A homeowners policy is a smart, effective way to protect yourself and your assets.  By definition, a homeowner policy is written for an owner occupied dwelling.  Coverage is for the owner, typically the named insured.  There have been instances on Long Island when we find that the owner, the named insured, is deceased and no longer lives in the dwelling.  Sometimes a family member is living in the home, or the home is vacant.  This usually happens when parents become older and pass on. Often a relative moves in, or the children are cleaning out the home preparing it for sale.  More often then not, the local Long Island agent, is not notified of the change.

This can be a very costly mistake.   A homeowner policy must have the owner living and occupying the home for there to be coverage in the event of a claim.  If the owner is deceased and a relative now lives in the home, or the home is vacant and for sale, there is no coverage on that home.  The homeowner policy must be rewritten to either a Dwelling fire policy, or a vacant Dwelling for sale.  The policy cannot remain as a homeowner policy.

As changes occur in your life, it is always a good idea to call your agent, Newbrook Insurance Agency, in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island New York, to advise you and review your coverages.