Why the Rising Cost of Insurance Makes Trusting Your Agent More Crucial Than Ever
Why the Rising Cost of Insurance Makes Trusting Your Agent More Crucial Than Ever
It’s no secret that insurance prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years, but now more than ever, homeowners are feeling the pinch. In Texas, carriers have made significant changes, such as switching wind and hail deductibles to 2%, which effectively doubles the amount homeowners must pay out of pocket for these types of claims. Even with these adjustments, rates remain high, leaving many homeowners frustrated and searching for ways to lower their insurance costs.
What’s Driving Insurance Rates Up?
Several factors are contributing to the rising cost of insurance. Increased weather-related events like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding have led to higher claims, which in turn drives up premiums. Additionally, inflation and the rising cost of building materials have made it more expensive for insurers to cover repairs and replacements. Global economic shifts and the lingering effects of the pandemic have also had an impact, putting even more pressure on insurance carriers to raise rates.
Insurance Is for Catastrophic Loss
One thing many homeowners seem to forget is that insurance is designed to protect against catastrophic loss. It’s not for the everyday wear and tear that happens to a home, but for those rare, severe events that can devastate your property or finances. With all the noise surrounding rising premiums, it’s easy to lose sight of this. However, understanding the true purpose of insurance is key to ensuring you have the right coverage when you need it most.
The Danger of Cutting Coverage to Save Costs
Unfortunately, during times like these, some insurance agents take advantage of homeowners’ desire to save money. They might reduce coverage in ways that seem minor but can have devastating consequences in the event of a claim. We’ve seen instances where customers switch to what seems like a better rate, only to find their new policy has significant gaps—like switching from replacement cost coverage to actual cash value (ACV), removing water damage protection, or excluding roof coverage altogether.
These changes can leave homeowners with far less protection than they think they have, and with no two policies alike, comparing insurance quotes can be incredibly confusing. The lowest price isn't always the best deal if it leaves you exposed to costly out-of-pocket expenses later.
Why You Need an Agent You Can Trust
This is why it’s more important than ever to work with an agent you trust—someone who understands the complexities of home insurance and will take the time to explain the differences between policies. At Guidepoint Insurance, we’ve had customers come to us with quotes that seem lower on the surface, but after reviewing them, we find 9 out of 10 times there are critical coverage gaps that could cost them dearly in the event of a claim.
Our goal is to ensure you’re fully protected, not just today but in the long run. We don’t believe in cutting corners or taking away essential coverage just to save a few dollars now, only to leave you vulnerable later. As prices rise, having an agent you trust to guide you through these complex decisions is more important than ever.