Homeowners in Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Oklahoma are well aware of the damage that hail storms can wreak upon roofing materials. In Texas, it is estimated that about 40 percent of insurance claims from homeowners are due to hail damage. Large hail, the size of golf balls and baseballs, cause heavy damage during Colorado storms, and the largest hail stone on record landed in Kansas, measuring over 6 inches in diameter. Insurance companies have paid billions of dollars out for hail damage alone, so the development of impact resistant roofing materials is very welcome.

Successful intensive material testing by State Farm and Underwriter’s Laboratories, since 1966, has identified several types of roofing materials that withstood steel ball testing for impact resistance. Use of these materials is one way to reduce policy rates for homeowners insurance. Some roofing materials, like slate, are almost indestructible. Some new homes are using metal shingles that are fire-resistant and lightweight. Fiberglass shingles are more durable than traditional asphalt shingles. Wood shingles or shakes may have a higher risk for fire damage than other materials. Tile is attractive and durable, but it may present a weight problem for the building structure.

Just like in an old fairy tale, the house made from bricks will be stronger and less prone to weather damage than one made from wood. Homeowners insurance policy rates will vary by many factors, including geographic area, weather history and damage statistics. Home building materials are another factor that will impact your policy rate. This is an area of concern for those who are buying a new home, an existing home or beginning a remodel project. Bring the facts about your building materials in with you when you consult with your insurance agent, before making any commitments to determine what impact building materials will have on your policy rate.

A general home insurance policy is not necessarily the best one for all homeowners. When purchasing home insurance, it is best to look for a tailored home insurance policy that meets the individual needs of the homeowner. Think about it: Someone that owns a multi-million-dollar home will definitely have different needs than the first time starter home buyer. The contents alone will be significantly different and so will coverage needs.

The elements of basic home insurance policies may look sufficient, but take time with your professional agent to work up an individual, tailored home insurance policy that meets your specific needs. Every homeowner is different, with unique needs for insurance. Someone that runs a business from their home will want to have extra coverage, such as professional liability insurance. Another person may have a large family, and so they will want to include provisions in their home insurance to assure full replacement should some disaster ruin the home.

There are many different situations that can be individually dealt with by an insurer. A homeowner may need extra liability insurance if the property includes a potentially hazardous element, such as a swimming pool. For others, home and property becomes a major portion of their final estate. Without proper insurance coverage and accurate valuation of the home and contents, the estate value may be less if damage or destruction occurs to the home.

A tailored approach is always the best way to get the right home insurance that meets the expectations of the homeowner. Adjust deductibles higher or lower to achieve a premium cost that is acceptable, but do not fail to obtain exactly the right coverage. A general policy may be just a beginning; ask your agent to explain all the other insurance options, discounts and types of home insurance that are available for your individual situation.