurance quotes to protect you, your home and your personal property.

We also offer auto insurance, life insurance, commercial insurance, and even additional insurance to protect, e.g., flood insurance.

Call today for a free insurance quote prior to the severe storms that hit our area.

Wayne F. Watley, Jr.

Agency Principal, proud husband & father, and jazz enthusiast.