60% of homes are under-insured. And 63% of small businesses believe they don't have enough insurance. See how independent agents make insurance better.

What is water backup insurance coverage?

A water backup and sump pump overflow endorsement on your homeowners or renters insurance provides added protection from costly water damage resulting from backed up drains or failed sump pumps.

What does water backup insurance cover?

Water backup insurance provides coverage for damage to your property caused by a clogged sewer line, failed sump pump and backed up drains. It also covers mold damage to your home caused by water or sewer backup.

What causes water backup?

Water backup damage most commonly occurs when a drain, sewer or gutter backs up, or a pump fails, forcing water into your home. This could stem from a heavy rain, debris causing a clog or even root invasion from your yard outside.

Does homeowners insurance cover water backup?

Homeowners insurance does not typically cover water backup damage. Water backup and sump pump overflow coverage is an optional coverage that must be added on to a homeowners policy.

How much does water backup coverage cost?

The average cost of water backup and sewer coverage may range from $50 to $250 per year, with limits of coverage from $5,000 to the full replacement cost of your home. Talk to your independent insurance agent to find the level of coverage that is right for you.

Do I need water backup coverage?

Whether it’s in pipes or under the ground, your property is surrounded by water. Water damage — resulting from backed up drains or failed pumps — is one of the most common homeowners insurance claims. Water damage is the third most costly claim behind fire and liability lawsuits, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Because water damage incidents like these are often not covered by a home policy, it’s important to make sure you are protected with a water backup endorsement. Talk to your independent insurance agent about what water backup endorsement limits suit your needs.

LC DEC 2018-55

They say one's home is one's castle. Unfortunately, if you are a homeowner reading this, your castle probably doesn't have a moat. The average loss from a home burglary has climbed to $7,815 in stolen property.

Fortunately, there are several tried and true ways to prevent intruders, such as having a security system or getting a dog. But, there are some effective lesser-known steps that are easy to implement. This list of tips can help you roll out the "unwelcome mat" to would-be thieves.

1. Hidden valuables

Most thieves tend to head right to the master bedroom when they are looking for valuables. Hiding such items in a different room reduces the chances of being found. Also, consider conspicuous spaces such as a hollowed-out book, false VHS tape carton, false container of food or wrapped in tinfoil in the back of the refrigerator. 

Make sure whatever clever spot you have avoids spaces with water or where excess food or moisture could possibly damage your valuables.

2. Strategic landscaping

Keeping large or dense shrubbery away from your home gives thieves fewer places to hide. Conversely, thorny bushes, like roses, can also help deter break-ins when planted near windows.

Also, consider asking a trusted friend or neighbor to mow your lawn if you are away for an extended time to avoid having your house seem vacant.

3. Lights – inside or out

Motion detection lights (for exteriors) and lights on timers (inside your home) will give burglars less cover, and more reason to question whether or not your home is occupied.

Plus, combining an exterior light with a security system is an excellent way to deter burglars.

4. A car in the driveway

Surprisingly, most burglaries happen during the day, with peak activity at 8-9 a.m., 12-1 p.m. and 5-6 p.m. while you are probably at work.

However, most thieves are deterred if it looks like someone is home. One really simple way to do this is to make sure a car is parked in your driveway, and that it is kept clean and moved often.

5. Dowel rods

When correctly cut and measured, they are an inexpensive and unobtrusive solution for securing sliding doors and windows.

6. Caution

Potential burglars (or their accomplices) sometimes visit your home under the guise of providing service or repair work. Each time service people enter your home —for instance, to go to the bathroom — make sure after they've left that they haven't taken the liberty of unlocking any doors or windows while inside. Doing so could help thwart a later attempt at intrusion.

7. Helpful neighbors

In addition to having someone willing to trim your lawn, a neighbor can act as a helpful set of eyes when you are away for an extended time. Asking them to bring in any mail and packages you receive, as well as empty trash cans and recycling bins can help avoid making your home look vacant - and an easier target for potential thieves.

Sources

Safewise

Family Handyman

International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

ADT

In our litigious society – where approximately 15 million civil lawsuits are filed annually – an umbrella policy is a must-have. It's coverage that kicks in where your homeowners and auto polices leave off, providing you with extra protection and peace of mind should the unexpected happen and a claim or lawsuit be filed against you. 

