How Much Homeowners Insurance Should Homeowners Get for Their House?

Determining the right amount of homeowners insurance is a critical decision for homeowners in Middletown, DE. Make sure your home insurance adequately protects your home against damage and total loss.

Covering the Home’s Value

You first must know your home’s value. An appraisal or professionally done comps can show you its market value, and you might also want to estimate the cost of rebuilding it. Often, rebuilding is more than what a house would sell for.

The cost to rebuild is known as “replacement cost.” You can then get replacement cost coverage. This will generally insure your house for the cost of rebuilding it.

Regular Updates and Assessments

Keeping your insurance coverage up-to-date is crucial in ensuring it matches your home’s current replacement cost. This amount could be increased if construction expenses go up, or if you make any major renovations to your home.

If you need help assessing coverage after making a renovation or upgrade, we at Blue Hen Insurance LLC can help you determine your new coverage needs.

Potentially Important Additional Coverages

Depending on your home and its location in Middletown, DE, there are two other coverages to consider:

  • Rebuild to Code Coverage: Should your house need to be rebuilt, this may pay for any additional costs required to meet current codes.
  • Flood Insurance: If your home is in a flood zone, flood insurance can provide protection that homeowners typically don’t.

Schedule A Consultation Today

At Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we’re committed to helping homeowners in Middletown, DE, navigate the complexities of homeowners insurance. Contact us to ensure your policy reflects the true value of your home and provides the protection you need.

Do You Need Roadside Assistance Coverage?

As a driver, it’s not enough to just have auto insurance. At Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we’re providing roadside assistance coverage to the people of Middletown, DE. It’s important for vehicle owners to have coverage in a variety of situations, including roadside trouble.

What is Roadside Assistance?

If you’re constantly driving a vehicle, then you’ll know the likelihood of experiencing a roadside breakdown. Some drivers have to pull to the side of the road when their transport has developed a flat tire, a faulty battery, a damaged auto part, or an electrical problem of some sort. If you don’t have auto repair experience, then you’ll need to call a service to tow your vehicle into an auto shop. Roadside assistance can be surprisingly costly, especially if you don’t have auto insurance to pay for everything. That’s why many vehicle owners opt to buy auto insurance that covers roadside assistance. This is the type of insurance policy that covers gas delivery, vehicle towing, puncture repair, and any other services related to roadside assistance. 

Is Roadside Assistance Coverage Necessary?

For many drivers, roadside assistance coverage is an important policy to include. Some people own vehicles that are likely to experience a breakdown while driving on the road, or they live in areas where roadside assistance is expensive. Either way, having roadside assistance coverage will provide drivers peace of mind. This kind of policy is considered a part of a comprehensive insurance package that covers all the buyer’s needs. 

Getting Roadside Assistance Insurance in Middletown, DE

If you’re interested in hearing about our roadside assistance coverage, contact Blue Hen Insurance LLC. Our team of experienced agents will be happy to answer any of your questions related to auto insurance. 

Do I need condo insurance if someone falls and gets hurt in a public area of my condo?

It can be confusing when trying to figure out where your responsibilities begin and end when it comes to condominium living. Your HOA also has rules about how you can share public areas, and sometimes those are confusing. If you pay attention to the paperwork from your HOA, there is probably an explanation as to how much you are paying for insurance.

HOA Insurance

Your HOA carries liability insurance to protect itself in case someone is injured in one of the common areas. These areas include public hallways, pools, shared laundry rooms, and playgrounds.

HOA insurance also protects the physical common area. For example, if you live in a building with several condominiums, the HOA insurance covers the physical building in case of damage from a covered peril, such as a fire or storm.

Your Condo Insurance

Condo insurance isn’t required by law in Delaware, but your lender probably requires it until you own your condo outright. As part of your condo insurance, you have protection if someone is injured within the 4 walls of your Middletown, DE condo unit. If someone falls or is injured in another way, and it is determined that you are negligent, your liability insurance will protect you.

Blue Hen Insurance LLC Is Here To Help!

The only time there may be confusion is if there is an argument about where the accident occurred or if there is disagreement about whether negligence was involved. In those cases, there may be a dispute that is ultimately resolved by a court. If you want to make sure your Middletown, DE condo has the protection you are comfortable with, or if you just have questions about condo insurance, please feel free to call Blue Hen Insurance LLC today.

5 Ways to Accident-Proof Your Home

Home accidents are a common occurrence across the country. By taking some necessary precautions, many of these accidents can be prevented. These tips from Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE can help you create a safer home environment to minimize the risk of accidents. 

