Natural Hazards
To better understand your risk, ask these questions about your home:
- Is the house located near a woodland area?
If so, it may be more vulnerable to wildfire. Consult the local fire department about the proper precautions.
- Is the house within 50 miles of the coast?
If so, it's important to protect it against hurricanes, high wind and wind-driven rain. Look for signs of interior water damage on ceilings and walls and around windows.
- Is the house located within sight of a river or lake?
If so, it may be more prone to flooding. But remember, flooding can happen even outside of a designated flood zone. Check for exterior water damage.
- Is the house located in an earthquake zone?
If so, ask if the owners have made any structural improvements to better protect it.
Condition of the House
A properly maintained house can provide years of enjoyment for your family. It pays to know whether you are inheriting someone else's problems.
Be sure to ask these questions when buying a home:
- What year was the house built?
This will help determine what building codes may have been in place at the time of construction. Modern, well-enforced building codes can help homes stand up better against natural disasters and other severe weather events.
- What materials were used to build the house?
Some materials are better suited than others when it comes to holding up against natural threats.
- What is the condition of the roof?
If you can see obvious signs of wear such as sagging or damage, it may need to be replaced.
- Do the floors appear level and feel solid when you walk through the house?
If not, there may be foundation problems or prior water damage.
- Will the appliances be sold along with the home?
Appliances more than five years old will soon need to be replaced. Water heaters often begin to leak at age 10, according to research by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.
- Does the house have a history of plumbing problems, such as sewer backups or deteriorating pipes?
Older homes will be more prone to these problems, according to Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety research.
Find Out More
A professional home inspection is recommended in order to get a complete picture of the home's condition. For a complete list of hazards that might affect a particular area and projects to help protect against them, visit the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety's website, DisasterSafety.org, and enter your zip code. You will also find information to make a home stronger and safer from the start if you choose to build.
Once You Know the Risks, Get the Right Insurance
Your home is your safe haven, so you need to protect it. At Farm Bureau Insurance, our agents live where you live, so we understand what type of insurance will best suit your needs. We also understand that you need to protect your home, without breaking the bank. Speak to one of our South Carolina agents to discuss our various homeowner's insurance options, including policies to protect you from damages caused by a dwelling fire, earthquake, flood or other unexpected event.