One of the best additions you can make to your home is a carport or garage. They will protect your vehicles and give you additional storage space. If you know you want to add one but aren’t sure which, use these differences to help you make a decision. 

1. Enclosed or Not

One of the biggest differences between a carport and a garage is the walls and doors. A carport is usually just a shelter attached to the house, or it can be freestanding, and you park your car beneath it. Some carports have a built-in room, but it’s open, and you can’t close it like a garage. A garage will have all sides enclosed with a door. 

2. Cost

Another significant difference between the two is the cost. Because the carport is smaller and doesn’t have walls on all sides, it is usually cheaper to build. A garage will be a more expensive project, but if you want a fully secure area, you’ll want to go with the garage. It’s important to note that a carport can be built much quicker and has fewer code regulations than a garage. 

3. Storage

If you’re looking for a place to store just your car and nothing else, you only need a carport. However, with a garage, you can take advantage of the walls in the space and use it for storage for your things that belong outside and recreational items that aren’t usually kept in the house. Garages can also be a part of your security system, whereas a carport can only be managed by a camera. 

If you’re in the Waldron, AR, area and looking for a new home insurance policy, contact us at The Owens Agency LLC today for more information on a personal quote. 

Deciding to have your basement finished may require purchasing more home insurance coverage. Review some adjustments that will protect your basement and its personal property. 

Liability Protection

If the basement project is going to take a while to complete, there is a risk of damage or injury occurring while the project is underway. Liability protection will cover you against mishaps that take place on your property.

For instance, if someone falls and gets injured, the liability protection will cover costs associated with the injury. If you are hiring a contractor to finish your basement, make sure that they have adequate insurance coverage before the project begins.

Personal Property

Finishing your basement will likely mean that you will be moving quite a bit of personal property into the modified living space. For this reason, you may want to insure the items that will be stored in the basement. Personal property protection will cover items that could potentially be damaged or stolen. 

Structural Components

It is wise to keep track of the structural materials you will acquire for the basement renovation. If the materials are susceptible to weather damage, they should be equipped with adequate insurance protection.

Keeping a list of each item you buy for the basement upgrade will help you determine the coverage needed for all the new materials. 

Additional Information About Insurance Products

At The Owens Agency LLC, our agents offer many home insurance products. Consult with one of our agents who serves the Waldron, AR, region. They will recommend upgraded insurance products that protect your basement during and after the renovation project.

Understanding the Intricacies of Jewelry Coverage under Homeowners Insurance

If you have valuable jewelry at home, it’s natural to question whether your homeowner’s insurance covers it. At The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, we’re happy to answer your queries regarding coverage under your homeowner’s insurance. Here’s what you need to know.

Homeowners Insurance and Your Jewelry

Most homeowners insurance policies cover jewelry, but there’s usually a limit to the amount they’ll pay for it. If you own an expensive item of jewelry or several high-priced pieces, your regular homeowner’s insurance policy may not provide enough coverage for these items in case of a loss.

How to Maximize Your Coverage

If you own expensive pieces that need to be insured, you have several options:

• Increase the coverage of your homeowner’s insurance policy: Speak with your insurance agent to see if you can add additional coverage specifically for your jewelry.
• Get a personal articles floater: This is a separate policy that provides additional coverage for high-value items such as jewelry.
• Get jewelry insurance: This is a specialized insurance providing coverage specifically for jewelry. If you have several expensive pieces, jewelry insurance may be the best way to safeguard them.

At The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR, we’re happy to guide you on how your homeowner’s insurance policy protects your valuable items. Reach out today for more information.

Getting a mortgage is an arduous process. If it’s not one complication, it’s another. But did you know buying a home insurance policy from our agents at The Owens Agency LLC in Waldron, AR before you start your home search can help? Here are three ways home insurance makes it easier for you to get a mortgage:

• It helps you qualify for your mortgage. Lenders require borrowers to have home insurance before they approve the loan. Having home insurance already in place can avoid any delays in the approval process. 
• It lowers your mortgage interest rate. Lenders think borrowers without home insurance are risky, so they charge higher interest rates to offset this risk. When you come into the process with home insurance in hand, it gives the lender the impression you’re a responsible borrower. Having home insurance in place also helps you avoid paying for lender-placed insurance. This is a type of insurance your lender gets for you when you don’t have a policy. Lender-placed insurance is more expensive and less comprehensive than home insurance.
• Home insurance protects both your investment and your lender’s interest in the property. If your home is damaged by fire, wind, or theft, home insurance pays to repair or replace it and your belongings. This saves you from defaulting on your mortgage or owing more than your house is worth. It also protects the lender from losing money if they have to foreclose on your home.

