Kadi Quinn

Many companies in the Coastal Market are requiring a favorable 4-Point Inspection be submitted on homes older than 30-40 years on average. Without this 4-Point Inspection these companies (that typically have lower rates) will not even look at the home to quote! So, WHAT IS A 4-POINT INSPECTION?

A 4-Point Inspection is an inspection done on the four main systems in the home to show their condition and expectant life ahead among other things. Broken down, this is the typical information you will see requested on a  4-point:

(1) Roof: What is the Roof Material? What is the Age of the Roof? What is the Condition of the Roof? Estimated Remaining Life? Any Damage or Deficiencies?

(2) Electrical: Amps? Wiring Material? Any Knob and Tube or Aluminum Wiring? Age? Condition? Estimated Remaining Life? Any Damage or Deficiencies?

(3) Plumbing: Does the plumbing incorporate any PEX or Polybutylene materials? Any known leaks? Age? Estimated Remaining Life? Any Damage or Deficiencies?

(4) HVAC (Heating and Air): Age? Condition? Estimate Remaining Life? Any Damage or Deficiencies?

You can see, the 4-Point inspection is nothing to shy away from if your agent recommends this be done. If you are buying a new home, home inspectors can do this while doing your home inspection. You simply need to ask your agent for a copy of the 4-Point Inspection form prior to the home inspection to give to the inspector. If you have done a major renovation, the contractor that completed the work could complete this easily and quickly. If you currently reside in the home or are not getting a home inspection, any licensed inspector could complete this for you.

What are the benefits of providing your agent with a 4-Point Inspection? Insurance in the Coastal Areas, such as Charleston, are more expensive to insure in and have more limited markets than other areas. This 4-Point inspection form could open up many more markets on your home leading to a significant decrease in premium.

Any questions? Give one of our professional a call! 843-881-2229.

In the process of buying a homeowners policy whether you are shopping on renewal or purchasing a new home, you are probably asked the question “Are you interested in earthquake coverage?”. Some may give it some thought, but ultimately decide that this is a risk they are willing to take living in the Low Country. After all, aren’t hurricanes and tropical storms our main concern on the coast? Before you are too quick to delete this coverage or opt to not add it to your homeowners policy, let us look at the facts.

(1) There is a major fault line in Summerville and earthquakes produce wide ranging damage.

(2) There is not enough evidence for the Low Country specifically to accurately indicate when the next large scale earthquake will occur, but we have experienced much earthquake activity in the last few years.

• In 2012 – 6 earthquakes originated around the Summerville area
• In 2011- 5 earthquakes originated around the Summerville area
• In 2010 –  1 earthquake originated around the Summerville area

Please visit www.scearthquakes.com for more information on the above figures.

(3)  Research on the site  www.scearthquakes.com shows that Charleston, Dorchester and Berkeley counties are in the most high hazard areas for major damage. (Zones X and IX)

(4) Earthquakes can pose threats to your property in a multitude of ways. Along with the shifting of the earth’s surface that causes structural damage, there is a high likelihood of fire due to downed power lines and gas pipe breakage and flooding.

(5) Let’s not forget the Charleston Earthquake of 1886 that was one of the most destructive earthquakes in the South.

In most cases, earthquake insurance can be added to your policy for a minimum premium charge. If you are unable to add this coverage to your homeowners policy, there are markets that will write a stand-alone earthquake policy for you. If you are interested in talking more about this coverage, please call one of our experts today!

* Information from this article was obtained from the website www.scearthquakes.com that is maintained by Richard N. Côté, director of the South Carolina Earthquake Awareness Project.

Be sure to check out our new ad in the winter issue of Charleston Home and Design Magazine. We can always count on Sam Johnson to create a crisp, clean and visually attractive ad that fits our brand perfectly. Thank you, Sam for all your hard work! Let us know what you think!

Click the link below for a preview!

NEWAD2013

No one associates Halloween with insurance claims – what could possibly happen on such a fun holiday? Think LIABILITY…

Here are a few pointers on how to keep your Halloween fun and claim free:

(1) DRIVE CAREFULLY – Avoid distractions while driving (including CELL PHONES), Look for children darting out into the street, and DRIVE SLOWLY.

(2) MAKE YOU PROPERTY SAFE: clear pathways of toys, wires, etc. and light your walkway and porch. This lessens the likely hood that someone will fall or trip and leave you liable.

(3) KEEP PETS AWAY FROM THE DOOR: Even if you  have the sweetest old Labrador retriever in the world, keep it out of the commotion. Not only can this help your dog from being anxious, but also eliminate any animal liability threat.

(4) TREATS: You are responsible for what you hand out to children. Hand out individually  prepackaged candy.

(5) Jack – O- Lanterns: We all love them, but don’t leave that candle burning by accident! Or, avoid flames all together with battery operated candles for your pumpkins this year!

We hope you have a fun filled and safe Halloween Night!

Most companies include a higher deductible for windstorm and hail on your property insurance on the coast. This deductible is usually a percentage amount of your dwelling limit.

For example:  You have a $200,000 dwelling limit on your homeowners policy with a 3% wind and hail deductible, your actual deductible is $6,000.

Why not open a “Catastrophe Savings Account”?  This account allows you to set money aside, state income tax-free, to pay for qualified catastrophic events.  The amount you contribute can also be deducted from your state incomes tax return.  Sounds great, right? Check out the SC Department of Insurance Web Page for more information!

http://doi.sc.gov/faq.aspx?qid=157

Many know the basics to include in their hurricane kit and many do not even think to prepare one. Prepare now or run the risk of not being ready when disaster hits. You should have preparations ready for your family for at least 2 weeks.

Here is a great list of items to maintain in your hurricane kit:
1. Jugs of filtered water, bottled water or a water filter.
2. Canned Food Items and Non-perishables.
3. MANUAL can opener.
4. NOAA Weather Radio (battery powered)
5. Flashlights
6. Personal Fans for each family member
7. Batteries
8. Extra Clothing
9. Medicine
10.First Aid Kit
11. Whistle (to alert for help if needed)
12. Cell phones and chargers that can be charged using battery power.
13. Your Insurance Policies, Company Claim’s Numbers, Name of Agent and Agent Contact Number
14. Inventory of the contents in your home. This can be done by a video of each room, photos or a comprehensive list with approximate values associated with each item.

An easy way to build a hurricane kit is to go buy a large rubber bin, load your essentials in it and store it out of the way. Then you are prepared and do not have to fight the mad dash to get your essentials when a storm threatens your area.