Matthews Resident's Guide to Home Insurance

As a Matthews resident, your home insurance needs depend on your property type, location within the area, and personal situation. Whether you own your home, rent, live in a condo, or are a landlord, having the right coverage protects your investment and provides peace of mind.

Property insurance is defined by what you own. If you're renting and need to protect your belongings, you need renters insurance. Condo owners need condo insurance for shared-wall properties. Homeowners need homeowner's insurance for houses they live in, while landlords need landlord insurance for rental properties.

Your home insurance typically covers damage to your dwelling from covered perils like fire, windstorms, hail, and theft. Personal property coverage protects your belongings, while liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property.

Additional living expenses coverage pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. This can be especially valuable given Matthews' location in an area that occasionally experiences severe weather events that might require temporary relocation.

Your dwelling coverage should reflect the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. This replacement cost can be higher or lower than what you paid, depending on construction costs and local building requirements. Your agent should help calculate this accurately.

Personal property coverage typically ranges from 50-75% of your dwelling coverage, but you might need more if you have expensive electronics, jewelry, or collectibles. Consider whether you want replacement cost or actual cash value coverage for your belongings.

Ask about deductibles and how they work for different types of claims. Understand what's excluded from your policy and whether you need additional coverage for things like floods or earthquakes. Find out about discounts for security systems, multiple policies, or home improvements.

Also inquire about the claims process and how long resolution typically takes. Understanding your carrier's reputation for handling claims fairly and promptly can save you stress during an already difficult time.

Matthews' well-established neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere typically result in lower crime rates, which can translate to more favorable home insurance premiums. The area's mature trees provide natural beauty but may require additional consideration for wind and storm damage coverage.

Being part of the Charlotte Metro Area means access to excellent emergency services and infrastructure, but your proximity to urban areas and typical commute patterns should factor into your liability coverage decisions. Matthews homeowners often benefit from competitive rates due to the area's overall stability and community character.

Ready to protect your Matthews home with the right insurance coverage? Pentagon Group Insurance's property specialists understand the local housing market and typical risks Matthews homeowners face. Call us at (980) 202-2886 to discuss coverage options that make sense for your specific property and situation.