Shreveport Home Insurance: 5 Mistakes You Can Make


Mistakes with homeowners insurance can be costly and cause financial hardship when unexpected events occur. It’s important to be aware of common insurance errors and address them to ensure adequate coverage and protection. Here are 5 home insurance mistakes you can make:

What Mistakes Can You Make with Home Insurance?

Home insurance is a crucial safeguard for homeowners, providing financial protection in the event of property damage or loss. It can even help prevent you from the costs of having to hire a legal team or pay someone else’s medical bills/medical care for personal injury.

However, there are common mistakes that homeowners can make when it comes to their insurance coverage. Addressing these mistakes is important to ensure adequate protection and avoid potential financial setbacks.

Addressing these mistakes is vital to avoid potential financial setbacks and ensure comprehensive protection with the right insurance products. Homeowners should take the time to understand their insurance policy, regularly review coverage, accurately assess their property’s value, document possessions, and compare multiple insurance providers. By doing so, they can secure the peace of mind that comes from knowing their home and belongings are adequately protected.

Mistake 1: Not Shopping Around

When it comes to securing home insurance in Shreveport, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not shopping around for the best coverage and rates. Many homeowners simply go with the first insurance company they come across, without taking the time to compare different options. By not shopping around, you risk missing out on potential savings and better coverage options. Different insurance companies have different policies, rates, and customer service levels, so it’s important to do your due diligence and explore multiple options before making a decision. Taking the time to compare quotes and policies can save you money and ensure you have the right coverage for your specific needs. Don’t settle for the first offer that comes your way, shop around and make an informed decision.

Comparison Shop for the Right Policy

When it comes to insuring your home, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not taking the time to comparison shop for the right insurance policy. By gathering multiple quotes from different insurance companies, you can ensure that you find the best coverage for your needs at the most affordable price.

To comparison shop for home insurance, start by collecting quotes from at least three different insurance providers. This will allow you to see the range of premiums and coverage options available to you. When comparing these quotes, pay close attention to the coverage options and deductibles offered by each company. Consider the types of coverage you need, such as liability, property damage, and personal property coverage, and choose a policy that meets your specific requirements.

Don’t Forget About Discounts

When it comes to home insurance, many homeowners may overlook the potential savings that can come from taking advantage of available discounts. One category of discounts that can significantly reduce insurance premiums are auto and transportation discounts.

These discounts are often offered to homeowners who have multiple policies with the same insurance company, such as a homeowners policy and an auto insurance policy. By bundling these policies together, homeowners can enjoy a discount on both, resulting in significant cost savings.

In addition to policies, insurance companies may also offer discounts to homeowners who take certain safety measures related to transportation. For example, installing anti-theft devices on vehicles can result in lower premiums. Similarly, if homeowners use public transportation or carpool regularly instead of using their vehicles, they may be eligible for discounts.

Mistake 2: Not Purchasing Enough Coverage

When it comes to purchasing home insurance in Shreveport, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not purchasing enough coverage. Many homeowners mistakenly assume that their standard policy will provide adequate protection for their home and belongings.

However, this is often not the case. Failing to purchase enough coverage can leave you financially vulnerable in the event of a disaster or accident. It’s important to carefully assess the value of your home and its contents, as well as consider potential risks and hazards in your area. Working with an experienced insurance agent can help ensure that you select the right amount of coverage to protect your investment and provide peace of mind.

Don’t make the mistake of underestimating your insurance needs – take the time to review your policy and make any necessary adjustments to ensure you have sufficient coverage for your Shreveport home.

Don’t Underestimate Replacement Costs

When it comes to home insurance coverage, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is underestimating replacement costs. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that the market value of their home is the same as its replacement cost, but this is not the case.

Replacement cost refers to the amount it would take to rebuild or repair your home in the event of a loss, while market value is influenced by factors such as location and demand. Underestimating replacement costs can have serious consequences if you ever need to make a claim.

If you don’t have enough coverage for replacement costs, you may find yourself facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. In the event of a fire, storm, or other catastrophic event, the cost to rebuild or repair your home can be much higher than its market value. Without adequate coverage, you could be left struggling to come up with the funds to restore your home to its original condition.

