Be it a house, condo or rental property, your home is probably your most valuable asset, both as an investment and your sanctuary. If your home and it's contents are damaged, your claim should be settled by someone who knows how important your assets are to you. Summit provides a valuable combination of tailored coverage, service and fair pricing to ensure your home and valuables are protected.

We also know your insurance needs change with time. So as you make improvements or add more valuables, Summit will review your policy to ensure you're always covered.

With all of the personal insurance needs we have, buying home insurance in Ohio is perhaps the most challenging, because of the policy differences between insurance companies and your choices to modify the policy. There are over 100 companies authorized to sell home insurance policies in Ohio, and they do NOT all include the same types of coverage. You need to ask questions and be informed....before you have a claim.

For instance, company A and B might both have $200,000 of coverage on the dwelling, but A includes "replacement cost", and B does not. Not only would company B's price be lower, but if you have a claim, you'll be less than satisfied with B, because you won't be compensated for the complete repair of your home. "Guaranteed" replacement cost is better than even replacement cost, because it assures that you can't have a claim to your home where you don't have enough coverage. This applies to the dwelling only, not personal property. Some replacement cost policies will have a factor of 120% or 130% of the dwelling amount listed in the policy, which is the maximum they will pay.

Similarly, the "trigger" for a covered claim varies. You need to know if your home and personal property is insured for "Special" perils, also known as "All risk", or the less expensive "Named perils". Special is the better of the two because anything that happens to your property would be a covered claim, unless the cause of loss is specifically excluded in the contract. Named perils lists the perils (causes of loss) that would be covered. If it's not listed, your claim will be denied. Named perils include windstorm, hail, fire and many others, but again, special or all risks perils are preferred.

Certain perils are excluded in home policies, but can be bought back, for a price. Flood, earthquake, and damage caused by a sewer or drain backing up are the most common examples of this. Many people falsely believe that because they don't live in a flood zone, that they don't need flood insurance. Every home is in a flood zone, some are just more at risk than others. Flood policies are written through the National Flood Insurance Program. Earthquake coverage can also be purchased for additional premium. Homes constructed of brick are slightly higher to insure than houses that are made of wood. If you have a finished basement, you should consider sewer and drain backup coverage. Without this, if your sump pump stops working and water backs up and destroys furniture, drywall, etc. you won't have insurance money to repair this. This is just one example of how this coverage can apply.

You may have other items that need to be included on your Ohio home insurance policy. Everything from jewelry to baseball cards, antiques to golf clubs can be endorsed onto the policy. The benefit of insuring these items separately is that the value will be established up front and you'll have better coverage. The premium for jewelry is about 1% of the value insured, for instance, and other items vary.

If you have a detached garage, or other detached structure make certain that you understand how much coverage is included on that property. It's usually a percentage of the dwelling amount. If you have a claim, you could be forced out of your home for a period of time, and incur additional living expenses. The coverage known as Loss of Use pays these additional expenses. Some home insurance companies in Ohio impose a dollar limitation, while others do not. These that don't have a dollar limitation will usually limit recovery to one year.

Ohio home insurance pricing varies wildly because of many factors. Your claims history plays a big role in determining eligibility and pricing. Some home insurance companies in Ohio won't offer a policy with even one claim in the last 5 years. Others will take up to two claims in 5 years. Ohio homeowner insure is unlike auto insurance, where you have many options if you develop a poor driving record or have multiple claims. The State of Ohio has developed a program called the Ohio Fair Plan Underwriting Association. It provides coverage for homeowners who might not otherwise be offered protection. Generally, the coverage is limited and the premium is expensive, compared to what the Ohio home marketplace offers if you were eligible for it. Your insurance score is a big factor as well. This is not a credit score, but does contain elements of your credit history. All Ohio home insurance companies use proprietary models, and guard their information fiercely.

If you never have a claim, your home insurance doesn't matter. If you have a big claim, you may wish you opted for the broadest, and greatest amount of coverage you could buy. We point out not only what your policy will pay for, but, as importantly, what is not covered.

Discounts and Advantages

We'll help you find the company that will provide the best discounts and advantages for you.

• burglar alarm and newer home discounts
• claim free discount
• multi-policy discounts (home/auto/etc. with the same carrier)
• guarantee on repairs
• 24/7 claims service
• guarantee on repairs
• flexible payment options and discounts
• living expense if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a claim

Renter's Insurance

As a renter, you have special insurance needs that are not served with a traditional homeowner's policy. We can provide you with insurance protection for your furniture, appliances, clothing and other personal possessions.

While you may not be required to have renter's insurance, it's a good idea to have it. Your personal property includes things of value and importance whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, or single family home. Renter's insurance protects the physical contents inside your apartment against loss or damage and provides liability coverage. Be sure to check your rental agreement for insurance provisions. If you have any questions, please call our knowledgeable Summit team.

Condominium Owner's Insurance

As a condo owner, you have special insurance needs that are not served with a traditional homeowner's policy. We can provide you with insurance protection for your furniture, appliances, clothing and other personal possessions.

People who own townhouses and condos also need similar protection for the contents of their homes and for liability. Because townhouses and condos are shared structures, the coverage for damages to the physical structure and liability on the outdoor surroundings is usually covered by special insurance typically paid by the homeowners association. But because homeowner association bylaws and covenants often vary from one property to another, it is best to have your particular situation and insurance needs reviewed before making a purchase.

Storm Damage, Earthquake, Flood and Sewer Backup and more...

Need info on storm damage, earthquake, flood and sewer backup? Summit also offers volunteer coverage, arts and antiques coverage, home business insurance, broader home insurance and more.