Homeowners Insurance: What is Most Important to Consider?

October 30, 2018

many things are important when considering purchasing Homeowners Insurance

To try and boil down the considerations for purchasing homeowners insurance to one thing is to discount the importance of the product.
Homeowners insurance provides coverage for the real estate you are purchasing, personal belongings, and compensation for replacement property if the home is destroyed. Within the property portion, one can select how they are paid for those coverages. Equally if not more important, a homeowners policy is the source of coverage for the exposure to large personal liability claims. A basic decision tree outlining some of the major decision considerations for homeowners insurance purchase is included in the graphic at the end of this article. One of the most important considerations when purchasing homeowners insurance will determine how the policy will pay for property losses. That consideration will be tied to the limit chosen for the dwelling. However, it can be trickier than that.
Knowing the difference between Actual Cash Value , Replacement Value and the hybrid loss settlement options available will arm a homeowners insurance shopper with insight that will help in the decision making process. Property coverage considerations may be the most unique aspect of a homeowners insurance product, yet not the largest exposure. Liability losses represent the potential for the largest financial loss. So, don’t forget to stack the liability section of the policy with generous limits of coverage as well! Come to think of it, maybe the number one thing to consider when purchasing homeowners insurance is to seek quality advice from a qualified insurance agent to help you walk through the decision making process. Need additional assistance with your Homeowners Insurance? We LOVE to help! Please feel welcome to stop in and see us at our office nearest to you or call us at 607-324-7500

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Auto Rates and Finger Prints: Both are Unique to You!

By Jeff Ryan • April 7, 2026

Factors You Can’t Easily Control These factors are built into your profile, but still play a major role: Your location: Claim trends, traffic, and weather patterns where you principally drive. Your age and driving experience: Especially for younger drivers. Other drivers in your household: Their age and driving history. The vehicle you own: Unique to the Year, Make, Model, and Sub-model’s damageability and cost of parts/labor. These factors significantly influence price differences, but they don’t tell the whole story. Factors You Can Control This is where habits and wise decisions can make a real difference: Your driving habits: Minimizing tickets and accidents can have a direct impact. Your coverage choices: Liability limits, deductibles, and optional coverages can vary widely. Your insurance consistency: Avoiding lapses in coverage. Your annual mileage: How much and how often you drive. Discount opportunities: Bundling, pay-in-full, NYS defensive driving course. Your Insurance Score (Yes—You Can Influence It) Insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score as part of their rating process. While it’s based on financial behaviors, it is not permanent—and it can be improved over time. Simple habits like: Paying bills on time Reducing outstanding debt Avoiding excessive credit inquiries… can positively impact your score—and in turn, your insurance rates. Your insurance score is under your control and a worthy mid to long-term project in and of itself. For more information on what you can do to positively influence your score, see: Great 8 Tip #8 - What's Credit Got to Do with Insurance? How Can I Improve My Auto Insurance Score Why Comparing Rates Doesn’t Work When someone says, “I only pay…” , the uniqueness of their fingerprint is missing. What are their: Deductibles Driving history Insurance score Household profile Coverage limits: what they may be giving up in terms of protection. Price without context can be misleading and discouraging.