Why Your Insurance Policy Should Match the Property Deed (2024)

Why Your Insurance Policy Should Match the Property Deed (1)

Does the name on your insurance policy match the name on your property deed?

This might sound like a trick question. Unfortunately, it’s a situation that we’ve encountered a couple of times.

Property deeds and persnickety policies

Consider the fictional case of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They’ve owned a 16-unit Manhattan walk-up for 10 years. We have managed their insurance policy the entire time.

A small fire breaks out in one of the units. Mr. and Mrs. Smith file an insurance claim. We submit the claim to the carrier… only to have the claim denied.

Instead, the insurance company tells us that Mr. and Mrs. Smith have not owned the property in two years. The building in question belongs to the Smith Family Trust.

Changed your deed? Contact your insurance broker

Property deeds change for a number of reasons. Often, attorneys recommend transferring property ownership to a trust or a limited liability corporation. Sometimes buildings go into an estate.

Regardless of the specific situation, owners need to notify their insurance broker any time the property deed changes. He or she will ensure that the name on the insurance policy matches the one on the deed.

It’s a simple bit of housekeeping that can save you unwanted hassle down the road. And when dealing with a claim, who needs additional angst?

Why Your Insurance Policy Should Match the Property Deed (2024)

FAQs

What is matching coverage home insurance? ›

Matching coverage is a fairly low-price add-on to your home insurance that ensures that when you file a claim for your roof, siding or windows, the surrounding undamaged roof, siding or windows will, if needed, be replaced with materials that match.

Why is it important to have insurance coverage on your home and property? ›

Homeowners insurance is important because it protects consumers' homes and personal property. In the event of a total loss, insurance can provide the primary source of rebuilding funds. It also provides liability coverage for legal actions from injuries or damage from another person on their property.

Does it matter whose name is on house insurance? ›

The insurance name must match the name on the deed! You're going to need the right homeowners insurance to cover your home from all things life has in store for you.

What are the two ways that the value of property can be calculated for insurance purposes? ›

The two methods are actual cash value (ACV) and replacement cost.

What happens if insurance can't match siding? ›

“If the shingles / siding you have can't be matched anymore, your insurance company will have to spring for the whole roof / siding to be replaced.”

What happens if you have two insurance policies on the same property? ›

This means they split your claim between them and pay a proportion of it each. As well as being admin heavy for you, it could also mean your premiums go up when it's time to renew your home insurance. This is because you'd lose your no-claims discount with each insurance provider.

What is the most important thing in homeowners insurance? ›

Make sure you're covered for the right amount – your home insurance policy should cover the full value of your home in case of damage or destruction. When it comes to home insurance, you want to make sure you're getting the right amount of coverage.

Should dwelling coverage be the same as purchase price? ›

Your dwelling coverage limit should be enough to rebuild your home if it's destroyed. This amount isn't necessarily the same as the price you paid for the house. Instead, this number depends on the features of your home and the building costs in your area.

Why is it extremely important to read your homeowners insurance policy agreement carefully? ›

Your home insurance policy includes a declarations page and the policy jacket. Understanding replacement cost versus actual cash value can help you determine how your homeowners insurance claim could be settled. Homeowners should be aware that home insurance policies typically exclude certain types of property damage.

Does it matter whose name is on an insurance policy? ›

When you buy homeowners insurance, any person or entity with a financial stake in the property being covered should be named on the policy. That way, if something happens and the property is damaged or destroyed, anyone with an insurable interest can receive compensation for their loss from the insurer.

Does insurance have to be in the same name as owner? ›

In most states, the names on a vehicle's registration and your proof of insurance don't have to be the same from a legal perspective. However, an insurer can decide not to insure a person whose name is not on the vehicle's registration.

Does it matter whose name is on the house? ›

Deeds and Title Ownership

Whether the deed and/or mortgage are in one spouse's name or both, it does not affect the property's classification as marital or separate. What matters most is when and how the property was acquired.

How do insurance companies determine the value of a house? ›

Using formulas that take into account factors such as whether your home is made of brick or wood frame construction, total square footage, number of floors, and number of rooms, an insurance company will calculate what it believes is your home's replacement cost value.

How do I determine the value of a property? ›

  1. Use online valuation tools.
  2. Use the FHFA House Price Index Calculator.
  3. Get a comparative market analysis.
  4. Hire a professional appraiser.
  5. Evaluate comparable properties.
Nov 15, 2023

How is property insurance determined? ›

The state you live in, your credit-based insurance score (in most states) and claims history are factors insurers may use to determine costs. Home characteristics, such as the age, square footage, roof age, building materials and overall condition, also factor into the total cost.

Which states are matching states? ›

Insurance Matching States
  • Alaska.
  • California.
  • Connecticut.
  • Florida.
  • Iowa.
  • Kentucky.
  • Louisiana.
  • Montana.

What is matching items cover? ›

Where there is a valid claim, this covers the changing or replacement of any undamaged item that forms part of a matching set or suite that is lost or damaged where a reasonable match cannot be obtained.

What is match insurance? ›

Matching coverage is an endorsem*nt that covers the replacement of undamaged roofing, siding and windows to match the materials that were replaced as the result of a claim. Think of it this way: what if a portion of your siding is damaged and the original siding is no longer available?

What are the 4 major categories of coverage in homeowners insurance? ›

Types of Coverage in a Homeowner's Insurance Policy
  • Damage to House. - Covers damage to the house. ...
  • Other Structures. - Covers damage to other structures or buildings, such as a detached garage, work shed, or fencing.
  • Personal Property. ...
  • Additional Living Expenses. ...
  • Comprehensive Personal Liability. ...
  • Medical Expense.

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