Be Certain Insurance Covers Your Outdoor Living

Your Akron outdoor living space needs to be protected. Insuring your pool and spa by adding it to your homeowner's policy is the first step in ensuring your investment is secure.

Working in partnership with your insurance company is essential when adding your outdoor living space, pool, and spa to your homeowner's insurance. There typically is a reference to 'other structures' being covered under the policy, but certifying that your entire investment is covered would benefit from the help of the experts. A good rule of thumb to fall back on is to consider any permanent structure on your property is covered. In-ground swimming pools, fencing, and gazebo are easily included. However, a spa that is not attached to your pool is harder to discern and why you must have clarity.

Much like buying a new car, gathering information before the final signature on the dotted line will prevent likely surprises. Once you have a clear understanding of all the elements that are covered, such as an outdoor kitchen or permanent jacuzzi, you can move forward with your project with peace of mind. Once your new structure is complete adding the improvements to your homeowner's policy promptly is critical. You'll need to have the value of the modifications on hand, given that most insurance premiums are based on that value. A purchasing agreement is a great tool you can give your insurance agent to document, in detail, your investment.

While fire, vandalism, theft and storm damage are often a part of standard coverage, water, flooding as well as natural disasters may need a separate policy. You’ll also want to be mindful of your home, and added structures value doesn't exceed the maximum limit of your policy.

You don't have to be an expert when insuring your outdoor living space. Work with your insurance agent to ensure that if the unthinkable happened and your outdoor space was damaged or destroyed, you'd be able to re-build to its original glory.