Condo Insurance for First-Time Buyers: A Guide

Posted on March 28, 2025March 26, 2025 by admin

Blue Hen Insurance LLC helps first-time homeowners of all types in Middletown, DE, find insurance that feels right for them. For example, we can help new condo buyers find a policy that meets their needs. But what exactly is condo protection? It’s a policy type that offers fantastic protection.

Association Policies Don’t Cover Your Belongings

First-time condo buyers may not know exactly what their association’s insurance will cover, and that’s understandable. After all, they’re in a bold new world of home ownership! Unfortunately, these policies only cover the structure and its grounds: don’t expect it to protect your stuff!

That’s why condo insurance is so critical for owners! It offers you personalized and effective protection that keeps your goods safe from serious damage and danger. In the next section, we’ll examine how exactly this coverage minimizes your danger from various issues.

Condo Insurance Has You Covered

As a new condo buyer, your insurance policy is here to protect you by offering:

Personal property coverage to replace your belongings (including valuables like electronics)
Additional living expenses due to loss of use (such as if you have to move out for repairs)
Liability payments if someone gets hurt or injured in your condo (not outside it, though)
Medical payment coverage that pays the medical bills of someone in your condo
Dwelling or property coverage for the interior of your condo (varies based on association)
Loss assessment coverage that helps pay for any potential differences in your policy coverage
Other protection (fire, smoke, wind, hail, theft, lightning, burst pipes, vandalism, etc.)

You Deserve Better Protection

At Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we know that Middletown, DE, condo owners need protection that takes care of everything (and we mean everything) that could happen to their new home! With the help of our team, first-time buyers can avoid serious issues and love their homes.

My Home Was Just Burglarized! How Can I Make A Home Insurance Claim?

Posted on February 28, 2025February 24, 2025 by admin

A home burglary can be a distressing experience. Fortunately, the professionals at Blue Hen Insurance LLC, servicing Middletown, DE, can assist you as you file a claim with your home insurance.

Burglaries are a covered event with typical home insurance policies, but before you file a claim, it’s always good to know what’s covered under your policy. Review your home insurance policy, or contact your insurance agent to get a copy if you don’t have one.

Steps to Filing A Home Insurance Claim

The first thing you should do when filing a home insurance claim is to contact your insurance agent. Your agent can connect you with an adjuster who will guide you through the home insurance process.

You may also have paperwork to fill out to get your claim started. Your insurance agent can direct you to any forms that may be needed to initiate the process. Here are some tips:

Keep all receipts for work that is done under your claim.
Document conversations with your adjuster and contractors to have a record you can refer back to later.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the burglary occurs.
Take pictures of the damage for your records.

What to Know About Your Deductible

Home insurance policies have a deductible. This is the amount you are responsible for paying when you file a claim with the insurance company. Find out your deductible by reading your policy or asking your insurance agent.

Need Help Filing A Claim? Call Today

If your home is burglarized, your insurance company is here to help. Call your insurance agent at Blue Hen Insurance LLC, servicing Middletown, DE, to learn more about filing a claim.

What to Do If Your Car Hits a Deer

Posted on January 31, 2025January 28, 2025 by admin

If you drive a car in Delaware, you’re required to have auto insurance. However, many people have questions about the amount of auto insurance they need. If you live in the Middletown, DE area and need car insurance information, our Blue Hen Insurance LLC team is ready to help you find the right policy. We’ve been serving clients in your area since 2021.

What to Do If Your Car Hits a Deer

Various road hazards can lead to unexpected auto accidents. For instance, you might hit a deer with your car. According to USA Today, if hitting a deer is inevitable, you shouldn’t swerve to avoid it. Swerving could cause damage to other cars on the road.

Some drivers believe accelerating before hitting a deer is the right move. However, USA Today advises that this will cause more damage to your car. Instead, you should apply your brakes and attempt to stop immediately.

