NJ classic car insurance

How To Find The True Replacement Value For Your Home


A misconception made by property owners is if they purchase insurance that equates to the value of their mortgage that it provides full coverage for a rebuild. This isn't the case. While the policies cover a large portion of these expenses, several factors play a role in accumulating the true cost. Property owners must take these factors into consideration when determining how much homeowners insurance NJ they should purchase.

Coverage for the Structure

When a disaster strikes, there is at least a fifty percent chance that the structure could become destroyed completely. When choosing a coverage value, the owner should acquire estimates for rebuilding the property if it is destroyed. They could acquire these estimates from contractors who are familiar with the requirements for restoring it. As they consider the total coverage value they should evaluate the potential replacement cost and the current mortgage value.

These estimates shouldn't include the value of the land. While it is possible for landscaping to become damaged, it won't present excessively high costs to replace. Any structures that are situated around the property should be included in the restoration process. However, what older structures won't present you with a high return from the insurance coverage. The replacement costs relate to the exact value of the structure at the time it was damaged.



What Factors Make Up the Replacement Cost

The total square footage of the property is the first consideration. Most contractors have a basic cost for properties based on their square footage. This could help them begin with a average cost of replacing the property.

Next, the floor plan and features inside the property play a role. For example, if the property has a fireplace, arched windows, or a higher than average number of bedrooms or bathrooms, this could increase the price. The initial cost is based on similar properties with these features and matching designs.

Custom Designs for the Property

Any fixtures of rooms in the property that were custom-built could affect the replacement price. When these areas are damaged extensively, the contractor cannot perform simple repairs to restore them. They must rebuild it based on rates for custom-built properties to include the desired features. When reviewing homeowners insurance NJ, it isn't likely that the standard coverage value for replacement will pay for these costs fully.

A true estimate for rebuilding your property helps determine the full-coverage value you need for insurance. As you review these estimates with a contractor, you can acquire a more adequate coverage value to protect your interests. When you are ready to buy homeowner's or classic car insurance NJ, contact Sanford Insurance in NJ for more information.