Home insurance makes it easier to get a mortgage because it provides tangible proof of your dedication to the homebuying process. Contact our talented and knowledgeable agents at The Owens Agency LLC today for more information, or visit our website to learn more about what we can do for you.

Selecting the right home insurance can be a challenge. However, you can count on The Owens Agency LLC experts to provide the Waldron, AR residents with quality policy options that meet their needs. Contact us today to find out how we can help match you with how to quit coverage to protect you from risk.

Choosing Home Insurance

Choosing home insurance is much easier when you have a professional insurance agent to assist you. Our team of professionals is highly knowledgeable and knows how to gather the detailed information necessary to present you with policy options that match your current and Future needs.

We aim to provide complete coverage without gaps that can cause potential losses. We sit with each customer to gather detailed information about their coverage needs. Once we obtain the information necessary to make recommendations, we will explain the terms and conditions of each policy to help ensure the customer makes the best decision.

Once a policy is chosen, we will assist with documentation and information submission to acquire the policy quickly. We will also assist with any changes to the policy during its lifetime. If there’s a claim, we can also help with the process to expedite things so that you can get back to normal.

Find Out More 

At The Owens Agency LLC, we are committed to assisting the residents of the Waldron, AR area by selecting top-quality insurance products that offer protection and flexibility. If you would like to learn more about policy options that work best for your specific needs, please call or stop by our office to schedule a consultation with one of our insurance agents.

Owning a home in the Waldron, AR area can be a great idea. When you buy a home, it will be very important that you get the right insurance. For most property owners, this means getting a home insurance plan. There are various situations when having a home insurance policy would make sense. 

Those with Mortgages need Coverage.

A situation when someone in this part of Arkansas needs home insurance is if they have taken out a mortgage. As homes can be expensive, many people who purchase a home will take out a loan and mortgage. When you do this, you need to have home insurance to comply with mortgage documents and requirements. Carrying this insurance will help keep you in good standing. 

When Looking for Financial Protection

Even if you are not required to carry home insurance, getting this coverage is still a good idea. Home insurance is a significant investment when looking for financial protection. This type of insurance can provide financial resources if you need to repair or replace the home after a covered calamity. Further, it will provide you with liability coverage that will offer support if you are named liable for an accident on your property. 

Getting home insurance when you are in the Waldron, AR area is always a good idea. Calling our professionals at The Owens Agency LLC is a great option when looking for this coverage. Our professionals at The Owens Agency LLC know the value of this coverage as well as all of the unique features it can provide. You can receive support to build a new plan when you call us. 

An outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the summer months in your backyard. But if you’re like most homeowners, you’re probably wondering: Does my home insurance cover my outdoor kitchen?

What Is Covered by Home Insurance? 

Your home insurance policy will cover any damage or loss caused to your outdoor kitchen due to events such as fire, theft, vandalism, windstorms, lightning, and other natural disasters. Depending on the extent of the damage, your coverage may be limited or excluded for specific events. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your policy and understand what is and isn’t covered. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Outdoor Kitchen Appliances? 

Yes! Your home insurance policy will likely cover any appliances permanently installed in your outdoor kitchen. This includes gas grills, refrigerators, range hoods, and ventilation systems. However, you should check with your insurer to ensure that these items are included in your policy before making any significant purchases. 

Does Home Insurance Cover Portable Appliances Used Outdoors? 

No! Your home insurance policy does not typically cover portable appliances used outdoors, such as propane tanks or portable grills. If you use these items often in your outdoor kitchen setup, it might be wise to invest in additional coverage for them in case they are damaged or lost due to a covered incident. 

In addition to providing coverage for your outdoor kitchen setup, The Owens Agency LLC can offer additional protection for liability claims related to using this area of your property. This could include protection against injury or property damage claims resulting from accidents on or near the premises of your outdoor kitchen setup.  

