Is Your She Shed Properly Insured?
July 14, 2020
Let the Stress Melt Away Knowing You Are Properly Insured
The age of extra space is upon us – while having in-home oasis will never go out of style, giving yourself some extra space outside of the house is now all the rage. Barns are a great storage room, but the average homeowner won’t need all that space, nor the desire to maintain an additional home-sized structure, so we turn to the shed. Stylish, compact, and the perfect place to retreat without leaving your property. “She sheds” in particular are growing in popularity as a respite space for escaping the chaos of a family home.
But for everything that your she shed gives you, are you giving it the same care back? When bad weather or other misfortune hits your property, will your favorite idyll be covered? Let’s take a look at the steps that you can take to properly insure your she shed.
The most effective step you can take in assuring that your she shed is covered by your homeowner’s policy is to document it. This is especially true of new constructions. While most municipalities have specific requirements for building permits that small structures may not meet, getting a building permit in order to build your new shed is the first vital step. From that permit you can then better report the structure to your insurance agent.
Most homeowner’s policies will include coverage for “other structures” which covers all buildings on your property that are detached from your home – this can include sheds, detached garages, floating porches, and gazebos. In many instances, the other structures clause will cover all of your additional structures for ten percent of your total homeowner’s policy. Meaning that if you have a $400,000 policy out on your home, all other structures can be claimed for up to $40,000 without any changes to your policy. As with most insurance structures, you can take out additional coverage on specific possessions, including your shed.
As with all considerations of a homeowner’s policy, individual items stored in your shed may not qualify for protections under your current policy. Things like linens, some pieces of furniture, and paper products are more susceptible to the elements than the traditional hardware stored in sheds (e.g. lawnmower, garden shears, weed-whacker...), making them less likely to be compensated for in the case of the loss of your she shed. If you invest highly in your furniture or other furnishings for your she shed, be sure to seek additional coverage.
In order to accurately gauge what kind of additional coverage you may want to take out on your home oasis you may also consider calling an appraiser out. While sheds can be hit or miss on adding value to your property as a whole, an appraiser will be able to quantify a value of one specific structure for you – providing you with accurate information to take to your insurance agent.
Your she shed is your space to relax completely – Take care of it like it takes care of you. Ensuring that your insurer is fully aware of exactly what your investment in the shed is will help them to know what kind of policy will best fit covering your “other structures”, including the potential need for additional coverage. If you’re ready to explore your coverage options, give us a call at 607.734.8799.
When it comes to insurance, it’s tempting to shop around for the lowest price — after all, who doesn’t want to save a few dollars each month? But insurance isn’t like buying a gallon of gas or a cup of coffee. The cheapest policy might save you a little upfront, but it can cost you much more in the long run. Coverage limits, exclusions, and customer service vary greatly from one company to another, and a bargain policy may leave you uncovered when you need it most. A good insurance policy should give you peace of mind, not just a smaller bill. That means choosing a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs — your home, your car, your lifestyle, and your risks. A knowledgeable local agent can help you understand what’s included (and what’s not) so you don’t find out the hard way after a claim. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to make sure you’re properly protected, not just “barely covered.” Another key difference between cheap insurance and the right insurance is service. When something goes wrong — whether it’s a fender bender or storm damage to your home — you want a team that answers the phone, knows your name, and helps you through every step. As an independent agency, we work with multiple carriers to find the right fit for your budget and your coverage needs. We’re also your advocate when it’s time to file a claim, not just a voice on the other end of a 1-800 number. At the end of the day, buying insurance isn’t about finding the lowest price — it’s about finding the right protection and a trusted partner. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business who’s here to help you make confident, informed decisions so you’re covered when it matters most.
