Planning On Renovating? You Might Need More Home Insurance

Like many homeowners, you’re probably eager to make some changes to make your home more attractive or to increase the value of your property, but do you know how those changes could affect your current homeowner’s insurance policy? If you’ve been thinking about adding some square footage to your Green Valley, AZ home or upgrading it with new features, you’ll need to consider how those upgrades and renovations could affect your homeowner’s insurance policy.

How Big Is Too Big?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover remodeling projects that exceed a certain dollar amount. If your renovation plans include major additions such as adding another room or changing the building’s structure dramatically, you will need what is called builder’s risk insurance. Construction of any type generally carries risks – an electrical mishap could cause a fire, or materials or property may become accidentally damaged. Builder’s risk policies protect your property from damage during the construction process that aren’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Talk to your Insurance Center of Green Valley agent to determine what additional forms of insurance may be required.

Are You Adding Value?

If your renovation project will be adding significant value to your property, check your limits. It is possible your new patio or upstairs master bedroom suite addition could add tens of thousands of dollars in value to your Green Valley, AZ property. Your homeowner’s insurance policy comes with a property value limit. Before you start construction, make sure any new additions will be covered by your current policy. If the value has increased considerably and your limits are exceeded you may need to raise your limits.

For more information about how your new dream kitchen or living room addition could affect your current homeowner’s insurance policy, contact the Insurance Center of Green Valley today. We’ll make sure you’re covered before your project begins.

What to do When Your Car’s Check Engine Light Comes On

You might freak out or begin to panic the moment you see the “check engine” light appear. You start to think of all of the costs that could go along with it. The Green Valley, AZ agents at Insurance Center of Green Valley would like to ease your mind by letting you know what you should do when that dreaded light comes on.

Don’t Panic

Unless smoke is coming from the engine or sparks are shooting from the hood, don’t panic. Your on board engine’s computer is simply letting you know that there is some sort of malfunction. It may be something such as a sensor that needs to be replaced. If you’re handy with vehicles you can change the sensor yourself.

Get it Diagnosed

Take your vehicle to a mechanic so they can diagnose the issue. Those who’d like to do-it-yourself can purchase a code reader. Once the code is deciphered, then you can decide if the issue is something that either you or your local professional should handle. Some check engine lights illuminate when you have a faulty or cracked gas cap. It may seem like a small concern, but gas caps that leak can release vapors that alter the fuel system.

Fix the Problem

Just because you don’t panic right away, doesn’t mean that you should ignore the problem. Issues that build up over time can cause more damage. You could spend more money fixing a problem that was compounded with time. For example, if you ignore the light for several months and the issue was the catalytic converter, then your car will eventually stop running.

In Green Valley, AZ, the Insurance Center of Green Valley has expert insurance agents that are available to help you with a new policy or adjust your current coverage.