Property insurance.
Even if you consider yourself responsible, it might not be something you give much thought to — a “set it and forget it” item. At one time, you probably went out and bought the coverage you THOUGHT you needed, likely based on an incomplete set of considerations. And we’re going to take a wild guess that you haven’t really given your property insurance much thought over the years that followed, pulling it out of your desk drawer only when you experienced a significant life event, such as moving up in the housing market, putting a new car in your garage or maybe preparing to hand the car keys to your son or daughter for the first time.
Unfortunately, without the proper insight or guidance, as your life has evolved, you might not be covered as thoroughly as you think. While you’ve been moving up the career ladder, maybe focusing on your family and adding to your net worth, there’s a strong chance you’ve also become increasingly underinsured without even knowing it.
“My agent is totally above board and has my best interests in mind,” you might say. This may very well be true, but it might not be enough. Agents don’t necessarily know all that much about home values or rebuilding costs, so you may still be underinsured and not find out until it’s too late. Do you really want to wait until a catastrophic event, such as a sewer disaster or fire, puts your property insurance coverage to the test?
Sounds foreboding, doesn’t it? But worry not! In our newest episode of A Place of Possibility™, we’re happy to introduce a guest who will demystify the world of property insurance and help you become a savvier insurance consumer. Brian Trouette, founder of Trouette Insurance Agency, LLC, not only has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of his industry, but we’re confident you’ll also find him thoroughly entertaining.
Yep, you read that right — Brian has an uncanny ability to impart his homeowner's insurance wisdom in a uniquely entertaining manner.
We’ll be talking about:
- How even the most well-intentioned property owners may find themselves drastically underinsured
- Some of the biggest mistakes that might jump off the page when a qualified professional reviews your insurance portfolio
- Why even high-profile insurance companies — including some household names — may have honorable intentions, but still, leave you with insufficient coverage
- What priority do insurance companies REALLY put front and center when designing their policies
And more!
Our goal with today’s episode is to give you a greater understanding of the property insurance landscape so that you’ll come away with the information you need to ask your insurance carrier the right questions, ultimately securing the coverage you really need. After all, this coverage is a key element in your “financial defense” as you move through life.
We look forward to giving you some valuable insight to help you become a well-informed and properly covered homeowner insurance consumer. We hope you’ll pass this episode on to your family, friends, and anyone else who might benefit from it.
P.S. Looking to meet with Richard or Angela at our office in Alamo, CA? Want to discuss more of what you heard in this episode? Wondering where the heck you need to get started or what all of this means for your retirement plans? Schedule a free 30-minute session and find the peace of mind you deserve for the rest of your life. You can also reach us by calling 925.736.6410 or sending an email to Info@APlaceOfPossibility.com.
“So, if you think about everything you know about property insurance, it’s probably from watching insurance advertisements with lizards and the lady who’s got this kind of weird relationship with a guy who likes her, but she’s trying to sell him insurance. You know, . . . Flo. And, it’s humorous, and there are songs, like ‘We are Farmers. Bump bump-bump bump bump bump bump’. But you’re not sold anything but a brand. So, they sell insurance like, like Budweiser sells beer.”
We’re proud to present you with our “Know Your Possibilities Guide,” a tool and free resource for you to take notes, review, keep on hand, or even share with your friends and family. So grab your copy, click the play button, and follow along. You’re just minutes away from discovering your next Place of Possibility.
A Glance at this Episode:
0:00 Introduction
2:55 To kick things off, Angela gives a brief overview of what we will discuss during this episode and the key elements you should be listening for to secure the homeowner's coverage you need.
5:06 Listen in as Brian talks about how and why property owners find themselves underinsured — often at the most inopportune time.
6:48 This is how most well-known property insurance carriers market themselves, and it’s part of the problem. Side note: We told you Brian was entertaining.
7:52 Here are some of the biggest mistakes Brian sees when reviewing his clients’ homeowner's insurance portfolios. You may be guilty of at least one of them.
8:28 Even though you might complete your property insurance carrier’s questionnaire accurately, underinsurance can still happen . . . if you don’t have the right knowledge.
11:19 You might think fire is the most common reason to file a property insurance claim, but it isn’t even in Brian’s top 3. Here’s why.
13:07 How do you know if you have adequate coverage on your house?
15:53 In the aftermath of a major fire or another widespread disaster, rebuilding prices skyrocket. Here’s why.
18:03 When a disaster occurs, and homeowners are underinsured, this is one reason they may not want to rebuild.
18:42 Did you know that policies are designed to protect the carrier in the event of a catastrophic loss event?
21:42 The California Fair Plan was designed to provide fire coverage when it’s unavailable from a traditional carrier, but it has shortcomings. Here’s what you need to know.
23:00 Some of the serious problems with homeowner's insurance could be solved by cooperation among stakeholders. Unfortunately, here’s why it isn’t ever likely to happen.
25:24 Richard and Angela discuss one situation that underscores the value of working with a qualified and motivated insurance broker.
26:53 Here are some questions you should ask to get the property insurance coverage you really want . . . and need.
29:29 The behavior of many insurance adjusters might lead you to believe that they’re compensated on how little she pays out.
30:42 Here’s why insurance carriers aren’t necessarily enthusiastic about their customers having informed representation.
31:19 Personal injury coverage is missing on many policies, and yet it’s becoming more essential than ever.
32:50 Start listening now to hear Brain’s strategy on using excess liability or umbrella coverage.
38:18 Lost your coverage and have questions? Here’s what Brian suggests you do.
40:25 Wondering about earthquake insurance? Let’s discuss this with our expert!
Here’s how to get in touch with today’s guest:
Brian Trouette
CEO
Trouette Insurance Agency, LLC
925-327-1020
Brian@Trouette.com
www.trouette.com
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Links/Resources Mentioned in this Episode:
- We have a new e-book, entitled “The Investment Answer” to offer you. Not only will its evidence-based approach make you a more educated investor, but it’s a nice, easy read. To get your copy, visit https://APlaceofPossibility.com/DMGInvestmentAnswerEbook.
- Ensure your family’s wealth will live on for generations to come. Order your copy of Endless Inheritance by Richard Del Monte today! https://aplaceofpossibility.com/endlessinheritance
- Ready to become a better investor? We’ve got the strategies you need. Download a FREE copy of our e-book, “Evidence-Based Investment Insights.” https://mailchi.mp/aplaceofpossibility/dmgevidencedbasedinsights
- Del Monte Group offers a variety of free resources to help you make innovative and educated financial decisions so that you can keep, grow, and enjoy your wealth starting now. Find them by visiting https://aplaceofpossibility.com/resources
“One-size-fits-all” won’t fit you here! The Del Monte Group team understands that everyone’s financial goals are unique. That’s why we always provide customized advice. No matter where you are in life, you can depend on our proven expertise to provide financial planning support for long-term success. Ready to get started? Schedule a meeting with Richard or Angela in our Alamo, CA based office today or we can meet via Zoom! >> You can select a date and time that works for you via our calendar, call us at 925.736.6410, or send an email to Info@APlaceOfPossibility.com. We can’t wait to help you!
