What's Really Covered By Your Home Insurance?: An Interview with Steven Aronson of Aronson Insurance

Tell us a little bit about your company and the services you offer.

Aronson Insurance is a 3rd generation insurance agency specializing in personal insurance for successful individuals/families and for profitable and/or fast-growing businesses.

Can you briefly describe what an example of bare minimum home insurance coverage would be like in Massachusetts?

Home insurance must be sufficient to cover the full replacement cost of a home, in today's dollars. A quality Homeowners policy will essentially GUARANTEE payment sufficient to rebuild the home if destroyed by a covered loss.

What are some important things that would not be covered in that example?

Coverage for Flood and Earthquake must always be selected separately.

What is replacement cost coverage and how does it potentially help homeowners?

If your policy won't rebuild your home, you're SOL. Be sure your policy has the Replacement Cost Guarantee (or a variation).

Can you talk about any other replacement cost specifics?

After a major regional loss (winter, hurricane, Nor'easter), there is a shortage of building materials and contractors. So prices for labor and materials are often up by 25% or more. So, if your home policy is written to cover the "normal" replacement cost of your home, you'll be left short after catastrophe. The home replacement guarantee takes care of this.

Do you have any tips for homeowners who may have a limited budget for homeowners insurance?

The best way to control the cost of your homeowners policy is a) take the highest deductible you can, and b) don't put in small claims as they will raise your rates over time.

What's the best way for people to contact you and your company?

Our team of insurance professionals is available to help you at Julie@AronsonInsurance.com or send us a message on Facebook.