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What does your homeowners insurance cover and how are the premium
costs determined? Are you covered if your siding blows off or if
your basement floods? Do you need to pay extra for coverage for
your jewelry? For many Maryland homeowners, these questions are
not easily answered by a simple review of their homeowners policies.
The state legislature created the People=s Insurance Counsel Division
of the Attorney General's Office to represent consumer interests
when insurance companies revise homeowner insurance rates and to
voice consumer concerns before the legislature. We review complaints
filed with the Maryland Insurance Administration and help consumers
understand the complaint resolution process. You may also file
a complaint with the Division, and the Division will assist you
in forwarding your complaint to the Maryland Insurance Administration
for action.
Information Services
The Division produces educational materials to assist consumers
in understanding their homeowners insurance policies and what
they cover. The Division can also provide speakers for your
community
association or organization. For more information, visit the
Division's Web page at www.oag.state.md.us. You may download
our complaint
form there also.
Contact Us
For more information, call 410-576-6432 or email us at PIC@oag.state.md.us.
Tips for Homeowners
- Read your entire homeowners
insurance policy. Know your responsibilities under the policy.
Failure to comply with your responsibilities
may affect a claim payment or jeopardize the continuation
of your coverage.
- Talk
to your insurance agent or a company representative about what
is included and what is not included in your
coverage. Ask about endorsements providing additional coverages
that
you may
desire.
- Keep
your home in good repair and well maintained. Install and maintain
smoke alarms. Know the location of your
water shut off
valve and contact information for a plumber. Insurance
companies do inspect properties periodically and will
cancel or refuse
to renew your policy if your home is in disrepair.
- Your
insurance company may cancel or refuse to renew your coverage
if you have made claims on your policy.
For weather-related
claims, your company may not cancel or refuse to renew
your coverage
unless you have three or more claims in a three year
period.
- Filing
a claim may result in a premium increase from loss of a discount
or through application of a surcharge.
Ask
your agent
for details on possible changes to your premium following
a claim.
- The
standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. If flooding
is a concern, talk to
your insurance
agent about
obtaining flood insurance through the federal program.
Maryland
Attorney General’s Office
People’s
Insurance Counsel Division
200
St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland, 21202
410-576-6432
1 (888) 743-0023
email: PIC@oag.state.md.us
Click
here for a Printable Brochure (PDF)
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