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Kriener Insurance

724 Bielenberg Drive, Ste 5
Woodbury, MN 55125

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Minnesota Insurance Blog

Information Needed to File Home Insurance Claims

Filing a homeowner’s insurance claim in Woodbury, MN, is not always straightforward. The type of covered risk and unique requirements set by your insurance company affect the necessary documentation for your claim. It is advisable to review your policy before any dangers occur. Kriener Insurance can provide valuable assistance in filing your claim. Here are the general steps for filing a homeowner’s insurance claim.

File a Report for the Covered Risk

Based on the incident you are reporting, you may need to contact your local police department and file a report. Collect a copy of the report; this documentation will be essential for your claim. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and follow their guidelines strictly. It’s crucial to file the claim as soon as possible in cases of theft, injury, or damage to hasten the recovery process. If repairs are needed, especially those related to safety, begin as early as possible.

Collect as Much Evidence as You Can

Document the incident extensively. In case of any damage, take plenty of photographs. This is vital, especially if you need to make your home habitable again. Create a list of damaged or stolen possessions along with their approximate value. This task will be significantly easier if you’ve already inventoried your possessions. If not, work from memory. Your insurance company will schedule an assessor to examine your property’s damage. It would be helpful to accompany the assessor, pointing out significant damage areas. Reviewing your photographs might aid you in filing a more comprehensive claim. Stay in touch with your insurer to facilitate the claim processing.

If you require a homeowner’s policy to protect your residence and belongings, Kriener Insurance can help. Contact our team in Woodbury, MN today to get started.

Purchasing Home Insurance

Having secured homeownership, it is time to take responsible measures to protect your property from mishaps. With the proper guidance, purchasing home insurance is indeed manageable.

Key Aspects to Consider

Before you buy home insurance, consider a few elements: Which possessions would you like to cover? How much home insurance will be adequate? Which company can effectively cater to your requirements? Which policy type is optimal for you?

Identifying Assets for Coverage

Do you own valuable assets such as jewelry, artwork, or expensive antiques? Owning a swimming pool could entail potential risks and liabilities, thus requiring extra coverage. Be mindful that many home insurance policies don’t include flood insurance.

Estimating the Required Insurance

You should estimate the cost to rebuild your house, which includes outdoor furniture and personal items, while taking note of the replacement costs. Keep an up-to-date documentation of your belongings.

Selecting a Home Insurance Company

The ideal company should provide coverage in your area, offer attractive discounts and competitive rates, have a good financial strength rating and positive reviews, and provide considerable support.

Choosing a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

Upon assessing what coverage is needed and the insurance amount needed, it’s time to settle on a policy. Do not wait for a disaster to strike before reviewing your insurance policy. Always do so beforehand.

Insurance Services at Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN

If you are a homeowner needing home insurance in the Woodbury, MN area, consider the services of Kriener Insurance. Our dedicated, knowledgeable agents are committed to meeting your insurance needs.

My mailbox was vandalized. Will my homeowners’ insurance pay for the repair or replacement?

Homeowners have a variety of responsibilities regarding the upkeep and care of their homes. Many of these responsibilities can be costly if a homeowner is required to pay for the repair or replacement of these things out-of-pocket. Fortunately, homeowners insurance provides protection and coverage for homeowners and their homes and personal property. Our team at Kriener Insurance understands the responsibilities and financial liability that homeowners carry and is committed to helping Woodbury, MN homeowners understand the many benefits of homeowners insurance. 

What are some Benefits of Homeowners’ Insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides liability protection for homeowners, as well as protection and coverage for the home and personal property. If a covered incident occurs, homeowners insurance pays for the repair or replacement of the house and the repair or replacement of a homeowner’s personal property. Homeowners’ insurance up to a certain covered amount provides the funds needed to rebuild a structure. Liability coverage is also a benefit if someone is injured on your property or someone’s personal belongings or property is damaged while they are visiting your property. Liability coverage also includes legal protection for homeowners. 

Will my homeowners’ insurance pay for repairing or replacing my mailbox?

Yes. Your homeowner’s dwelling coverage would cover vandalism and pay for the repair or replacement of your mailbox. This coverage also includes damage to your yard, patio furniture, and more. If you had a she-shed that was vandalized, it would also cover the repair for replacement. Any vandalized structure or personal item on your property is eligible for dwelling coverage. Homeowners insurance will cover any damage caused by a covered peril or incident. If you have more questions regarding homeowners insurance benefits, call Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN. We’d be happy to answer them and help you explore your options. 

How Home Insurance Can Help You Through Hazardous Minnesota Winters

Minnesota winters are known for their harsh and unpredictable weather, from blizzards to ice storms and everything in between. As a homeowner in Woodbury, MN, protecting your property from potential hazards during these hazardous winter months is essential. That’s where home insurance from Kriener Insurance can help! 

