Home Insurance

Does Home Insurance Cover Vandalism?

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When your home is damaged in a covered event, home insurance is there to help you during the recovery. The first step to starting an insurance claim is knowing what your home insurance policy covers.

The professionals at the Martin Insurance Team, servicing Evergreen Park, IL, can answer your questions and help you kick off the process of starting a claim. If you have a home insurance policy and have questions about whether vandalism is covered by your policy, we can help. 

Is Vandalism Covered by Home Insurance Policies?

Vandalism is covered by most home insurance policies. Typically, vandalism is covered whether you are at home or not when the vandalism occurs. However, some policies may place limits on coverage if you leave the home unoccupied for a length of time. 

What Should You Do If Your House Is Vandalized?

If your house is vandalized, the first thing you should do is find out how much and what type of coverage your insurance provides. Having this information can help you get started filing a claim.

Assuming your home insurance policy does cover vandalism, the insurance professionals at Martin Insurance Team can help you kick off the insurance claim process. Every insurance company is different, so the way you file a claim will depend on your insurance company’s policies. You may need to fill out a form or contact a specific number with your insurance company. 

Need Help With a Home Insurance Claim? Call Us Today

If your home has been vandalized and you need help with filing a claim, contact the Martin Insurance Team, servicing Evergreen Park, IL. We can help you review your policy to determine what is covered, and if you decide to move forward with a claim, we can help you with that too. Call today. 

How To Choose Homeowners Insurance That Protects a Historic Property

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Buying a historic home often means more than just investing in a structure. It means taking ownership of the history of that home. The home insurance you obtain for it must meet those higher standards. We here at the Martin Insurance Team help property owners in and around Evergreen Park, IL find the right insurance for their specific needs.

What To Consider in Historic Home Insurance Products

Homeowners’ insurance for historic homes should cover the specific value and needs of that property. One of the most important factors is covering the total cost of the home. Choose insurance that allows you to have enough coverage to rebuild the home should a fire or other significant event cause damage.

Historic homes may have strict restoration and preservation requirements that require the use of specific materials. Before making a purchase of any home insurance, work with your agent to compare features:

  • The guaranteed or extended replacement cost of the home should ensure that the rebuilt property meets historically accurate objectives.
  • Special endorsements or add-ons may be necessary to protect what your standard coverage does not. For example, you may benefit from insurance that covers flooding, water backups, and sinkholes that typical insurance does not because of the risks to the structure.
  • Ordinances and laws within the community may cover the use of modern building equipment.

Finding the Right Policy Means Getting a Bit of Support

To buy home insurance for your historic property in or near Evergreen Park, IL that meets your needs, let us help you. The Martin Insurance Team will help you choose an individualized policy that meets your specific goals and protects your historic home from the risks most likely to affect it. Contact us for a custom quote and consultation.

How Does Umbrella Insurance Work?

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You may have heard of personal umbrella insurance, but do you know how these policies work? It’s important to learn about this coverage to determine if it’s right for you. 

Liability Protection

Umbrella policies from companies like Martin Insurance Team function similarly to liability policies. They often don’t cover personal damages, such as damage to your personal property. However, they do help protect your assets. For example, if someone sues you, the policy can help pay for the settlement or the other person’s injuries. However, these policies typically do not cover items such as defamation or personal property. 

Secondary Insurance

Umbrella policies work as secondary coverage for existing policies, such as your home and auto policies. First, your other policy will take effect and cover damages up to its coverage limit. Then, if damages exceed the coverage limit, umbrella insurance will kick in to cover the remaining amount up to its own coverage limit. This can help protect your assets. 

For example, let’s say someone is injured on your property and sues you. Your homeowners policy would pay for the bodily injury and damages, up to its coverage limit. However, suppose the medical bills are $80,000 and your home policy has a coverage limit of $50,000. Your homeowners policy would pay the $50,000, and your personal umbrella policy would pay the remaining $30,000. 

Find Out If a Personal Umbrella Is Right for You

Our agents at Martin Insurance Team can help you find the right umbrella policy to keep your finances protected. Contact us  to learn more. We’re currently serving the Evergreen Park, IL, area. 

Does Landlord Insurance Cover Damage From Natural Disasters?

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Landlord insurance is a type of insurance that landlords purchase to cover themselves in case there’s an incident on their property. This is strategically different from homeowners insurance. Most property owners who rent their property out in Evergreen Park, IL, will need landlord insurance.

What Does Landlord Insurance Cover?

Landlord insurance covers damages if an incident results in physical damage to the rental property. It also covers your legal expenses if a tenant or their guest is injured on your property. It can even cover lost rental income if a covered event, like a fire, renders your property temporarily unlivable. However, it won’t cover injuries due to the tenant’s negligence. For example, if a tenant slips and falls on the front walk because they forgot to put out salt, the landlord is not responsible for that. 