5 Ways to Accident-Proof Your Home

Clutter

Get rid of clutter that’s blocking your entryway, halls, or stairs so people can travel these areas safely without tripping and falling. The old adage “a place for everything and everything in its place” can help prevent accidents and create a neater, safer environment in which to live.

Stairwells

Install handrails for your stairs to make them safer to travel. If your stairs are carpeted, make sure there are no loose edges sticking out that can cause people to trip and fall.

Area Rugs

In like manner, make sure all rugs have slip-resistant backings or pads to keep them securely in place when walked on. You don’t want a rug sliding out from under you and causing a serious fall. A slip and fall due to a sliding rug can easily lead to a back injury, broken bone, or concussion.

Household Products/Prescription Drugs

Store household cleaning products and prescription medicines in a secure location out of reach of your children to avoid accidental poisoning. At the same time, teach your kids to respect “non-play areas” such as your tool shed or bathrooms to avoid the risk of accidents.   

Check Smoke Alarms Regularly

Check the batteries on your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they’re functioning as they should. These devices are your first line of defense against injury from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lastly, keep your home insurance current for protection against accidents that may occur on your property. To update your home insurance coverage, contact Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Roadtrip

Ready for a summer road trip in Middletown, DE? Not so fast! Your car needs a little TLC before you hit the road, and here at Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we know just where you can start. Here are a few tips you can use to prepare your car for your next road trip.

How to Prepare Your Car for a Summer Roadtrip

1. Visit a Mechanic

Before a long trip, you want to have an inspection done by a professional. While there are basic maintenance tasks you can perform ahead of time by yourself, like checking your tire pressure, you will want a mechanic to inspect your brakes in case wildlife runs in front of the road, a car suddenly stops, or unruly weather causes you to stray off the road.

2. Check Your Car Insurance Policy

You don’t want to have to worry about whether you have coverage while you’re sitting on the side of the road with a broken windshield. Make sure your car insurance policy is current so you can be prepared if there’s an accident. 

3. Test Your Air Conditioner

If you’re warm on short trips to the grocery store, imagine what an entire road trip in the summer heat will feel like with your AC not working! Check the temperature in your car with the AC running and make sure it’s in working condition before you head out on the road.

Begin Your Adventure Now

Middletown, DE is beautiful, especially in the summer. Ready to go exploring? Contact Blue Hen Insurance LLC today to learn more about car insurance policy options that will be the right fit for your next summer trip. 

How Condo Insurance Works

Condo insurance works similarly to home insurance. However, with home insurance, it covers the entire dwelling. This includes everything from the roof to the outer walls to the foundation.

When you have a condo, however, you don’t own all of these spaces. There are very specific areas that you own. The condo association generally owns the rest. They’re responsible for insuring those areas as well. What you need to cover in your insurance policy will be made plain in the policy. It will specify exactly which areas are covered. When you need condo insurance, call us at Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE.

Owned Areas

The condo policy will be specific about which areas you own and which are owned by the condo board. The board generally owns the outer walls. This may or may not include the inside of those walls. This information is taken from your contract so that every part that you own will be covered. The policy will pay for damage that is caused by many different events. Those events will be listed in the policy. 

Covering Your Possessions

Other than the areas of the condo that you own, the policy also covers your possessions inside it. This is an essential way to cover your possessions. When something like a calamity or disaster strikes, it can harm your belongings. That’s one reason that it’s so important to have this coverage. Instead of being left with nothing, the policy can help you replace it all. This coverage protects you financially in case of a serious, damaging event. 

Get Your Condo Policy

To talk to an agent about this type of insurance policy, call us at Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE. We can tell you more about it and get you started. 

Home Insurance is an Important Way to Protect What Matters

Protecting your home is vital. It’s a big investment and holds so many memories. Plus you want to have a safe and secure place for you and your family to enjoy. Whether you’re just getting started with buying your first home or you’ve owned a house before and are looking to relocate, Blue Hen Insurance LLC can help. We serve the Middletown, DE area and are here to answer your questions about insuring and protecting your home.

Getting The Right Coverage For Your Home

Don’t settle for a subpar insurance policy because it might not cover everything that matters. Instead, working with a trusted, professional insurance agent can give you a quality policy and peace of mind. You don’t have to choose a policy with guesswork or base it on anything but knowledge and sound information. The more you know about your options, the easier it is to choose the right one.

When you need a home insurance policy, there are a few specific things you want to consider. Your lender may have certain requirements your policy has to meet, but beyond that, there are additional coverage opportunities to think about. Some homeowners want to have more protection than the minimum required. If you plan to do that, though, an agent can help you choose what works for your needs.