Home Insurance Can Help Protect Your Family From Winter Hazards

Home insurance protects your home and belongings from unexpected events, including those caused by severe winter weather. When you have the right coverage, you can rest assured knowing that you’re protected in the event of damage caused by winter storms, freezing temperatures, and other hazards.

When temperatures drop below freezing, pipes can freeze and burst, causing extensive water damage to your home. With home insurance from Kriener Insurance, you can get coverage for this type of damage, which can help you pay for repairs and replacements.

Another common winter hazard is roof damage caused by heavy snow and ice buildup. Heavy ice buildup on your roof and gutters can lead to leaks, structural damage, and even a roof collapse. Fortunately, home insurance can help you cover the cost of repairs and replacements if your roof is damaged during a winter storm.

Winter Storm Hazards

Suppose your home is damaged by falling tree limbs or other debris during a winter storm. In that case, your home insurance can help you pay for repairs or replacements. This coverage can also extend to other structures on your property, such as sheds or fences.

Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Protect your property from the hazards of Minnesota winters with home insurance from Kriener Insurance. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your home, family, and belongings – contact Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN today to learn more about your options for home insurance coverage!

5 Questions To Ask Your Home Insurance Agent

Home insurance is a must for anyone who owns the property. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give your home insurance policy much thought until you need to use it. That’s why it’s important to review your policy regularly and ensure you’re getting the coverage you need. Consult with Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN for expert insurance advice.

Here are five questions to ask your home insurance agent at your next policy review:

1. What Coverages Does My Policy Include? 

The first step in ensuring you have adequate coverage is understanding what coverages are included in your policy. Your home insurance agent should be able to go over each coverage with you in detail so that you understand what’s covered and what’s not. If there’s something you’re not clear on, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. 

2. Do I Need Any Additional Coverages? 

Once you know what coverages are included in your policy, your agent can help you determine if you need any additional coverage. For example, if you have a high-value item like jewelry or art, you may want to purchase a rider to make sure it’s properly protected. 

3. What Discounts Am I Eligible For? 

There are several discounts available that could help lower your premium, so be sure to ask about any that apply to you. Some common discounts include bundling your home and auto insurance policies and installing security features like smoke detectors and burglar alarms. 

4. How Much Coverage Do I Need? 

Once you know what type of events your policy should cover, you need to make sure it covers enough. Start by getting a home inventory to get an idea of the value of your belongings. Then, talk to your agent about how much it would cost to repair or replace your home if it was damaged or destroyed by a covered event.  

5. What Would Happen If I Needed to File a Claim? 

No one likes thinking about having to file an insurance claim, but it’s important to know how the claims process works in case something does happen. Ask your agent about the steps involved in filing a claim and what documentation you’ll need to provide. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help make the process as smooth as possible if something does happen.

Get Home Insurance Today

If you’re a homeowner, it’s important to review your home insurance policy regularly to ensure you have the coverage you need. Asking your home insurance agent the right questions can help ensure that you’re getting the best possible rate. Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN can help you review your home insurance policy and ensure you’re getting the coverage you need. Contact us today to get started.

How Much Home Insurance Do You Need?

Most people have no idea how much home insurance they need. Many people don’t even know what it is. Home insurance is a type of insurance that covers damage to your house and its contents in a disaster, such as fire or theft. It’s essential to have the proper insurance in place if anything happens to your home.

The first thing you need to know about home insurance is that it’s not one-size-fits-all. It would be best if you got a plan that matches your needs. How much insurance do you need? It depends on the value of the home and its contents. The cost of rebuilding your home, plus the price of replacing personal property like furniture, clothing, and appliances, should be factored into the equation.

Homeowners’ policies offer three different types of insurance: Actual Cash Value (ACV), Replacement Cost Coverage (RCC), and Extended Replacement Cost Coverage (ERCC).

Actual Cash Value (ACV)

This type of insurance is the cheapest, but it covers only what your home and possessions are currently worth. With this coverage, your insurer subtracts depreciation from the replacement cost to arrive at a dollar amount for reimbursement.

Replacement Cost Coverage (RCC)

This type of policy insures your home and possessions for their replacement value. Replacement cost coverage doesn’t consider depreciation, so it costs more than ACV insurance.

Extended Replacement Cost Coverage (ERCC)

This is the most expensive policy, but it offers the best protection. An ERCC policy will pay to replace your home and possessions even if it costs more than the original value.

Understanding How Much Home Insurance You Need

Insurance comes down to two basic numbers: the replacement value of your home and its contents and the deductible. Your insurance agent can help you determine how much insurance you need to keep your home, possessions, family, and future intact.

Home insurance is something that every homeowner should have. Kriener Insurance offers an array of home insurance options in Woodbury, MN. Call us today for a free quote.

Does Home Insurance Cover Other Structures?

Not all of life’s problems are predictable, and you want to be covered just in case. Every property has different insurance needs. If your home has at least one other structure on its property, you want to make sure that it is covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.