To learn more about how The Owens Agency LLC can help protect all aspects of owning a home in Arizona—including an outdoor kitchen—contact us today for a free quote!

If you’re a pet owner in Waldron, AR, The Owens Agency LLC knows they can be like family members. And just like any other family member, you want to ensure they’re safe and taken care of. So taking simple precautions to protect your pet and home is essential.

While home insurance can provide peace of mind in certain types of accidents, preventing damage can save you time and money. Here are some tips for avoiding unwelcome surprises:

1. Provide Proper Training

Train your pet to obey basic commands and avoid furniture, carpeting, and other belongings. This will help prevent damage caused by chewing or scratching.

2. Keep Doors and Windows Secure

Ensure all windows are closed securely when you’re not home, and keep doors locked. This will help prevent unexpected visitors while you’re away.

3. Install Fences and Gates

Depending on the size of your pet, it may be a good idea to install fences and gates around your property. This will keep them securely enclosed and reduce the risk of damaging your home or belongings.

4. Keep Your Home Clean

Regularly vacuum, dust, and clean your home to prevent the buildup of pet hair and dander. This will reduce the risk of allergies and health issues caused by poor indoor air quality.

5. Schedule Vet Visits

Keep up with regular vet visits, so your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. This will reduce the risk of any illnesses or diseases that could be hazardous to your pet and home.

Owens Agency LLC wants you to enjoy your pet without worrying about potential risks. Following these tips will help you keep your home and pet safe. Contact us today for more information on home insurance for pet owners in Waldron, AR.

A house fire can damage a home and belongings and, more importantly, create extreme danger for people and pets. Here are some fire prevention tips for your home, courtesy of The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR.

Install smoke detectors

No matter how large or small, every home should have adequate and adequately positioned smoke detectors. There should be a smoke detector on each level of the home, including one in or outside each bedroom. Also, it is essential to check and replace smoke detector batteries often. Test them at least monthly.

Limit or eliminate sources of fires

It is also important to limit or eliminate sources of fires, such as candles, fireplaces, and cigarette smoking. Never leave a candle or fireplace fire unattended; keep each fireplace adequately cleaned and maintained.

Be careful in the kitchen.

The kitchen is a common source of a house fire. Be extra cautious while cooking on the stove and in the oven. Never leave a stove or oven unattended when it is on because a fire could start, and no one would be there to notice it immediately.

Check electrical connections

Another common source of home fires is electrical wiring, such as worn electrical cords. Closely check electrical cords, plugs, and so on. Discontinue using any electrical item that is having any problem. Also, never overload an electrical outlet with too many items.

Have a fire escape plan that you practice with everyone in your household. If a fire does occur in your home, leave home immediately, do not go back inside the house, and call for help.

There are many other ways to prevent home fires, but these tips are an excellent start. Contact The Owens Agency LLC, serving Waldron, AR for further information on keeping your home safe and protected.

Home insurance is one of the most important investments you can make as a homeowner. Unfortunate events do happen and insurance prepares you for the worst, particularly in the financial sense. Residents of Waldron, AR and the surrounding areas should be well informed on the benefits of home insurance and why it’s a smart financial move. The team at The Owens Agency LLC is here to help guide you through this process. 

Most lenders require home insurance as part of the mortgage contract you sign when purchasing a home. If you worked with a lender to secure a home loan, it’s very likely that they require insurance to protect the investment they’ve made in you.

But more than that, home insurance protects the most important asset in your life to date. A home is a huge responsibility and a massive financial investment. Failing to protect your home can lead to many different disastrous outcomes; the most common type being financial hardship or ruin. If disaster strikes and you’re without insurance, the out-of-pocket costs can be brutal to handle on your own. 

Insurance alleviates this headache by covering the majority of these costs. From natural disasters to dangerous weather, fire, theft, and more… home insurance is essential to protecting your home and your money, and to have peace of mind that if anything happens, you’re safe and your important asset is covered.  

If a new or updated policy sounds like something you need, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at The Owens Agency LLC. We’re proud to serve the residents of Waldron, AR as they navigate homeownership and we’re happy to help you find a policy that works for you and your family. Let’s talk!