In Oakdale, as soon as the weather breaks for spring, everyone is at the local home improvement store. But, before you can invest in all of those beautiful flowers and plants, you have to shore up your exterior and improve your home’s overall function. You may be thinking about a few new investments. It’s most certainly a good idea to improve your home. However, when you do, keep an eye on your home insurance plan. Your team at Andreotti Agency is happy to help you to verify any concerns you have about your spring projects and home insurance needs.
What Landscaping Features Are Not Covered By Insurance?
If you were to the Minnesota Home & Patio Show last month, then you may have a list of ideas you are ready to consider. And, that’s a good thing. However, you should know that your home insurance policy covers not all of the additions you make to your home. For example, the following items are not always covered by your standard home insurance policy:
- Fire Pits
- Plants
- New trees you plant
- Hardscaping such as the addition of rocks or retaining walls
- Raised garden beds – or any type of garden
Your home insurance covers the actual structures and the home itself. It does not necessarily cover the land. If you add these features to your home, realize you are unlikely to have coverage for them.
What Structures Are Protected By Home Insurance?
There are many other additions to your home’s exterior that can impact your home insurance. Here are a few examples of information about how they can impact your coverage.
Garden Sheds and Other Sheds
The addition of any larger structure to the exterior of your home can provide storage or other services. However, it can increase the amount of home insurance you need to have. Sheds of all types should be specifically mentioned in your home insurance plan. When in place, call your agent to have these specific items listed. Discuss the value of them to be sure you have enough coverage.
Decks and Fencing
Decks and fencing can be a key component of your home insurance plan. Professionally installed and maintained, they do not pose any real risk to you. However, they should be specifically considered for your property insurance. For example, fences keep your pets in and third parties out, providing a bit more security for your home. That means they can require more coverage, but they can also reduce some of your liability risks.
Pools
If you are installing or modifying your home’s pool, let your home insurance agent know. In Oakdale, many residents are considering a move to inground pools. This can be a good idea, but there is a significant risk of injury. Your home insurance agent needs to be able to account for that risk in your policy. More so, we can offer tips for safety such as keeping your pool fenced in and locked up to protect neighborhood children who may wander into your yard.
What You Should Do Now
If you are ready to go as soon as the snow breaks here in Oakdale, give your home insurance agent a call. Let us know what projects you have in mind. We’ll help you to modify your home insurance policy if there is a need to do so. This is a great time to let us check your policy to ensure it is an accurate reflection of your home, too. The Andreotti Agency is happy to help you to make any updates you need.