Landlord Policy

A standard landlord policy typically covers damage from natural disasters. These policies function similarly to homeowner policies. Many events are considered covered perils, such as fires and windstorms, but the policy may have exclusions. It’s common for policies to exclude floods. An agent at Martin Insurance Team can help you learn more. 

What Insurance Should Landlords Get?

Liability coverage is a component of a standard landlord policy. Instead of obtaining separate coverage, such as a liability policy and a property damage policy, consider purchasing a comprehensive policy that provides broader coverage. You’ll enjoy one monthly premium instead of several, and these policies usually cover most of what you’ll need. 

Agents at Martin Insurance Team can help you learn more about the types of coverage you need. Contact us to discuss your situation. Whether you’re an experienced landlord or just purchased your first rental property, we’re here for you. We’re currently serving the Evergreen Park, IL, area. 

Why Get Retirement Insurance From an Independent Insurance Agent?

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Do you need retirement insurance but aren’t sure where to start? The professionals at Martin Insurance Team, servicing Evergreen Park, IL, can help. We offer retirement insurance to residents of Evergreen Park and the surrounding areas. As an independent insurance agency, we specialize in helping our customers find the best policy for their needs at the most competitive price. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is an Independent Insurance Agent?

There are two types of insurance agents: independent and captive. Captive insurance agents only sell insurance from one company. They may have quotas to meet and offer a limited selection of insurance products.

On the other hand, an independent insurance agent works with multiple insurance carriers. These agents can provide a variety of insurance quotes for their customers, giving clients more options to choose the right policy for their specific needs.

What Are the Benefits of Working With an Independent Insurance Agent?

Shopping for insurance becomes much easier when you work with an independent insurance agent. Instead of contacting multiple agents to compare prices and policies, an independent agent can do the legwork for you, providing quotes from various companies.

Additionally, independent insurance agents are not bound by quotas or obligations to a single insurance company. Their primary focus is on representing the best interests of their clients, ensuring you get the insurance product that fits your needs.

Need Retirement Insurance? We Can Help

If you’re looking for retirement insurance, the professionals at Martin Insurance Team, servicing Evergreen Park, IL, are here to assist. We work with multiple insurance carriers to help you find the right retirement insurance policy tailored to your needs. Your retirement is important, and we’re committed to helping you secure the best coverage. Contact us today to get started!

Can I be Denied Coverage For a Pre-existing Condition?

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If you’re shopping for health insurance and have a pre-existing condition, it’s natural to wonder whether that might affect your ability to get covered. In the past, many people faced high premiums—or outright denials—based on their health history. Fortunately, the law in Illinois and across the country has changed, and Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, wants you to know that protections are now in place.

The Affordable Care Act Changed the Rules

Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) went into effect, insurance companies can no longer deny you coverage because of a pre-existing condition. This includes chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or even a history of cancer. These rules apply to all ACA-compliant individual and group plans, which cover the majority of people in Illinois.

What Counts as a Pre-existing Condition?

A pre-existing condition is typically any medical issue you had before your new insurance policy started. This includes conditions you’ve been diagnosed with, treated for, or are currently managing. Whether it’s high blood pressure, depression, or a previous injury, it falls under the same legal protections.

Are There Exceptions?

While ACA-compliant plans must cover you, not all plans are created equal. Short-term health plans and specific limited-benefit policies are exempt from following the same rules. These alternatives may come with exclusions for pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to read the fine print before enrolling.

Help Navigating Your Options

If you’re unsure which type of plan is best for your situation, a licensed health insurance agent can help. They’ll explain your coverage options, ensure the policy fits your health needs, and confirm it complies with Illinois and federal laws. With the right plan, your health history won’t be a barrier to getting the care and coverage you deserve. At Martin Insurance Team, serving Evergreen Park, IL, we’re here to help. Contact us today.

How “Own Occupation” vs. “Any Occupation” Definitions Affect Your Coverage

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When shopping for disability insurance, understanding the fine print can make all the difference. At Martin Insurance Team, serving the community of Evergreen Park, IL, we often help clients navigate the often-overlooked definitions that can significantly impact their benefits, particularly the difference between “own occupation” and “any occupation” coverage.

What Does “Own Occupation” Mean?

“Own occupation” disability insurance protects your ability to work in your specific profession. This means that if an illness or injury prevents you from performing the duties of the job you were trained for—even if you could technically work in another field—you may still qualify for benefits. For example, if you’re a surgeon who can no longer operate due to a hand injury, you’d still receive benefits even if you could teach or consult.

How “Any Occupation” Coverage Works

On the other hand, “any occupation” coverage is more restrictive. It typically only pays benefits if you’re unable to work in any job for which you’re reasonably suited, based on your education, training, and experience. So, if you can’t perform your current job but could work in a less demanding role, your claim might be denied.