Kriener Insurance, which serves Woodbury, MN, understands your desire to protect all of your personal property. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to protecting structures on your land.

Homes Are Not the Only Structures You Want to Cover

There are plenty of structures you might have on your property, including a garage, guest house, shed, or personal gym. In many cases, a home insurance policy does cover other structures on the property designated for personal use. Likewise, homeowner’s insurance policies may encompass the personal items inside these buildings.

There are many exceptions, which is why it is crucial to discuss your home’s structures with an insurance agent. For example, different policies may have different stipulations for structures used for business purposes, even if they are on your personal property.

What Kind of Coverage Should You Consider?

Each insurance policy is different. No matter the kind of insurance you choose, you may want to consider coverage for personal property and liability for other structures on your land.

If you are still unsure if your home insurance policy will cover your entire property, you should speak with an insurance agent. A professional can tell you whether your office, tool shed, pool house or guest house is covered by your policy. Kriener Insurance helps residents of Woodbury, MN choose an insurance policy that suits their needs.

Preparing a home inventory and storing it safely

Home is where the heart is, and it is also where you keep most of your possessions. When a covered peril hits, and chances are it will hit eventually, you will need to file a claim with your insurance carrier. It is not a particularly easy process, but it can be very manageable if you have a home inventory. It’s a matter of creating one at your leisure or being forced to create one in the most trying circumstances you can imagine. At Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN, we are passionate about providing our customers with the best possible experience in getting insurance products. 

Deciding to create your home inventory is best done when you have the time you will need. Depending on how many rooms you have, it can be quite extensive. You can do it digitally or the old-fashioned way with a pad and pen. Whichever way you choose, you will need to go into as much detail as possible. Gather all your receipts and invoices to use as backup, especially for any of your larger, more expensive items. Use a camera to take pictures of each room from a few different angles. 

Open every closet, every drawer, and every cupboard. Record the brand names, serial numbers, and model numbers, especially for electronics. Go into the attic, the basement, the shed, and the garage. When you are finished, you need to store your inventory in a safe place. You can make a digital copy and store it in the cloud, which means it will always be available to you no matter what gets damaged or destroyed. You can also choose to get a safe deposit box or at the very least a fire and water-resistant box or bag. 

Contact Kriener Insurance in Woodbury, MN when you are ready to review your home insurance or are a new home buyer. 

6 Key Home Insurance Terms Explained

If you are a homeowner, you have likely had the experience of purchasing homeowners insurance, but not always being clear on all the details. Some terminology may be vague or unfamiliar and may leave you feeling uncertain of what is in your policy.

At Kriener Insurance of Woodbury, MN, we take the time to listen to our customer’s needs and explain the different policy options available to them. 

Understanding Homeowners Insurance

There are many different terms used in homeowner’s insurance, but there are some common ones. Some key terms you may have heard when discussing homeowners insurance are:

  • Liability – If someone is injured on your property, this will help protect your finances during any lawsuit. 
  • Actual-Cash-Value – This means you are paid what your items were worth before they were destroyed instead of the replacement cost. 
  • Full Replacement Cost – This term may come up with a comprehensive homeowner’s coverage. Items must be replaced at full replacement cost if they are destroyed or stolen. 
  • Declarations page – These will explain your annual premium and outline your coverage.
  • Rider – Extra policies to cover particular personal property. Usually separate from your original policy.
  • Replacement cost – This is an easy term. It merely means you will get reimbursement for new items, not the original cost. It doesn’t matter the age; you will receive a new item.

An Insurance Company on Your Side

Contact Kriener Insurance of Woodbury, MN today to speak with one of our agents. We are happy to schedule an appointment to discuss various homeowner policy options and explain all the details. We have years of experience helping our customers know what kind of insurance they need and to get the best coverage possible.

How Does Home Insurance Protect Me?

The biggest asset that someone in the Woodbury, MN area will likely ever own is their home. Those that own a property in this area will enjoy the great community and benefits that could make it a great investment. If you do own a property in this area, it is important that you get insurance in place. A quality home insurance policy could protect you and your home in several different ways. 

Ensures the Property is Protected 

One way that your home insurance policy can protect you is by protecting your assets. While a home can be built very well, there is still a risk that a bad storm or fire could cause a lot of damage. When you have home insurance, you can receive the financial support that you need to make these repairs. This could also give you coverage to find a place to live while repairs are being made. 

Liability Protection

While a home insurance policy is important to protect the asset, a property owner also needs to consider their liability risk. Guests that come over to your home are your responsibility to a certain extend. If someone is hurt or becomes ill while they are at your home, you could be deemed liable. This could end up leading to a liability claim. Your home insurance policy will give you protection if this were to occur. 

There are a lot of different ways that home insurance can protect you and your property. If you are looking for a policy for your home in the Woodbury, MN area, you should call Kriener Insurance as soon as you can. The Kriener Insurance team will evaluate your situation to make sure that you and your home are fully covered and that you have the appropriate level of insurance in place. 

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