IN McKeesport Spring 2016 | Page 20

SPECIAL SECTION: INSURANCE Insurance acts as a safety net for life’s unexpected turns. Although the type of insurance you have and the amount of money you are putting toward insurance vary with age, income and lifestyle, among other things, it is important to be educated on insurance and to be covered. The level of protection provided by insurance depends on the amount you put toward your policy, and determining the right policy for your specific situation is key. The most common types of insurance include home, auto, and life. If you only choose three types of insurance to have, these are the top choices to cover what could be most devastating to you and/or your loved ones. It is important to first understand some standard insurance terms: • Premium – cost of the coverage provided by an insurance plan • Deductible – amount of money owed before insurance begins to pay • Rider – additional benefits/options added to an insurance policy • Underwriting – review process of application by the insurance company to determine final price, based on risk to the insurance company Homeowners Insurance If you own a home, or are in the market to buy your first house, homeowners insurance is an important policy to acquire. Although homeowners insurance is not required by law, many mortgage lenders require it in order to borrow money for a home loan. Homeowners insurance typically covers any damage done to your house or injuries to individuals that happen on your property. This insurance covers structural issues, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expense incurred if temporarily removed from your home due to fire or other significant disaster. Damage caused by natural disasters such as