Why This Choice Matters

Choosing between these definitions isn’t just about cost—it’s about protecting your lifestyle and career. “Own occupation” policies are usually more expensive, but they offer greater security, especially for specialized professionals. “Any occupation” might save you money upfront, but it could leave you vulnerable when you need coverage the most.

At Martin Insurance Team, serving the greater Evergreen Park, IL region, we’re here to help you choose the right disability insurance policy for your unique needs. Contact us today to ensure you’re covered when it matters most.

Homeowner’s Liability Insurance: What is and isn’t Covered

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Homeowner’s liability insurance is a crucial part of any homeowner’s insurance policy, and lenders will require that you purchase this form of insurance if you take out a loan to buy a home. Even so, homeowners in Evergreen Park, IL, should understand how the policy works to ensure they always have sufficient coverage.

What’s Covered?

Homeowner’s liability coverage provides personal liability and medical expense coverage. These forms of insurance cover legal costs if a homeowner is sued for an accident that happens at his or her home. It may also cover incidents involving accusations of libel and slander. Furthermore, homeowner’s liability insurance covers medical bills if a third party is injured on a homeowner’s property. Coverage can include not just hospital bills but also lost wages, pain and suffering (if the case goes to court), and death benefits.

What Isn’t Covered?

Homeowner’s liability insurance doesn’t cover the homeowner and family members living with him or her in the house. It also doesn’t cover intentional injuries or damage to property. Dog bites may or may not be covered by some policies, so pet owners would do well to read the fine print before picking a policy. Furthermore, homeowners in Evergreen Park, IL, who run a business from home should bear in mind that homeowner’s liability insurance will never cover accidents or other incidents related to business operations.

Contact Martin Insurance Team for More Information

Martin Insurance Team serves homeowners in and around Evergreen Park. We offer multiple homeowner’s insurance options to make it easy for you to pick the policy or policy bundle that best meets your needs. Contact us to find out more or to get policy quotes.

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Extreme Weather Events in Evergreen Park, IL?

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The increasing frequency of extreme weather events across the country has prompted homeowners to reassess their current home insurance policies. They want to ensure they have sufficient coverage to protect their most valuable assets from such events.

With advice from the insurance professionals at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park, IL, you can discover how to safeguard your home from the escalating threat of extreme weather.

Does Your Home Insurance Cover Extreme Weather Events?

A robust home insurance policy is one of the best ways to shield your home from the devastating financial impact of blizzards, heavy snowstorms, wildfires, and other extreme natural disasters. A comprehensive home insurance policy can cover your home’s structure, including roofing, siding, plumbing, and other essential components. Without adequate insurance, you could face costly out-of-pocket expenses for repairs, replacements, relocation after severe weather events, and even liability claims.

Consult with a knowledgeable and trusted local insurance agent to determine if your existing home insurance policy covers damages caused by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms, such as burst pipes, flooding, fire damage, and wind damage.

Secure a Comprehensive Home Insurance Quote in Evergreen Park, IL

With spring rapidly approaching, the potential for severe storms that can cause property-damaging tornadoes and devastation increases. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home and family from the devastating effects of extreme weather events in Illinois.

Contact the insurance professionals at Martin Insurance Team in Evergreen Park to review your existing home insurance policy, determine if you have sufficient homeowner’s insurance coverage, and get a quote for a comprehensive home insurance policy today.

Why You Should Update Your Home Insurance When Remodeling

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A remodeling project is often the result of years of hard work and saving, bringing joy upon completion. However, remodeling not only increases risk during the process but also generally enhances your home’s value. Therefore, it’s crucial to protect the value of the work and your home overall. The Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, will work with you to provide insurance coverage to protect your family throughout your time in your home.

Updating Your Insurance Before Remodeling

While home insurance policies generally provide basic protection during the remodeling process, you should consider supplementing your policy before starting the work due to the increased likelihood of accidents. Some home insurance policies require you to notify the agent before the job begins, and failing to do so can affect your coverage. Since remodeling brings certain hazards and injury risks, you should enhance your home insurance policy or add umbrella insurance.

After the work is completed, you may have more square footage, enhanced appliances and fixtures, or other changes that increase your home’s value. It’s important to update your policy to reflect those changes, ensuring everything is properly insured.

Some home additions, like pools and hot tubs, increase risks and must be identified on your policy. Conversely, updating your home’s plumbing, HVAC, and wiring can lower your risks and premiums.

Regardless of your planned changes, speak with your agent to ensure your home has the right coverage before, during, and after the process.

Working with the Martin Insurance Team

Your home is likely one of your most significant investments and should be protected against unforeseen events. Let the Martin Insurance Team, serving the Evergreen Park, IL area, assist with your insurance needs. Call (708) 330-4404 today to discuss your options.