Home renovations can add significant value and appeal to any property you’ve invested in or are currently living in as a resident in Columbia, SC. However, anytime you’re undergoing home renovations, it’s important to understand how upgrade and renovation projects can directly impact your home insurance coverage. At Michael Taylor Agency, we can help you better understand the ramifications of home renovations and how to ensure your current home insurance policy is adequate.

Potential Insurance Adjustments to Consider

When you’re conducting a home renovation, such as implementing structural changes, investing in a room addition, or even building an outdoor deck or swimming pool, it’s important to consider potential insurance adjustments you’ll likely encounter, such as:

• Increased Premiums: Building onto an existing property or lot or adding new features to your home will immediately increase your home insurance premiums. It’s important to review any existing home insurance policy you have to determine how specific renovations you have in mind will directly affect the cost of your insurance policy. 
• Additional Risk: Some home renovations, such as an outdoor deck, swimming pool, or even a second-floor balcony, may also increase the risk of liability on your property. Based on the type of renovation you’re interested in, you may need to increase your homeowner’s insurance to protect against financial liability that may come with any potential accident that occurs in or around your home. 

Choosing the right home insurance coverage policy or plan is one of the most important decisions a homeowner makes. If you live in Columbia, SC, and you’re considering new home renovations, it’s highly advisable to speak with a qualified insurance agent to adjust your policy accordingly. Contact the Michael Taylor Agency today to learn more about home insurance coverage options in Columbia, SC.

Navigating the maze of home insurance can seem complicated, but with the expert guidance of local professionals at Michael Taylor Agency in Columbia, SC, it gets a lot simpler. We answer the most frequently asked questions about home insurance and how it benefits homeowners in Columbia, SC.

Answers to Frequently Asked Home Insurance Questions

1. Is It Necessary to Have Home Insurance?

Yes! Home insurance is crucial for Columbia homeowners looking for financial protection against unforeseen events. It safeguards your home and financial assets against losses from theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and liability claims.

2. How Much Home Insurance Coverage Do I Need in South Carolina?

Determining the perfect amount of home insurance involves evaluating several financial aspects, such as the total value of your home, the worth of your personal belongings inside the house, the costs of any add-ons and renovations, and possible liability risks. Our experts at Michael Taylor Agency can help you in this assessment to determine adequate coverage that protects your financial assets.

3. Can I Lower My Home Insurance Premiums?

Yes! You could lower your insurance costs by bundling your home insurance policy with other policies, such as auto insurance and umbrella insurance. Additionally, installing safety measures, such as smoke detectors and home security cameras, can lower premiums for South Carolina homeowners.

4. How Can I Procure a New Homeowners Insurance Policy in Columbia, SC?

When you’re ready to protect your household from potential perils like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and flooding, contact our insurance experts at the Michael Taylor Agency. They will provide you with a comprehensive South Carolina homeowners insurance quote. You don’t have to navigate this world alone; we’re with you every step of the way!

Home insurance may not always be on your mind, but it does need some attention, at least a review annually. Changes to your lifestyle, home, or family can impact your insurance coverage or costs. By not updating your policy regularly, you could be missing out on insurance protection or discounts on your premium. If you’ve experienced any of the following changes in your home or family over the last year, it’s time to update your home insurance from Michael Taylor Agency in Columbia, SC.

Major Home Remodel

Significant renovations in your home, such as kitchen or bathroom remodel, will add substantial value to your property. You may need to increase your dwelling coverage to ensure these structural changes and that your home has adequate protection against damage or loss.

Home Security

Home improvements that boost the security and safety of your property could warrant a discount on your home insurance. These include upgrading your electrical or plumbing system, installing a new security system, getting replacement windows or a new roof. By updating your policy, you can benefit from lower home insurance costs.

Changes in Your Household

The members of your family are covered under your home insurance policy. If you receive new people into your home, such as elderly parents, a new baby, adopted children, or adult children who move back in for whatever reason, you’ll need to update your policy to add them to your coverage.

Acquiring an Expensive Item

Your valuables are protected under the property coverage of your policy. New high-end acquisitions or gifts must be added to your policy to protect against theft or damage. Some items may need a rider (extra coverage) to cover their value fully.

For professional help in maintaining accurate home insurance protection for you and your family, contact Michael Taylor Agency in Columbia, SC.  

Though you thought buying a home was the most challenging part of homeownership, the truth is that maintenance is equally important. 

Here are some reasons why. 

