Are Solar Panels Covered On My Homeowner’s Insurance?

It depends…Here’s how it works with Allstate in the state of Washington.

If you are looking at getting Solar Panels for your home, there are a few things that you need to think about first.

How you attach them to your home makes a big difference!

Attached

If the panels will be permanently attached to your home, then they would be covered under your dwelling coverage. If you are adding the solar panels after your policy has been written, make sure that you talk to your agent to increase the dwelling coverage.

Detached

If they are going to be standalone panels, such as set up in the yard, then they would be covered under the “other structures” coverage, such as your detached garage. Most policies include an automatic 10% of what the dwelling amount is for other structures. It’s a good idea to verify that you have enough coverage.

Portable

If you are going to have portable panels, those would be covered under your contents coverage, like your furniture and belongings.

If you are considering solar panels and want to make sure that you are covered correctly, please give us a call at Matt Elwood’s Allstate Agency at 360-452-9200. 

Important Things to Remember Before You Leave for Vacation…

The end of the school year is coming and everyone is ready for summer break. The weather is getting nicer and trips to the lake or coast are being planned. There are a few things that you should remember before you leave for that family vacation.

Don’t Advertise That You Will Be Out Of Town

Here are some ways to protect your home while you are away on vacation.

1. Contact the Post Office and the Peninsula Daily News, and put your services on hold. Having a full mailbox or a lot of papers on the porch is a sign to others that you’re an easy target!
2. Putting your household lamps on a timer is a great way to make it seem like you are home. Also, having motion sensitive lights on the porch and/or driveway is a great idea too.
3. If you trust a neighbor, let them know that you are going out of town and leave them your contact information and/or spare key, just in case. If there were to be a storm while you were away, your neighbor could check on the house and make sure everything was still in working order.

When You’re On The Road

The #1 thing that is important to remember while you are driving is to not leave valuables in the car.

Many people believe that their belongings are covered by car insurance, but that is not the case. The only coverage for your luggage or computer would be on your Homeowner’s Insurance, and that is still subject to your deductible.

Most policies offer coverage for road side assistance and towing. This can be priceless when you are stranded, or accidentally lock your keys in the car. This coverage is inexpensive and quick to add to your policy.

If you have any questions before your next trip, please give us a call anytime to discuss your policy or to get a quote!