If you hit the deer, move your car off the road and turn on your hazard lights. Report the accident to the police and mention whether the deer remains on the road. Take pictures of any damage to your car. The most important thing is to ensure your car is safe before you resume driving.

Contact Us Today for Your Appointment

No matter why you file a claim, our dedicated customer service team will help make the process as smooth as possible. Prospective clients from Middletown, DE, can find the insurance answers they need when working with our dedicated Blue Hen Insurance LLC team. Call us for an appointment today, and let’s find the right insurance policy for you.

Natural Disasters Covered by Condo Insurance

Posted on December 23, 2024December 22, 2024 by admin

As a condo owner, you might wonder what type of natural disasters are covered in your condo insurance policy and how to make a claim if you experience one.

Accidental Fire

If your condo is involved in an accidental fire caused by something in the wiring or lightning, then your condo insurance will assist you with the damage that you suffer. If your condo isn’t the only one affected, and a shared wall with another condo owner is involved, you may also have to get your condo HOA insurance policy involved.

Hail Damage

One of the more disastrous natural disasters that come out of nowhere is hail storms. They are sporadic and sometimes bring down large pieces of hail out of the sky. They can do extensive damage to the siding and roof, which your personal condo insurance policy covers.

Windstorm

If your condo experiences damage from a windstorm in the area, you can get coverage to repair the damages and replace any damaged property. In these cases, you’ll likely need a siding repaired, and you could need windows replaced if items were blown through them and caused them to shatter.

Ice and Snow

Sometimes, severe damage can result from ice and snow. When the temperature gets too cold, and the weight of the snow turns to ice, it starts to break down the roof beneath it. This could cause the roof to fall or have holes where there are leaks. Your condo insurance policy will cover these expenses and help you with repairs or getting a new roof.

If you are in the market for a new condo insurance policy, contact Blue Hen Insurance LLC today for a personal quote. We serve customers in and around the Middletown, DE, area.

Understanding Home Insurance Exclusions: What’s Not Covered

Posted on November 25, 2024November 24, 2024 by admin

Home insurance can be a bit tricky for the average person, as they don’t fully understand what is and what is not covered in their policy. Reading through your policy on your own to figure it out can be challenging, especially if you don’t understand the lingo. At Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE, we’re here to help clarify these exclusions, allowing you to protect your home.

Common Exclusions to Be Aware Of

Home insurance policies typically cover a wide range of risks but don’t cover everything. For instance, most policies exclude damage caused by natural disasters like floods and earthquakes. You might need additional coverage if you live in an area prone to these events. Similarly, maintenance-related issues, like mold or pest infestations, are typically not covered, as they are preventable with regular upkeep.

High-Value Items and Liabilities

While your policy covers personal belongings, there are limits. High-value items such as jewelry, art, or collectibles often require additional riders to be fully insured. Without this extra coverage, you might not receive full compensation if these items are damaged or stolen. Additionally, certain liabilities, such as injuries from home-based businesses or specific dog breeds, might also be excluded.

How to Protect Yourself

To ensure you’re not caught off guard, review your policy thoroughly and discuss any potential gaps with your insurance provider. Understanding these exclusions can help you make informed decisions about additional coverage. Regularly updating your policy to reflect changes in your home or lifestyle is also key.

At Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE, we’re dedicated to helping you navigate these complexities. Contact us today for a detailed consultation, and let us help you safeguard what matters most.

Are comprehensive and collision insurance necessary for my auto insurance policy?

Posted on October 28, 2024October 24, 2024 by admin

At Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE, we understand that our clients often have concerns about the necessity of comprehensive and collision coverage. With this blog, we aim to provide you with the clarity and peace of mind you need when choosing the best auto insurance policy for your vehicle.

