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How COVID-19 Impacts Homeowners Insurance

January 4, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in tremendous changes across the globe. From where we work, to the ways in which we socialize and, yes, even our homeowners insurance—our lives have been turned upside down over the past year.

Here’s how COVID-19 may be impacting your homeowners insurance:

Stay-at-home orders and social distancing

Americans are now spending more time at home than ever before due to stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and new business protocols. While it’s certainly nice having more time to spend with our families, having a full house for longer periods of time can lead to more wear and tear throughout the home.

As many of us have been working and learning remotely for the better part of a year, minor homeowners insurance claims have become more frequent due to increased usage around the home, while large claims have decreased as homeowners are detecting smaller issues before they become more damaging. Spending more time at home means you’re not just noticing when things start to go wrong, but you’re most likely preventing damages from occurring in the first place. Fewer break-ins and fires have been reported and there are bound to be less burst pipes this winter with homeowners keeping their thermostats up and water running.

On the other hand, companies are following new protocols in order to adhere to social distancing efforts and stay-at-home orders, which has caused delays in resolving claims. For some carriers, home visits are no longer applicable or are difficult to schedule due to state-wide guidelines. While virtual options are available with many carriers, not all policyholders have the technological means to successfully settle a claim virtually.

Coverage

Make sure to look over your homeowners insurance policy to confirm that you have appropriate and adequate coverage. Since working and learning from home, it’s possible that you now have more high-cost items in your house. From laptops, tablets, computers, and office equipment, you want to ensure it’s all covered if damaged.

Many people have thrown themselves into home improvement projects over the last several months, which is always an exciting (i.e. stressful) endeavor. In June of 2020, kitchen and bathroom renovations jumped 40%, and The Home Depot’s sales increased 23% in Q2 of 2020.  After you finish updating your home, check in with your insurance professional to make sure your replacement costs are accurate and to make any pricing or underwriting adjustments.

Liability coverage is also something to keep in mind these days. Whether you’re having clients over while you work from home, or hosting homeschooling pods while your child learns remotely, you may need to adjust your liability coverage in case a client or student were to get injured at your house.  

Cost

While COVID-19 may not be directly affecting homeowners insurance rates, the extreme spike in unemployment has greatly increased the number of families struggling to afford their housing and insurance coverage. 

In May of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the U.S. unemployment rate to skyrocket, reaching over 14%. With the highest unemployment rate since the Great Depression, many Americans haven’t been able to afford to pay for housing or their homeowners insurance policies. In July of 2020, about one-third of Americans weren’t able to make their full rent or mortgage payments. While relief plans have been made available, most of them only cover rent or mortgage payments and don’t include insurance premiums. Thankfully, many carriers recognize how this financial crisis is impacting homeowners across the country and are extending due dates, waiving late fees, and are willing to work with homeowners to establish flexible payment plans. 

The information, analyses, opinions and/or recommendations contained herein relating to the impact or the potential impact of coronavirus/COVID-19 on insurance coverage or any insurance policy is not a legal opinion, warranty or guarantee, and should not be relied upon as such. This communication is intended for informational use only. As insurance agents or brokers, we do not have the authority to render legal advice or to make coverage decisions, and you should submit all claims to your insurance carrier for evaluation. Given the on-going and constantly changing situation with respect to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic, this communication does not necessarily reflect the latest information regarding recently-enacted, pending or proposed legislation or guidance that could override, alter or otherwise affect existing insurance coverage.

Insurance products and services offered through McGriff Insurance Services, LLC, a subsidiary of TIH Insurance Holdings, LLC, are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may go down in value.

McGriff Insurance Services, LLC. CA License #0C64544