House To Home Moving Blog

All industries have their specific terms. Here are a couple that you might hear from your local moving company.

Full Replacement Value Protection
A valuation program which does not incorporate depreciation as a factor in settling claims for loss or damage.

Gross weight
Weight of the van and its contents after your goods are loaded.

Inventory
The list itemizing the goods (and their condition) that you have released to the carrier.

Linehaul
The tariff transportation charge to move your shipment from point of origin to it’s final point of destination.

All industries have their specific terms. Here are a couple that you might hear from your local moving company.

Long Carry (Distance Carry)
A charge assessed when a shipment must be moved more than 75 feet from the rear of the moving van to the entrance of the residence.

Long Haul
A move that takes place over 450 miles. Long hauls are (generally) performed with tractor-trailers.

Net weight
Gross weight minus the tare weight. You are entitled to a copy of the scale ticket to verify your shipment’s actual net weight.

Operating Authority
Certification issued by a state or federal governmental entity authorizing a carrier to move household goods between designated geographical areas. A van line’s agent may also have its own separate “operating authority” issued by a state or federal governmental entity, to move shipments within a certain geographical area.

All industries have their specific terms. Here are a couple that you might hear from your local moving company.

Expedited Service
A program which, for an additional charge, allows a specific delivery date to be requested. If the date is not met, only standard charges apply.

Extra Stop (Extra Pickup or Delivery)
If a van operator is required to make an extra stop at either origin or destination (other than the main pickup or delivery points) an extra charge is assessed – the charge is determined by the tariff.

Flight Charge (Stair Carry)
An extra charge to compensate the carrier for the additional labor and time required to move a shipment up or down flights of stairs which lead to or from an origin or destination residence.

1. Mold: According to Bankrate, a standard homeowners insurance policy generally limits mold damage coverage or totally excludes it. ‘Some insurers offer an endorsement to expand coverage limits for mold claims but only if you are willing to pay more for your insurance.’ The Insurance Information Institute says the best way to deal with mold is to prevent it from growing in the first place — if you have any flooding or a leak, get rid of the moisture as quickly as possible.

2. Sewer backup: If a sewer backs up into a home, it can do some serious damage to floors, walls, furniture and electrical systems — and it’s typically not covered by a standard policy. If you’re worried this could be an issue, experts recommend you consider extra insurance that may be available as part of your current policy to cover sewer backups.

3. Sinkholes: According to Bankrate, “most home insurance policies will not cover damage associated with ‘earth movement,’ such as an earthquake or sinkhole.” The only exception is in Florida, where this type of coverage is required.

4. Floods: Too often, homeowners think their regular insurance policy will cover them in the event of a flood. They are stunned when they find out it doesn’t.

5. Construction work damage: If you are renovating your home, a standard homeowners insurance policy likely won’t cover any damage done to your house. Ask your provider about a separate policy to cover any potential damage. If you hire a contractor, make sure he/she is licensed for any liability.

6. Jewelry/fine art: Most standard policies have limits for how much they will cover if something happens to things like jewelry or other expensive collectibles. The best way to protect these items is to get a separate insurance rider that specifies exactly what these items are.

7. Termite infestation: The National Pest Management Association estimates termites cause $5 billion in damage in the U.S. each year — and it’s not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. Having a licensed pest control company inspect your home is the best way to avoid this problem.

8. Earthquakes: Earthquake damage is not included in standard policies.

9. Stolen/destroyed cash: It’s difficult to convince your insurance company that you had thousands of dollars stashed away in your home when it was destroyed.

10. Trampoline accidents: They’re considered too much of a risk, so you will likely need a separate policy to cover it.

11. Dog attacks: Some companies exclude breeds that are known to be aggressive. And if your dog has bitten someone before, even if he/she isn’t an “aggressive breed,” the dog may not be included in your policy. Check with your insurance provider to find out.

12. Pool accidents: According to the Insurance Information Institute, since a high amount of fatal drownings occur in residential pools, they increase your liability risk. Pools are ‘considered an ‘attractive nuisance’ and it may be advisable to purchase additional liability insurance.’ So while your current policy may include coverage for a pool, you need to check the details and make sure you are covered for the right amount.

Before we dive into what homeowners insurance covers, let’s address exactly what homeowners insurance is. Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that will protect you against damages to the physical structure of your home as well as any personal belongings inside of it. Homeowners insurance will also protect you against liability exposure in case someone is injured on your property during an incident. Your insurance company will assess your situation and provide you with the financial means necessary to get you back on your feet. However, the extent to which your insurance company covers the costs of your incident depends on your policy. Let’s take a look at what a typical homeowners insurance policy will cover.

A typical homeowners insurance policy will help you cover the following:

1. The structure of your home itself and any structure connected to it (i.e. garage or cellar)

2. Structures unattached to your home yet still on your property (i.e. shed, guest house, outdoor bar)

3. Personal belongings that were damaged inside the structures of your property such as furniture, electronics, or appliances

4. Loss of use, in other words, the additional housing and living expenses you will need if your home becomes uninhabitable from covered damages

5. Liability coverage in the event that a guest sustains an injury on your property from negligence or uncontrollable circumstances — this may exclude recreational items like pools or trampolines (financial reparations may go towards their medical bills, loss of income, or even a defense lawyer if legal action is taken against you). Check your policy for details.

Now that we’ve run through what a typical homeowners insurance policy covers, it’s important to note that these conditions are still subject to a limited number of perils. Check your own policy for details, but the perils commonly covered in a standard homeowners insurance policy include:

• Lightning

• Windstorms and hail

• Explosion

• Fire and smoke

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Falling objects

• Weight of ice, snow or sleet

• Water damage

It’s also important to note that there are some perils that will not be covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, including but not limited to, natural disasters, flooding, mold and fungus, or pest infestation. If you’re in an area that is susceptible to any of these risks, or you just want to be extra careful, you may want to add endorsements to your policy. Talk to your insurance company about what your options are and you’ll be well on your way to securing homeowners insurance that covers your needs!