Understanding When Comprehensive and Collision Coverage is Required

Comprehensive and collision are excellent coverages for your auto insurance policy but are often optional for most customers. However, suppose you are under contract with a lienholder and still making finance payments on your vehicle. In that case, you may be required to carry comprehensive and collision under that contract. The lienholder wants to ensure that you can get your vehicle repaired if there is a covered incident.

Lienholders feel consumers won’t pay for their cars if they are not operable. And if you don’t pay your finance payments, they want your vehicle in good shape to resale and get their money. Lienholders also require comprehensive and collision coverages because if you are in an accident and there is a total loss, they have a better chance of getting their money back. If listed on the policy as a lienholder, they are paid first when there is a total loss, and they give you what money is left after the claim pays off the vehicle.

Ultimately, the decision to carry comprehensive and collision coverage is yours. If your vehicle is paid off, you may choose to drop these coverages to save on premium payments. You may also change coverages if your car’s value isn’t much more than the comprehensive and collision deductible due to its condition, age, and mileage. However, if your vehicle is your only mode of transportation, you may feel differently about losing these great coverages. The choice is entirely up to you.

We are Here to Help!

Our licensed professionals at Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE, are here to answer any questions about comprehensive and collision insurance and if it’s necessary to carry this optional coverage in your unique situation. Call us today at (302) 696-2242.

The Importance of Condo Insurance Even if the HOA Has Coverage

Posted on September 30, 2024September 29, 2024 by admin

Living in a condominium combines the perks of homeownership with the joys of community living. However, this lifestyle demands a unique set of insurance needs. At Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we frequently receive inquiries from condo owners in the greater Middletown, DE, area about the necessity of personal insurance when their Homeowner’s Association (HOA) already possesses coverage. Let’s explore why having your own condo insurance is indispensable.

Understanding HOA Coverage

Your Homeowner’s Association (HOA) likely maintains a master insurance policy. Typically, this policy covers the structure of the building and the common areas, extending to components such as the roof, elevators, and shared spaces like hallways and lobbies. However, this coverage frequently ceases at the edge of your unit’s walls, leaving your interior and personal possessions defenseless.

Protecting Your Personal Space

Condo insurance, also called an HO-6 policy, is intended to bridge the protection void left by the HOA’s policy. It safeguards your personal belongings, interior walls, appliances, and any improvements or renovations you’ve implemented within your unit. It also provides liability protection, which becomes crucial if someone incurs an injury within your home.

Learn More about Condo Insurance in Delaware

Your personal condo insurance protects you from unexpected incidents, such as theft, fire, or water damage. Knowing that your investment and personal belongings are safeguarded brings peace of mind. Without it, you could face a steep financial burden if disaster strikes.

Even though your HOA’s insurance policy covers certain aspects of your condo, it falls short of offering complete protection. Blue Hen Insurance LLC, serving the greater Middletown, DE region, is committed to helping you understand your coverage needs and ensuring comprehensive protection. Don’t hesitate to contact us to understand how acquiring condo insurance can afford you the peace of mind you merit.

What is Additional Living Expense Coverage on a Home Insurance Policy

Posted on August 30, 2024August 28, 2024 by admin

When a disaster strikes your home, such as a fire, tornado, or any other incident covered in your policy, we at Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE, understand that there is much more to consider than merely restoring your home.

During the period of displacement following an unthinkable event, extra expenses can arise as you navigate life after a catastrophe. These unexpected expenses can further exacerbate an already stressful situation, which is why your homeowner policy typically comes with additional living expense (ALE) coverage.

What is ALE Coverage?

Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage is a facet of loss of use coverage included in your homeowner’s policy. It offers the assistance you require to shoulder the additional cost you experience due to being displaced from your home. It’s usually a set amount, typically 20% of your home insurance coverage, and has a time limit for the use of coverage, usually 12-24 months.

ALE factors in the living expenses you pay above your ordinary everyday expenditures to live comfortably while your home undergoes repairs. While ALE doesn’t cover your belongings, here are some scenarios for which you can expect ALE to cover under your homeowner policy.

