Insurance Center Group
A member of the PROES Group
A member of the PROES Group
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(812) 337-7637
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Mon. ~ Fri. 8am-5pm
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Address: 5488 E State Rd 46 Bloomington, IN. 47401
Phone: (812) 337-7637
Hours: Mon. ~ Fri. 8am - 5pm
Email:
Phone: (812) 337-7637
Hours: Mon. ~ Fri. 8am - 5pm
Email:
Should You Update Homeowners Insurance Coverage as Prices of Lumber and Steel Skyrocket?
In the past year, the price of lumber has increased by 377%, according to an infographic from Visual Capitalist. It hit a record high of $1,635 per 1,000 board feet, when lumber has historically ranged from $200 to 400 per board foot, the website says.Experts in the construction and contracting industries say this has pushed the price of a 2×4 from $3 last year to approximately $8 each, NBC San Diego reports. The reason comes down to the basic laws of supply and demand, with labor shortages and supply chain issues leading to a decrease in available lumber, while a convergence of factors led to increased demand for new homes. With extra cash to spare and time on their hands, many homeowners also took to lumber-intensive home improvement projects, such as building decks for their backyard hangouts, while they were stuck at home during the pandemic.
Meanwhile, steel, another key component in home building and home repair, has also seen a dramatic price increase in recent months, Reuters reports.
With these factors in mind, you may be concerned about whether or not you have enough homeowners insurance coverage if you lose your home in a fire or weather disasters. First, check your policy and see if it covers “full replacement value” for your home. Such policies are typically pricier but ensure you have the coverage you need in spite of rising costs.
If you don’t have a policy for full replacement value, you’ll want to make sure your coverage reflects the actual cost of rebuilding your home in today’s market. Additionally, if you made additions to your home during the pandemic, ensure your policy reflects your home’s correct square footage.
You may be surprised by how inexpensive it is to add coverage. Homeowners insurance is often included as part of your mortgage payment, with payments spread out equally over 12 months and the money held in escrow by your bank until it’s time to renew your policy. You may not even feel the difference.
You may be surprised by how inexpensive it is to add coverage. Homeowners insurance is often included as part of your mortgage payment, with payments spread out equally over 12 months and the money held in escrow by your bank until it’s time to renew your policy. You may not even feel the difference.
This is not part of the original article but I wanted to share my experience with this situation. In the past year and a half, I've watched the value of my house and the price of lumber dramatically increase. I had often wondered if it would impact my insurance. Finally, I talked to my agent, Tanner, and she showed me that my carrier, West Bend, had calculated my rebuild cost for enough to cover the increase in lumber prices. She also pointed out that my carrier had a blanket coverage that would kick in if the rebuild amount wasn't enough. Her advice is to read your policy and contact your agent, because each carrier may handle this situation differently.
About Us
We are an independent agency providing for all your insurance needs in one place. Our personnel brings over 84 years of combined experience to help you improve your insurance situations and fulfill your needs.
We are a member of the PROES Business Group. This association is a family of companies providing multiple avenues to make your life better. It brings business partners with the right background, experience and expertise to help you with your needs.
Each agent, servicing representative and owner’s philosophy is to combine quality, price, experience and service in every facet of your insurance purchasing experience. We strive to build long term relationships by meeting the needs of our clients.
The various backgrounds of our people help assure we can relate to your situation. Our goal is to help you have the right coverage, at the right price and be satisfied at the most important time – when you have a claim. We understand you are not buying insurance: you are buying piece of mind to protect yourself, your business and your family.
We are a member of the PROES Business Group. This association is a family of companies providing multiple avenues to make your life better. It brings business partners with the right background, experience and expertise to help you with your needs.
Each agent, servicing representative and owner’s philosophy is to combine quality, price, experience and service in every facet of your insurance purchasing experience. We strive to build long term relationships by meeting the needs of our clients.
The various backgrounds of our people help assure we can relate to your situation. Our goal is to help you have the right coverage, at the right price and be satisfied at the most important time – when you have a claim. We understand you are not buying insurance: you are buying piece of mind to protect yourself, your business and your family.