"Many people think… I'm not wealthy enough to need an umbrella policy. But it is important that consumers consider all of their assets, including current and future wages, retirement savings, business income and college funds. If you are sued and do not have umbrella protection, in most states, these assets are all at risk."

— Daniel Halsey, President, The Hanover's Personal Insurance 

How umbrella policies work

If your homeowners insurance has a liability limit of $300,000, you may add an umbrella policy with an additional $1 million of coverage. That would give you a total of $1.3 million dollars of protection should someone be injured at your home. Similarly, an umbrella builds on the liability coverage your auto policy provides. If you are sued, your home or auto policy kicks in first and your umbrella policy covers the excess.

Home + auto + umbrella = total protection

For illustration purposes, here's an at-a-glance comparison of how auto, home and umbrella insurance can work together to protect you – and how adding an umbrella to your coverage can best safeguard you and your family.

You can't afford not to have umbrella coverage

With policies of $1 million of coverage starting at as little as $20 a month, financial experts agree that an umbrella policy offers the best value for the dollars you spend on insurance to protect your family and assets. Additionally, raising the deductible on your homeowners policy from $500 to $1,000 typically reduces your homeowners premium enough to cover the cost of a $1 million umbrella policy.

To customize an umbrella policy that’s right for you, talk to your local independent insurance agent or visit hanover.com for more information and a listing of agents in your area.

LC 2017-538

Your son or daughter is ready to take the next step on the road to independence. Unfortunately, that road can get rough for inexperienced drivers. See how important it is that you stay involved and in touch with their driving habits. And don't forget, the Hanover SafeTeen safety and savings program can help.

Sources: 

Insurance Information Institute
Center for Disease Control
National Highway Traffic Safety Association

LC July 2018-333

Each year, millions of people buy homes. Most know that a realtor and mortgage lender can be a huge help in the process.

A little-known secret though, is that an independent agent can be equally valuable in the home-buying process – providing critical information that can help you with your home-buying decisions. Here’s how your independent insurance agent can be of assistance.

1. Local experts
   Independent insurance agents are local experts, deeply involved in the community. If you have yet to select a realtor or home inspector, your independent insurance agent can likely provide recommendations of local professionals. Your agent will also be able to share details about neighborhoods, school systems and community safety.
    
2. Cost of coverage
   Once you narrow down your list to a few houses, your independent insurance agent can give you an estimate of what it will cost to insure the house. Remember, the neighborhood, the size of the home, the presence of a pool or trampoline, and the distance from a fire hydrant and fire station are just a few of the things that can impact your home insurance premium.
   
   As homeowners insurance is required by most mortgage lenders, this estimated cost-of-insurance figure, along with escrow payments for taxes, will need to be calculated as part of your total monthly payment to determine affordability of the home.


3. Coverages to consider
   When purchasing a home, you will want to consider more than just basic coverage to ensure you are protected from the unexpected. Your independent insurance agent can walk you through the merits of having added-value coverages such as guaranteed replacement cost, water backup, service line, ordinance or law and debris removal.
   
   Your independent insurance agent can also explain the difference between the market value and the replacement cost of your home, and why it’s important to insure your home for the full replacement cost value.
    
4. Previous claims
   Insurance claims filed by previous owners can impact your home insurance premiums. Your independent insurance agent should be able to access this information using the comprehensive loss underwriting exchange (CLUE). If several claims have been made on the property, insurance carriers may be concerned that the house may have long-term problems, resulting in higher premiums. It is particularly important to pay attention to water damage claims that have been filed.


5. Reviewing your home inspection
   Once your choice home is inspected, it is a good idea to share the report with your independent insurance agent. Your agent can highlight any red flags that might impact insurance rates, such as the age of the roof, other building materials and the electrical system, cracks in the foundation, the presence of mold or leaks, damage from rodents and more.

Learn more about the value of working with an independent agent and the difference between captive and independent insurance agents. And, remember, when you find a new home, you don’t need a new agent. Your current agent has all your information, including other policies with loyalty credits, and knows your current coverages and limits. This information will allow your agent to tailor a package for your new home that continues to offer you the best combination of coverages, value and price.