What Every Homeowner Needs To Know About Insurance

Welcome back to the Your House Is Key blog, where we unlock the real conversations that help you buy smarter, sell smarter, and live with more confidence inside the home you worked so hard for.

Today’s post is inspired by one of the most eye opening podcast episodes I have recorded yet. I sat down with a true expert in the insurance world, Jean Mabry of One Digital. With over thirty two years of experience, she has protected thousands of families and revealed things that every homeowner needs to know but rarely ever hears.

Whether you already own a home, plan to buy soon, or you enjoy listening to the podcast each week just to stay prepared, this is a conversation you will not want to miss.

Let’s break it all down.

Most People Think They Are Covered. Most Are Not.

One of the first things Jean said was also the most important.

Homeowners look at the premium and the dwelling number and believe everything else is fine. But policies often have gaps, exclusions, or missing coverage that only show up when something goes wrong.

That part hit hard.

Because the truth is, if your first time understanding your policy is during a claim, it is already too late.

The real question is not what you pay.
The real question is what you are actually protected from.

This entire episode helps you understand the difference.

The One Policy That Every Homeowner Should Have

Jean and I spent some time talking about umbrella policies, and if you have never heard of one, this is the moment to lean in.

An umbrella policy covers your current assets and your future assets. It steps in when your home or auto policy reaches its limit. It protects you during lawsuits. It protects you when someone is hurt on your property. It is one of the most affordable ways to secure your financial future.

Jean shared a story of a young couple who bought an umbrella policy with their first home. A few years later, the husband was involved in a tragic accident where his best friend passed away. The friend’s family sued. Their auto policy only covered part of the settlement. The umbrella policy covered the rest along with two years of attorney fees.

That story stopped me.

It is real. It is heartbreaking. And it is a perfect example of why umbrella coverage is not optional. It is protection for your home, your livelihood, and your peace of mind.

Finished Basements And The Hidden Threat Most Policies Ignore

If you have a finished basement, you will want to read this twice.

Jean talked about hydrostatic pressure, which is when water builds up in the ground and forces itself through cracks behind walls or paneling. Most homeowners never know this is a risk. And most policies do not cover it.

Here is the shocking part.

Only two carriers offer hydrostatic pressure protection.
And One Digital represents both.

If you put money into your basement, this matters. Because one heavy storm can cost you tens of thousands of dollars if you do not have the right coverage in place.

This is why education matters. This is why the right agent matters. This is why you tune in to Your House Is Key.

Why Insurance Rates Are Rising And What It Means For You

Jean also broke down something every homeowner has been wondering.

Why are rates going up everywhere

Her answer was real, transparent, and eye opening. Insurance companies must file rates with the state. The state has to approve them. Rates are based on actual claims, actual losses, and actual numbers, not random changes.

Recent years have brought storms, fires, floods, and extreme weather in almost every part of the country. All of that affects the pool of money that pays out claims.

And yes, events in states like Florida and California eventually impact everyone, but not overnight. It takes time for those losses to filter into the overall system.

The key takeaway, insurance companies cannot stay in business if they are paying out more than they are taking in. The goal is not for companies to take advantage of consumers. The goal is stability, so claims can be paid when you need them.

Transparency like this is why homeowners keep coming back to the blog.

What Every First Time Buyer Should Do

Whether you are buying for the first time or moving into your next home, Jean shared one piece of advice that every homeowner should follow.

Build a relationship with a trusted agent.
Someone who educates you.
Someone who reviews your coverage every couple of years.
Someone who understands your lifestyle and your home.

Because your home will change. Your family may grow. You may remodel, add square footage, finish your basement, or upgrade your roof.

If your coverage does not grow with you, you may be underinsured when you need protection the most.

And as your realtor, this is exactly why I bring experts like Jean onto the podcast, to keep you informed and confident every step of the way.