• It protects your investment. Your home is your most significant investment, so why wouldn’t you want to take care of it? You will want it to last forever, so keep after it. 
• It saves you money. Issues that are left untreated become bigger (and more expensive). A small leak may not seem like much, but over time, you may find yourself dealing with damage to the walls and floor. You may even have mold if you let it go. It is much better to fix little things than wait around until they become even worse! 
• Your home will run better. When you do maintenance, your home will run more efficiently. Cleaning and changing filters in your HVAC system allow it to work better without having to work harder. Your appliances will also work better as long as you keep after them. 
• You may void your warranty or even a homeowner’s insurance policy. If you don’t care for your HVAC system, why should they fix the fan for free? Your neglect made the fan work too hard, which caused it to break. The same goes for your insurance. If your roof leaked because you failed to check it regularly and clean the gutters, why should they pay for a new roof (as well as all of the damage done inside)?  

It is your job as a homeowner to take care of your investment so that it lasts a long time! 

If you want to protect your investment fully, you need to ensure that you have enough insurance for your home. Don’t hesitate to contact us today at Michael Taylor Agency in Columbia, SC. 

A home is one of the most significant purchases a person makes in their life. That’s why you need to do all you can to protect it. One of the ways of doing this is getting homeowner’s insurance. On top of having peace of mind that your investment is well protected, some situations might make it mandatory for you to insure your home. 

If you live in Columbia, SC, you can reach out to Michael Taylor Agency for all your home insurance needs. We have various covers suitable for different types of homes.

Common Causes of Home Losses

Some of the most common home damages include hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, theft, and earthquakes. When choosing insurance coverage, it’s advisable to consider the damages that mostly occur in your specific area. At Michael Taylor Agency, serving Columbia SC, we consider your location to determine the occurrences that are most likely to happen when advising you on the best cover to take. 

Does The Law Require You to Have Home Insurance?

The law doesn’t require you to have home insurance. Deciding whether to insure your home or not is a personal decision. However, if your home is on a mortgage, your lenders might make it a requirement to have insurance coverage. 

Which Factors Determine How Much You Pay for Home Insurance Coverage?

Some of the factors that determine how much you pay for insurance include the location of your home, its square footage, and the probability of natural disasters occurring. Mostly, the larger your home, the higher the amount you pay for insurance. Similarly, if your area is more prone to natural calamities, you will pay more. 

A home is expensive to build and maintain. Unfortunately, things happen when least expected. With insurance coverage, you can always be at peace knowing that your home is protected all the time.

Contact Michael Taylor Agency serving Columbia, SC to learn more about our home insurance covers. We work closely with you to determine which cover is best for your home and give you sound advice. Get started today by giving us a call.

One of the biggest and most important assets that most people in the Columbia, SC area will ever own is their home. If you are a property owner, you should take all possible steps to protect your asset and investment. One of the best ways that you can do this is by getting into a quality home insurance policy. There are several reasons why someone may need to get home insurance.

Policies are Required by Lenders

One of the main reasons why someone will get a home insurance policy is because they are required to by their lender. Taking out a mortgage is the most common way for someone to purchase a home. If you do take out a home loan, it can help you to get the property, but you will still have some rules and obligations that need to be met. It is important to understand your lender’s requirements when it comes to getting and maintaining home insurance.

Owners Want Coverage

Another reason that you may need to get a home insurance policy is that it can give you great coverage. If you need to protect your home, you will need to get property insurance. If you get property insurance, you will have coverage if the home is damaged. It can also provide you with protection for your personal assets. Owners will also receive liability insurance protection, which could prove to be valuable as well. 

There are many reasons why someone in the Columbia, SC area will want to have home insurance. If you are going to get this type of insurance, you should call the Michael Taylor Agency. At the Michael Taylor Agency, you can learn a lot about how home insurance can protect you. They will then give you tips and support needed to choose a new policy. 

Owning a home is a dream come true for most people. It’s something you can call your own, something you can make your own. With a home insurance policy in Columbia, SC, you can have peace of mind knowing that this important asset is protected. If you’re looking for a new home insurance policy or want to switch from an existing one, the team at Michael Taylor Agency has a few tips to help you get started.

1. Compare Several Insurance Quotes

To start, work with an insurance agent to compare several home insurance quotes. Coverage and prices vary so be sure to go over all the fine detail and ask the agent any questions you may have, as this is a very important step in the process.

2. Bundle Your Insurance Policies under one Company

After choosing a home insurance policy, consider bundling it with your other insurance policies under one company. Insurance companies will save you money on your premiums when you bundle everything with them. This is one of the easiest ways to save money on a new home insurance policy in Columbia, SC.