Temporary living conditions: ALE can assist with the cost of hotel stays, apartments, rental homes, travel trailers, or mobile homes.
Food Costs: ALE can cover meals when you’re staying in a hotel and have no kitchen access.
Other additional living costs: Typically, ALE pays for extra costs while you are displaced from your home, such as moving costs, storage rental, laundry expenses, extra utility costs, furniture rental, transportation costs, replacement clothes, and pet boarding costs.

Retain all receipts for these expenses and thoroughly document them for swift reimbursement. Also, remember your ALE limits, which allow you to budget wisely while awaiting the restoration of your home after a calamity.

For more information

If you have concerns or questions regarding your home insurance policy or desire to know more about ALE coverage, Blue Hen Insurance LLC in Middletown, DE, is here to help. Call us at (302) 696-2242.

Principles of Defensive Driving

Posted on July 30, 2024July 29, 2024 by admin

While Alabama does not enforce stringent commercial insurance laws, certain requirements have to be met if you run a fulfillment center in this state. Beyond these mandatory regulations, you may also want to explore various commercial insurance options, although not legally necessary, to ensure comprehensive protection for your business.

Alabama’s Insurance Requirements for Fulfillment Centers

If your business utilizes one or more vehicles, you would need to invest in commercial vehicle insurance. Moreover, if you have a workforce of five or more members, including part-time employees, you are required to have workers’ compensation insurance. However, this rule does not apply to contractors.

Other Insurance Options to Consider

Consider having commercial property insurance for comprehensive protection of your most crucial assets. This type of insurance can cover costs if your warehouse is subject to theft or if it incurs damage through vandalism, fire, or severe weather conditions. Liability insurance meets the expenses of bodily injury and property damage claims. It also includes legal fees and pays the cost of an out-of-court settlement. Additionally, business interruption coverage can take care of regular business expenses if disaster strikes, and you’re forced to halt operations due to events like fire, vandalism, and severe weather.

Obtain Expert Insurance Advice from Surety Ins Inc.

Surety Ins Inc. offers a range of commercial insurance policy options for businesses of diverse sizes and industries. We take pride in assisting Alabama business owners in evaluating their options and putting together a policy package that fits their needs without straining their budget. Contact us today to find out how we can help shield your business and enhance its odds of long-term success.

Riders You Can Add to Condo Insurance

Posted on June 28, 2024July 1, 2024 by admin

At Blue Hen Insurance LLC, we believe in helping our Middletown, DE customers understand the flexibility and customization available in their condo policy. Like other insurance types, insurance riders can enhance condo policies.

What is an insurance rider?

An insurance rider adds a boost of extra coverage or lists a high-value item for full coverage. Standard condo policies begin with coverage for the most common incidents, but everyone has unique needs. That’s why riders are added to policies, ensuring that their specific requirements are covered. Let’s look at the three most common condo insurance riders.

Scheduled Personal Property

Standard condo policies typically cover a small percentage of personal belongings, about 10% to 20% of the condo’s value. This equals about $1,000 of personal property coverage, which may not cover the replacement cost of items like stereo systems or jewelry. By scheduling high-value items, they receive coverage at their appraised value, thereby ensuring adequate protection in case of loss or damage.

Water Backup Rider

While most condo policies cover water damage resulting from plumbing issues in your condo, they do not cover sewer backups. Adding a water backup rider to your policy covers you for damage caused by drain backups and sewer issues.

Loss Assessment Rider

If a named peril causes damage to the entire condo complex, the complex’s insurance will generally cover repair costs. However, the complex can distribute these costs to condo owners through special assessments and fees. By adding loss assessment coverage, you are financially protected from these unexpected expenses.

Contact Us Today for an Insurance Review

Contact Blue Hen Insurance LLC today for a thorough review of your condo insurance. Let us help you shield your Middletown, DE, condo with the protection it deserves.