The Chicago Buyer's Guide to Illinois Homeowners Insurance

The Chicago Buyer's Guide to Illinois Homeowners Insurance

With the Magnificent Mile, the Shedd Aquarium, the Chicago Theatre and the famous Sears Tower attracting thousands of tourists a year it's no wonder that Chicago is drawing people in left and right. The third largest city in the United States is growing daily, opening the door to new opportunities for its visitors-and new housing challenges for its residents!

Whether you're going to be buying a house on Oakley Avenue or renting an apartment on North State Street, buying a homeowners insurance policy should be first on your list of things to do. (After you find the pillows, plates and silverware, of course!) Chicago might not be rich in fire, flood or famine, but you never know what's going to come in the big city. You want to make sure you're ready for whatever life decides to throw your way!

Unlike car insurance, there's no law in Illinois that says you can't live there without purchasing an Illinois homeowners insurance policy. That doesn't mean it's not a good idea-or that your landlord or lender isn't going to refuse to sign the paperwork until you do! Homeowners insurance is much more than just another strain on your annual budget. It protects your home from theft, fire, water damage and drunken tourists who forget that driving down the sidewalks in Chicago only works in the movies, which means it's something you should never be without!

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Most Illinois homeowners insurance policies don't include protection against: · Intentional damages, such as arson. · Damages caused by wear, tear and old age. · Natural disasters, such as earthquakes or floods. (Additional coverage is available through other agencies if you feel this is necessary.) · Damages caused by the collapse of an underground mine, sewer back-up or sump pump overflow.

re's the 411 on what you need to know about buying homeowners insurance in the Windy City:

· Never buy anything without knowing where to go for information-in this case, the Illinois Department of Insurance. They can answer your questions about insuring your home (whether it's yours, the bank's or your landlord's) and point you toward reputable companies that can offer you the best coverage available on the market.

· If you're working with a Chicago insurance agent, take the time to check out their licensing status through the Division of Insurance's Insurance Producer History. It's sad but true that insurance fraud is the oldest one in the book. The Illinois D.O.I. has given you the resources you need to check up on your agent quickly and easily without having to hire a private detective to make sure they're on the level. Take advantage of it and play detective yourself before handing over a penny.

· Don't be afraid to shop around! Your first offer usually isn't your best, so take the time to check out all of your options before signing on the dotted line.

· Make sure you understand what they're trying to sell you. Hundreds of customers have found themselves left holding the bill because their insurance agent used too much insurance-ese and not enough English when they were selling them their policy, leaving the homeowner clueless about what their policy actually covered.

· Along with standard liability coverage your Illinois homeowners insurance policy should protect your property and personal belongings from theft, water damage, fire damage, windstorm damage and other natural perils-at a minimum. You're also going to want to ask them about the possibility of covering additional living expenses (things like a hotel room and restaurant meals) while your home is being repaired.

There's no place like Chicago-and nothing like trying to find another place to live after yours has been damaged! Make sure your home is covered by the Illinois homeowners insurance policy it deserves!