When you’re buying a Boston condo, there’s a lot going on. One of the key items is nailing down your insurance policy and provider. So it’s important to know what you’ll be looking for in terms of coverage level and annual cost.
Here are the main items for comparison that should be standard in your Boston condo insurance coverage:
1. Dwelling Replacement: This is the amount the insurance company will cover if your condo is damaged or lost due to fire or flood. (You need to understand what the building condo insurance includes). The coverage is based on square footage, location, and other factors such as, fireplaces, etc. You essentially want sufficient coverage so that if you had demo your condo, the insurance would pay for that. Insurance companies have their own formulas for calculating replacement cost, and it’s important to note that the number is not based on the market value of the property.
2. Personal Property: This portion covers personal items and household contents due to theft, fire, vandalism or other perils outlined. It’s advisable to take an inventory of all your belongings so you have an idea regarding how much coverage you’ll need. Better yet, have receipts, photos or other proof of ownership for these items in case you need that information.
3. Loss of Use: This is coverage that provides for your living expenses in case you have to relocate due to a claim while your condo is being repaired. Standard policies usually provide coverage for about 20% of the dwelling coverage.
4. Personal Liability: In the event that someone has an accident in your condo, you’ll want coverage against lawsuits. A standard policy typically covers $100,000 for each liability claim occurrence. If you have anything on the property that might increase risk in some way, you might want additional coverage.
5. Medical Payments: This helps cover the cost of medical payments for which you might be held responsible if someone gets hurt on the property, but doesn’t want to sue you.
An important tip: Don’t go with the least expensive policy you can find. Because if you compare coverage side by side among the providers you survey, you may find that you’re falling short on necessary coverage when you’re trying to save a few bucks.
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