Hammond Homeowners Insurance
(Find the right homeowners insurance policy for you.)
Hammond, Indiana is part of the Chicago metropolitan area. It’s the most populous city in Lake County, Indiana, with around 80,000 residents. Hammond homeowners need to protect their greatest asset—their homes. They can have peace of mind by purchasing a quality, affordable home insurance policy that covers their risks. A local independent insurance agent can help you shop for Hammond homeowners insurance. Independent agents aren’t tied to one carrier. They can obtain competitive quotes, answer your questions, and make sure you get the coverage that best fits your needs and budget.
Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Hammond, IN
Indiana is the 31st most expensive state for home insurance in the US, and the average cost of homeowners coverage in Hammond is lower than both the state and national averages. Lower property values in the city of Hammond probably contribute to the lower cost of insurance coverage.
- National average yearly premium: $1,173
- Indiana average yearly premium: $983
- Hammond average yearly premium: $716
Of course, your homeowners insurance premiums will be more or less than the average for your city. And you can still shop around for the best local rates. It’s important to know that your insurance premiums are calculated according to your exact coverage needs and the unique characteristics and risk factors of your home. The age, size, value, and materials used to build your home help insurance companies determine how much it would cost to replace it if it were severely damaged or destroyed.
Insurance companies also evaluate the crime rate and weather risks in your city, your claims history, and even your credit score to determine your home insurance premium. Many policyholders qualify for discounts if they bundle multiple insurance policies with the same insurance company. Consider bundling your car insurance or life insurance with your home insurance in order to get the best rates.
Burglary Rate in Hammond, IN
The home burglary rate in Hammond is quite high compared to the national average. If you live in a neighborhood with a high crime rate, you may pay more for homeowners insurance than other residents of your city.
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in the US: 4.69
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Indiana: 5.14
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Hammond: 6.75
If you do experience a break-in, a reliable homeowners insurance policy can help you get back on your feet quickly. It helps you pay for damage to your home, as well as repairing or replacing stolen or damaged possessions. It’s important to take precautions to protect your home from intruders. Always keep your home well-lit inside and out, and lock your doors even when you’re at home. Consider installing a home security system, too. Not only are burglar alarms the best deterrents for thieves, but having one may also earn you a discount on your Hammond homeowners policy.
Catastrophic Events in Indiana
Indiana experiences a variety of severe and damaging weather, from severe storms to tornadoes and floods. Severe storms can occur at any time of the year and are especially prevalent during the spring months. These storms often produce large hailstones, strong winds, lightning, flooding, and tornadoes. All of these severe weather events can quickly cause devastating and expensive property damage, and can even force you out of your home.
- Number of declared disasters in Indiana: 51
- Most common reasons for disasters in the state: Severe Storms and Floods
- Average number of tornadoes per year in Indiana: 24.6
- Average amount of property damage per year in Indiana: $1,003,810,000
- 1 in 15 insured homes has a claim each year
A reliable home insurance policy will help you repair or replace damaged property and get back on your feet quickly.
Liability Insurance for Hammond Homeowners
Homeowners insurance provides policyholders with liability insurance. It is designed to cover you for claims of negligence and lawsuits that you may face as a property owner. If someone is injured on your property or in your home, or if a member of your family injures a third party, you can expect to at least be required to reimburse the injured party for their related expenses. It’s also not unlikely that you could be sued for these kinds of incidents. If you are sued, the costs of defending yourself and compensating the injured party can be insurmountable.
Your liability insurance pays for the injured party’s medical expenses, as well as court costs, attorney fees, and any settlements or judgments levied against you. Without it, you may have nowhere to turn to protect your assets. If you have liability risks beyond what your home insurance policy can cover, talk to an independent agent about how an umbrella policy can supplement your other coverage, and offer extensive protection of your assets if you are sued.
Second Home and Vacation Home Insurance
Many Hammond residents own a vacation home, cottage, or rental property. Any type of second home needs insurance coverage, and homes that do not serve as a primary residence actually involve some additional risks. You may even find that your second home insurance is more costly than the coverage for your primary residence. Vacation homes are often left unoccupied and unattended for several months of the year. These homes are more susceptible to thefts, vandalism, break-ins, and property damage than homes that are occupied all year.
Vacant home insurance can help give you peace of mind in these situations. If you have a rental property, your risk for liability claims and lawsuits is higher. Landlord insurance is typically necessary if you own a second home that is occupied by tenants. An independent insurance agent in or near Hammond can help you find the best policies to cover all of your residential properties.
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent?
Independent insurance agents make it fast and easy to find the best policy to cover your Hammond home. Because they aren’t tied to a single insurance company, they can help you comparison shop for the best coverage and most affordable rates for your needs.
Find an agent in or near Hammond to start comparing customized home insurance quotes from an assortment of highly-rated insurers.
http://www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf
https://www.census.gov
http://www.city-data.com