Request a quote for homeowners Insurance and fire/dwelling insurance from Wm. B. West Insurance Agency, Inc.

• I’m installing a pool—what kind of insurance do I need?
  
• Do I need separate coverage for jewelry?
  
• How much homeowners insurance do I need?
  
• Where can I buy insurance?
  
• How do I pick an insurance company?
  
• How much will it cost?
  
• How can I save money?
  
• What information do I need to provide to my agent?
  
• What if I can't get coverage?
  
  If you live in a home that is considered "high-risk" or plan to move to a high-risk location, you may have difficulty obtaining an insurance policy.

  What constitutes high-risk?

  • Your home is located in an area prone to severe weather such as hurricanes, windstorms, tornadoes or hail.
  • You live in an urban area with high crime, vandalism and theft.
  • Your home has an old plumbing, electrical and/or heating system—these represent a higher chance of causing fire or water damage.
  
  
  If one or two insurers turn you down, don’t despair. You do have other options. If you are buying a new home, ask the real estate agent, mortgage lender or builder for names of companies that write in your area. If it’s an existing home, ask the previous owners who insured the house. If you still can’t find coverage, consider the following:

  Ask for help from your current insurance professional.
  Talk to the agent or company representative that previously insured your home or is currently insuring your car, boat or business. If the problem is not where the house is located, but the condition that it is in, find out what type of improvements or disaster-resistant features would be needed to make your home more insurable. The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) also provides information on natural hazards, community land use and ways you can protect your property from damage. It can be reached at http://www.ibhs.org

  Talk to your neighbors and find out which insurers they use.
  Get the names of any agents who may be knowledgeable about the specific risks in your neighborhood.

  Call your state insurance department.
  It can generally provide you with a list of insurers that write in your area. It might also have information regarding community groups that help homeowners with insurance problems such as the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation ( http://www.nw.org/nrc/ ).

  If you still can’t get insurance, find out if your state has a special insurance plan known as shared market.
  
  

• How often should I review my policy?
  
• Should I purchase an umbrella liability policy?