Buying Your First Home? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Protecting Your First Home with the Right Insurance

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with new responsibilities. One of the most important steps in the process is making sure your investment is protected with the right homeowners insurance. At Sizemore Insurance, we help first-time buyers in North Carolina find the right coverage so they can move in with confidence.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A standard homeowners insurance policy provides financial protection against unexpected events. Here’s what’s typically covered:

1. Dwelling Coverage

Protects the structure of your home—including walls, roof, and built-in appliances—against damage from covered perils like fire, storms, and vandalism.

2. Personal Property Coverage

Covers your belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, if they are stolen or damaged due to a covered event.

3. Liability Protection

Helps cover legal expenses if someone is injured on your property and decides to file a claim against you.

4. Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

Covers temporary housing costs if your home becomes unlivable due to a covered event, such as a fire or severe storm.

How to Choose the Right Coverage for Your First Home

Every home is different, and your insurance should reflect your specific needs. Here’s what to consider when selecting a policy:

1. Understand Your Home’s Value

Your insurance coverage should be based on the cost to rebuild your home—not just the market price. This ensures you can fully restore your home in case of major damage.

2. Consider Additional Coverages

Standard policies don’t always cover flood or wind damage, which can be important for North Carolina homeowners, especially in coastal areas. Depending on your location, you may need separate wind & hail or flood insurance.

3. Choose the Right Deductible

A higher deductible can lower your premium but means paying more out of pocket in the event of a claim. We can help you determine the right balance based on your budget.

4. Look for Discounts

Many insurers offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, installing security systems, or maintaining a claims-free history.

Common Questions from First-Time Homebuyers

Do I Need Home Insurance Before Closing?

Yes, most mortgage lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before they finalize your loan. It’s best to secure a policy early in the homebuying process.

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost?

Costs vary based on location, home value, coverage levels, and risk factors. Our team will help you compare rates from multiple carriers to find the best option.

Is Flood Insurance Required?

If your home is in a designated flood zone, your mortgage lender may require separate flood insurance. Even if it’s not required, it’s worth considering, as flood damage isn’t covered under standard policies.

Get Expert Guidance and a Free Quote

At Sizemore Insurance, we make homeowners insurance simple. We work with multiple carriers to find the best coverage at the best price—so you can focus on enjoying your new home with peace of mind.

Call us at 910-791-1011
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Let’s find the right policy for your first home together!