We Are Here To Help

If you’re in the Middletown, DE area and looking for home insurance, reach out to Blue Hen Insurance LLC today. We can help you choose a policy that’s right for you and that gives you all the protection you need without adding a lot of extra coverage that might not be necessary or helpful to you. Then you’ll know your home is protected the right way, and you’ll also have peace of mind you can feel good about for the long term, too.

Collision Insurance: What It Is and What It Covers

Car accidents are, unfortunately, a fairly common occurrence. Should you find yourself in a crash, you’ll be responsible for paying to have your car fixed or replaced if you don’t have collision insurance. This form of insurance is often required for those that are leasing or financing their car but optional for those that own their car outright. Unlike liability insurance, a collision policy will kick in even if you are found to be at fault.

What’s Covered By Collision Insurance

As previously mentioned, collision insurance covers the repair or replacement of your car should you be involved in an accident. In general, this type of policy applies during

  • Single-car accidents where there’s a rollover or a collision with an object such as a fence, tree, or guardrail
  • Accidents involving another car, including hit and runs

Though it may not be required, having a collision policy in place to protect against these types of situations can prevent you from paying thousands of dollars out of pocket.

What’s Not Covered By Collision Insurance

It’s important to remember that collision insurance only covers damage to your car and not injuries or damage to other vehicles or objects. Other instances where collision insurance does not apply include weather-related damage, car theft, and collision with animals. If you would like to have these events covered, you’ll need to buy comprehensive insurance as well.

Looking for a Customized Insurance Plan in Middletown, DE?

Contact Blue Hen Insurance LLC Today!

When you need peace of mind that your car is protected in the event of an accident, turn to the professionals at Blue Hen Insurance LLC. Drivers in Middletown, DE have trusted us to provide them with a personalized policy that gives them the right amount of coverage without breaking the bank. Contact our team today to receive your quote.

The differences between a unit policy and a master policy

A unit condominium policy and a master policy are two types of insurance policies that protect condominiums, but there are some distinct differences between them. At Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we want Middletown, DE area condo owners to make sure they have the coverage they need to protect themselves.

Unit Policy vs. Master Policy

A unit condo policy covers the interior of the unit, including any personal belongings and improvements that have been made by the owner. This type of policy will also cover any liability claims that arise out of the ownership or occupancy of the unit. On the other hand, a master policy covers common areas of a condominium complex such as hallways, stairwells, swimming pools, and clubhouses. It will also cover the exterior walls, windows, and roof of each individual unit in the complex. 

When it comes to purchasing insurance for a condominium, it’s important to understand both types of coverage so you can determine which one(s) best suits your needs. A unit condo policy offers more personalized coverage while a master policy provides protection for common areas. Depending on your situation, you may need one or both types of coverage in order to be adequately protected. 

No matter which type of coverage you choose, make sure that it will provide enough protection for both your personal property and liability in the event of damage or injury. Keep in mind that some condominium associations require you to purchase insurance, so check with them to determine what type and amount of coverage is necessary. It’s also important to understand any special coverage needs you may have, such as flood insurance or earthquake coverage. 

Give Us A Call

For more tips, call us at Blue Hen Insurance LLC today. We proudly serve the Middletown, DE area.

Frequently asked questions about home insurance

If you are a homeowner, you might need home insurance depending on state requirements and what your lender requires. The topic of insurance can be confusing. Blue Hen Insurance LLC is happy to assist Middletown, DE area homeowners. Here are some answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about home insurance.

Frequently asked questions about home insurance

What is the 80/20 rule of home insurance?

As a rule, most insurance companies require you to have at least 80% of the total replacement cost of your home insured.

What is not covered by home insurance?

Although home insurance covers many things, there are some things it does not cover. These include termite damage, animal damage, earthquake damage, water damage, and normal wear and tear.

What factors determine the cost of home insurance?

Home insurance can be expensive depending on a lot of factors. Where you live can determine whether your insurance premium will be cheaper or more costly. If you live somewhere with higher risks, such as flooding, earthquakes, tornadoes, etc., you will most likely have a higher premium because of the added risks of damage.

The replacement cost of your home is another factor that plays into the cost of your insurance premium. These costs include the materials, number of rooms, and local rebuilding costs.

What two things can you do to reduce the cost of home insurance?

Depending on the age of your house and the insurance company, home improvements can reduce the cost of your premium. If you own an older house, newer wiring, and a new roof can significantly reduce the cost of your insurance.

Another thing you can do to reduce the cost is to bundle your car and home insurance together. Bundling can get you a significant discount on both your vehicle and your home.

Reach Out To Us

Contact us at Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE for more insurance information.