When it comes to protecting your home, car, or business, the coverage you choose is important—but so is the person behind it. Buying insurance locally isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building a relationship with someone who truly understands your needs. At Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business, and here’s why choosing a local agent matters. 1. Personalized Service You Can Count On A local agent knows the community and the unique risks that come with it. At Wallin Insurance, we take the time to get to know our clients personally—understanding your lifestyle, your priorities, and your concerns—so we can recommend coverage that fits your life. When questions arise or claims need attention, you can call us directly and speak to someone who knows you, not just a faceless hotline. 2. Quick and Easy Claims Assistance When the unexpected happens, speed matters. Our local agents guide you through the claims process quickly and efficiently, helping you get back on your feet without unnecessary stress. Being right here in your community means we’re invested in helping our neighbors—our clients—every step of the way. 3. Support Local Businesses and Give Back Working with Wallin Insurance means supporting a local business that actively gives back. We proudly support a variety of charities, including delivering Meals on Wheels to community members in need. Choosing us isn’t just about insurance—it’s about contributing to a stronger, more caring community. 4. Tailored Advice You Can Trust We don’t just sell policies—we build relationships. At Wallin Insurance, we help you understand your options, identify discounts you may not know about, and make sure you have the right coverage for your specific situation. That personal guidance is something you won’t get from a big online insurer. 5. Peace of Mind Knowing there’s a friendly, familiar face to turn to when life throws the unexpected your way is invaluable. With Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business—someone who truly cares about protecting your home, family, and future. Final Thoughts Insurance is more than just a policy—it’s protection for what matters most. Choosing Wallin Insurance means personalized service, faster claims help, and the confidence of working with someone who genuinely cares about you and our community. And remember, with Wallin Insurance, you’ve got a friend in the business.
Why You Should Bundle Your Home and Auto Insurance When it comes to protecting the things that matter most, like your home and your vehicle, having the right insurance coverage is key. But did you know that combining your home and auto policies with the same insurance company can provide significant benefits? Bundling is one of the easiest ways to save money and simplify your insurance experience, all while ensuring you have strong protection in place. One of the biggest advantages of bundling is the potential for cost savings. Many insurance companies offer discounts when you purchase multiple policies through them. These savings can add up quickly, making it a budget-friendly way to secure the coverage you need. Plus, it’s a smart financial move to maximize value without sacrificing quality protection. Bundling also adds convenience. Instead of juggling multiple policies, payments, and renewal dates with different companies or agents, everything is streamlined. This makes managing your coverage easier and less stressful, especially when it comes to filing a claim. With just one agency handling your policies, you’ll also have a single point of contact for questions or assistance, saving you time and frustration. Lastly, bundling can help ensure better coverage coordination. When one insurance agency oversees your insurance portfolio, they can identify gaps or overlaps in your protection. This holistic approach helps ensure that you’re fully covered in the event of an accident, natural disaster, or other unexpected event. At an independent insurance agency, we can compare multiple carriers to find the best bundling options for your unique needs, giving you peace of mind and the best possible value.
We Have a Mural to Prove It
Auto insurance companies are facing unprecedented rate increases due to inflation and the increasing cost of repairs. One of the most simple ways to assure your auto insurance rate is providing the best value is to take a defensive driving course - which is available to you online ! For residents of New York, the Improv Traffic School is currently offering their top-rated, fully-online defensive driving course for under $30, making it easier and more affordable than ever to both become a better driver, and save on auto insurance premiums. Some benefits of taking the course include: A guaranteed reduction of up to 10% on insurance rates - The certificate is recognized by all New York State auto insurance companies. Reduction in points on your license - For people with points attached to their driving record, the Defensive Driving Course can help eliminate those marks on your driving history. A fully online learning environment - The course can be completed from the comfort of your own home, with an instant awarding of your certificate upon completion. No final exam - Anxious test-takers, worry not. The Improv School’s course is content-oriented, making the focus more about taking in information than being able to reiterate the contents of the class. The course is designed to benefit you. If your defensive driving certificate is near its expiration date, now is the perfect time to renew without going out of your way. For folks who have previously completed a Defensive Driving Course, the Improv School also offers a 3 Year Renewal Course in order for you to retain your discount. If an online course does not sound like the right choice for you, there is a classroom-style Defensive Driving Course for your consideration. The classroom-based course offers all of the same benefits as the online equivalent, including the reduction of up to 10% on your insurance rates. Whether you’ve been seeking a way to lower your premiums, or simply desire to improve your driving habits, learning more about defensive driving strategies is a simple and efficient way to start.
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