Rate.com: 8 Insurance Mistakes to Avoid Before Disaster Strikes

Rate.com has compiled a list of the top eight tips they recommend for homeowners when buying insurance to ensure they are covered when disaster strikes.

COO of the leading independent damage appraisal firm Property Damage Appraisers, Vince Vettese, highlights the importance of speaking to an actual person when purchasing homeowners insurance and advises readers to have someone walk them through the policy to ensure they are aware of what is covered and what’s excluded.

With over 650 local appraisers in over 250 offices around the country, Property Damage Appraisers completes over 420,000 damage estimates a year. Backed by that kind of expertise, Vettese recommends that homeowners understand the personal property coverage and rebuilding cost coverage.

“Especially in catastrophe-prone areas, a lot of companies just don’t include disaster-related endorsements,” says Vettese. “You need to be educated on what you need and don’t need. The person you’re talking to on the phone will walk you through the policy.”