3. Work with a Reputable Insurance Agent

To make sure you get the right home insurance policy at a price you can afford, work with a trusted and reputable insurance agent. We will help you find and compare quotes, bundle policies, and save you money. We are also there to answer all of your questions before, during, and after you purchase a home insurance policy.

To learn more about acquiring a home insurance policy, contact the team at Michael Taylor Agency today. We can be reached at 803-736-6969.

Many of our clients aren’t aware of the benefits of liability coverage as part of their homeowner’s policy. Liability insurance, as part of your overall homeowner’s policy, can protect you in the event of injury or accident to a visitor to your home. This coverage is an important part of complete coverage that includes protection for your possessions, your home structure, and any additional buildings on your property such as a shed, unattached garage, or workshop. The team at the Michael Taylor Agency is here to provide you with any guidance that you may want or need during the process of obtaining the proper insurance for your greater Columbia, SC area home.

The Important Protection that Liability Coverage Provides for Your Home

If a friend falls and is injured while visiting your home, you can be held responsible for their medical care and other damages. With the proper level of liability coverage, you can be protected should such a mishap occur. South Carolina home insurance offers a full spectrum of protection for you and your family. Do not risk the loss of your hard earned savings by choosing a policy that does not provide adequate coverage for all eventualities. If you entertain a lot, or your kids are always having their friends over, you owe to yourself and your family to have adequate liability coverage. Now is a great time to review your policy and ensure that it has the comprehensive coverage that you need.

Does your homeowner policy provide the level of liability protection that you need? The professional team at Michael Taylor Agency is proud to serve the insurance needs of our friends and neighbors in the greater Columbia, SC area. Call or stop by today to learn more!

Like the rest of the country, the housing market around Columbia, SC is booming. The insurance experts at the Michael Taylor Agency want to make sure you’re ready to take the big step into home ownership. This information will help first time home buyers get the most out of their home insurance policies.

• Go for full coverage right from the start. After the downpayment, relocating fees, and other expenses associated with a new home purchase, many buyers think they can save a few dollars each month by purchasing bare-minimum home insurance coverage. But what happens if someone is hurt on your property or a natural disaster ruins your home before you’ve had the chance to build equity or replenish your savings? Buy as much coverage as you can to protect your investment from the unknown.
• Look before you buy. The condition of your home is the biggest factor in your premium payments. Thoroughly inspect the grounds before making an offer. Scrutinize the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. Check the foundation and general structural integrity of the buildings. If you aren’t confident in your construction knowledge, hire an independent construction contractor to walk the property with you.
• Consider additional coverages. If you plan to use a portion of your residence to run a home business, you may benefit from a commercial policy. Hobby farms, day care centers, and consultant’s offices should consider adding liability insurance to their portfolio.

Get all of your insurance needs filled in one place. Insurance agencies often give discounts to subscribers with multiple policies. Combine your home, auto, and business policies to realize noticeable savings on monthly premiums. The Michael Taylor Agency serves the insurance needs of those who live or work in the Columbia, SC area. Contact us today to discuss your unique insurance needs.

Do you know what your home insurance policy will protect you from?

Owning a home is perhaps the most significant investment you will have to make in your entire lifetime. However, being a homeowner comes with both pride and security. In this article, we debunk the top three common myths about home insurance

Myth #1: Your Home Insurance Covers Earthquakes and Floods

There is a common myth that standard homeowners insurance protects you against earthquakes and floods, which is false. The truth is that many natural disasters are not covered under your standard policy. This is the reason why specialty earthquake and flood insurance policies are sold differently. These are unique insurance policies that are usually underwritten by a private insurer, such as Michael Taylor Agency in Columbia, SC, and will protect your home and belongings against damages due to floods or earthquakes.

Myth #2: Home Insurance Policies Fully Cover All Injuries that occur in Your Home

This is another misconception on standard home insurance policies. While the truth is that most visitors who come to your home are typically covered by the policy in the event of an accident inside your house, all family members and those who live in the home are not covered by this home insurance policy. Injuries to family members can be covered by separate health insurance policies from Michael Taylor Agency in Columbia, SC.

Myth #3: You May Not Need Home Insurance

Most people tend to believe that home insurance is unnecessary unless it comes from a bank or mortgage holder. However, this is not the case considering both the financial and emotional investment you have put in your home. You never know what might happen hence the need to protect your home. The homeowners’ insurance doesn’t only protect your home, but it also covers your belongings and possessions.

For more questions on what home insurance can and can’t cover, please reach out to our agents in Columbia, SC. We are looking forward to hearing from you!