Category: Home Insurance

Aging infrastructure around Portland, OR presents unique challenges and risks for homeowners in older housing developments. This leads to coverage gaps that require thoughtful consideration and proactive risk management strategies.

Understanding Infrastructure Risks

Aging infrastructure systems, including water supply pipes, sewer lines, electrical wiring, and heating systems, often serve homes located in older housing developments. Over time, these components can deteriorate, increasing the likelihood of failures, leaks, and malfunctions that may result in property damage or loss. Aging infrastructure can also be more susceptible to environmental damage, such as horrific weather pattern events or seismic activity.

Coverage Gaps in Home Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance policies may not fully cover damage caused by aging infrastructure issues, especially if the damage is deemed to be the result of gradual wear and tear rather than a sudden and accidental event. Standard exclusions may include damage from corroded pipes, outdated electrical systems, or failing HVAC equipment. 

Mitigating Risks and Securing Adequate Coverage

To address the insurance impacts of aging infrastructure, homeowners should take proactive steps to mitigate risks and secure adequate coverage:

• Regular Maintenance: Implement a proactive maintenance schedule for critical infrastructure components, including plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC equipment. 
• Upgrade and Renovation: Consider investing in upgrades to replace outdated infrastructure systems with modern, more durable alternatives. 
• Review Insurance Policies: Work closely with insurance agents to review existing homeowners insurance policies and identify coverage gaps related to aging infrastructure. 

Advocating for Infrastructure Improvements

Collaborating with local authorities and policymakers to prioritize infrastructure upgrades and maintenance can help mitigate risks for all residents while promoting safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

Let H & R Insurance Group LLC Inform You

H & R Insurance Group LLC helps answer home insurance questions and serves the Portland, OR region. Call us today. 

Most homeowners understand the importance of maintenance to keep the value and comfort of their homes. But at H & R Insurance Group LLC in Portland, OR, we want you to know that maintenance is also crucial in keeping many provisions of home insurance in effect. Poor maintenance can lead to claims being limited or denied.

Home insurance is not designed to make up for poor maintenance.

Here are some examples:

Insect Infestation

It is generally up to homeowners to prevent their properties from becoming infested by pests. Damage from insects or vermins may not be covered other than the protection offered by a pest control company.

Poorly Maintained Fencing

Should a fence be damaged in a windstorm, but poor maintenance contributed to the damage, coverage may be limited. Fences need to be properly maintained to be fully covered by most home insurance policies.

Aging or Poorly Maintained Roofs

More home insurance companies are considering the age and condition of roofing in providing coverage. Homeowners should take care of small leaks to avoid larger claims that may be denied.

Aging Wiring Systems

Aging wiring systems may be a danger to life and property. More home insurance companies are requiring upgrades before insuring an existing structure. Maintaining your electrical systems to today’s standards will ensure your home is safer and insured.

Maintenance should include a complete visual inspection inside and out. Look for leaks, cracks, and gaps. Address issues before they become a more significant issue.

Are you aware of what your home insurance does and doesn’t cover?

We can help. At H & R Insurance Group in Portland, OR, we can not only review your current policy but also provide a quote to update your coverage. Reach out to us today for the protection you deserve.

Buying a new home is quite an accomplishment, and it can also cause quite a lot of stress. Most new homeowners have very little experience with home insurance, how to choose it, and what to look for.  H & R Insurance Group LLC in Portland, OR, we are independent insurance agents, and we work for our clients, not for one insurance carrier which allows you more choices and the best prices. 

More than one type of content coverage is available

Your personal belongings are covered with content insurance. This includes all the things you own in your home that are moveable such as clothing, furniture, jewelry, and electronics. You have two options for overage, you can choose current value or replacement cost. The current value may be a lot less than it would cost to replace the item. 

You have to maintain your home

If you don’t maintain your home, your home insurance won’t cover the damage. This includes things like termites. If you don’t get treatment for termites, you won’t be covered. It also includes things like a leaky roof. If it is a roof that needs replacing, damage to the interior of your home won’t be covered. Normal wear and tear is also not covered. 

Some coverage has limits, you may want to add more

Jewelry, cash, antiques, and art all have limits on the amount they will cover. If these are things that you own, read your policy carefully to find out what the limits are. You can then add an endorsement to give you the additional coverage that you need. 

Schedule A Consultation Today

If you are a resident of Portland, OR or the surrounding area, you can count on our team at H & R Insurance Group LLC to provide the personalized service you require. Give us a call for a no-obligation quote. 

Owning real estate has continued to be beneficial for individuals residing in the Portland, OR area. If you are going to buy a home in this region, you will always want to know that you are properly insured and protecting your property. For all people, this will mean getting a full home insurance plan.

There are various reasons people here need to carry this coverage for their homes. 

Protect Assets

An important reason to always have a home insurance plan in place for your property is to cover your assets. All people in this part of Oregon need to have home insurance to ensure they have support if repairing or rebuilding a property is necessary following a fire or storm. Your home insurance plan can also give coverage for any personal belongings you own, up to limits set by your plan. 

Reduce Liability Risks

It is also a good idea to get a home insurance plan so you can reduce your liability risks. Property owners will always have some personal liability risks, and many of these risks would be covered by a home insurance plan. This can offer great financial protection and some peace of mind. 

We Can Help!

When you are going to buy a home in the Portland, OR area, you absolutely need to have the right insurance for it. You may find that selecting an ideal plan is confusing and time-consuming as there are a lot of options and factors to consider. A way you can be assured that you choose a quality plan is by calling our team with H & R Insurance Group LLC. Our team of professionals at H & R Insurance Group LLC can help you obtain the support needed to build a quality plan that will protect your property.