To avoid this costly mistake, it’s important to accurately assess the replacement cost of your home and ensure that your insurance coverage is sufficient.

Mistake 3: Failing to Maintain a Good Credit History

Maintaining a good credit history is essential when it comes to securing affordable home insurance in Shreveport. Many homeowners make the mistake of assuming that their credit score doesn’t have an impact on their insurance rates. However, insurance companies often use credit-based insurance scores to determine the likelihood of a policyholder filing a claim. If you have a poor credit history, insurance companies may view you as a higher risk and charge you higher premiums. Failing to maintain a good credit history can lead to higher insurance rates and could even result in uninsured claims. To avoid this mistake, it’s important to regularly monitor your credit report, pay your bills on time, and keep your credit utilization low. By maintaining a good credit history, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible rates for your Shreveport home insurance.

How Does Credit Affect Home Insurance?

Credit history plays a significant role in numerous financial aspects of our lives, and home insurance is no exception. When it comes to obtaining a home insurance policy, your credit can either work in your favor or against you.

Insurers consider individuals with a good credit history to be less risky and more likely to make their premium payments on time. As a result, these responsible homeowners are rewarded with lower insurance premiums. On the other hand, individuals with a poor credit score may find themselves facing higher premiums due to the perceived higher risk.

Homeowners with good credit can also enjoy additional benefits and discounts from insurance companies. These may include loyalty discounts, multi-policy discounts, or even lower deductibles. It is always wise to inquire with your insurance provider about any potential benefits that may apply to your specific situation.

While some lenders may advertise guaranteed premiums, it is essential to approach such offers with caution. It is not possible for any insurer to guarantee a premium without assessing the specific risks associated with your property and individual circumstances. Falling for these offers can lead to higher costs in the long run.

Mistake 4: Making Late Payments to Your Insurer

When it comes to Shreveport home insurance, making timely payments to your insurer is of utmost importance. Late payments can have serious consequences and it is essential to avoid making this common mistake.

One of the primary reasons to make timely payments is to prevent policy cancellations. If you consistently fail to pay your premiums on time, your insurer may choose to cancel your policy altogether. This can leave you without any coverage, leaving your home at risk and potentially causing financial hardship if a loss occurs.

Late payments can also result in higher premiums. Insurance companies may view late payments as a sign of financial irresponsibility, and as a result, they may increase your premiums when it comes time to renew your policy. This can add additional financial burden to an already costly expense.

To avoid making late payments, consider setting up automatic payments with your insurer. This way, your premium will be deducted from your account on a specified date each month, ensuring you never miss a payment. Additionally, make it a habit to review your billing statements promptly and address any discrepancies or issues promptly.

Mistake 5: Neglecting to Update and Review Your Policy

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make when it comes to their insurance is neglecting to update and review their policy regularly. Your home and circumstances are constantly changing, and your policy needs to reflect those changes to ensure you have adequate coverage.

Updating and reviewing your policy is crucial because it allows you to assess your coverage needs based on any changes in your life or property. For example, if you have renovated your home or acquired valuable possessions, failing to update your policy could leave you underinsured in the event of damage or loss.

It is essential to review your policy details, coverage limits, and potential risks to ensure that you have the protection you need. By staying proactive, you can identify any gaps in coverage and make adjustments accordingly.

Failure to update and review your policy can have serious consequences. You may find yourself underinsured when you need to file a claim, leaving you responsible for significant financial burdens. Additionally, changes in circumstances or coverage limits that you are not aware of may leave you without proper protection.

Watley Insurance Group Protects Against Insurance Mistakes

Watley Insurance Group is committed to helping the people of Shreveport and the rest of the Ark-La-Tex make informed and responsible decisions when it comes to home insurance. With their extensive knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry, they strive to protect individuals and families from potential financial hardships caused by common insurance mistakes. Here are five common mistakes they can help you avoid:

By relying on Watley Insurance Group, Shreveport residents can avoid these common insurance mistakes and have peace of mind knowing their homes are adequately protected.

Wayne F. Watley, Jr.

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