Home Insurance and Chimneys

Posted on March 31, 2026March 24, 2026 by admin

You may not think about your chimney very often, especially because it is out of sight and rarely inspected. However, your chimney is an important part of your home’s structure, and damage can create safety hazards or lead to costly repairs. Understanding how home insurance applies to chimney damage can help you better protect your home.

At M and M Insurance Group, we can help you review and update your policy to make sure your coverage aligns with the risks your home faces. If you need home insurance in Chesterland, OH, contact us for a quote.

Insurance May Cover Chimney Damage

Most standard home insurance policies cover damage to your home’s structure when it is caused by a covered event. This can include chimney damage resulting from incidents such as a tree falling on your roof or a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. Some policies may also cover accidental chimney fires, as long as the fire was not caused by a lack of maintenance.

Limitations You Should Know About

Home insurance does not typically cover routine chimney maintenance or damage caused by wear and tear. Problems such as structural cracking, settling, or deterioration over time are generally excluded. Damage caused by creosote buildup is also not covered, especially if the buildup results in a fire. If your chimney becomes damaged during a wind event, but the root cause was inadequate maintenance, your insurer may not cover the full extent of the loss.

Set Up a Consultation With Our Team

At M and M Insurance Group, we can help you customize your home insurance in Chesterland, OH to ensure your coverage includes protection against chimney-related risks specific to your home. Contact us today to review your options and better protect your property.

How Often Should You Update Your Home Insurance Policy?

Posted on January 30, 2026January 13, 2026 by admin

Many insurance industry experts recommend updating your home insurance policy regularly. Yet you may not realize what this means or whether you need to involve your agent. Periodic reviews of your insurance coverage will keep your policy up to date and ensure your residence is protected as it deserves. The professionals at M & M Insurance Group, serving Chesterland, OH, can guide you through this process.

What Is an Insurance Review?

Reviewing your home insurance involves a thorough evaluation of your current policy to ensure it adequately protects your home, personal belongings, and financial situation. Doing so will help you identify coverage gaps, potential overpayments and possible discount opportunities. Your home insurance review has several key components that you can perform:

Check that dwelling and property limits are sufficient to cover losses
Compare rates from different carriers
Verify you have all possible discounts

While you can complete the first step on your own, you’ll need an insurance agent for the second and third steps. Giving your agent any updated information will ensure you have adequate protection and the best possible rate.

When To Update

You should review your coverage at least once annually, preferably a month or two before your current policy renews. This timing will allow you to analyze your current coverage and see how changes will affect your policy. However, some situations call for an immediate review of your coverage:

Substantial home renovations and additions
Acquiring valuable jewelry or artwork
Lifestyle changes, such as marriage, divorce, a new baby or adopting a child
Starting a home business
Adding a pool, hot tub or similar feature

Ensure that your home insurance meets your current needs by working with the professionals at M & M Insurance Group, serving Chesterland, OH. Contact our office today for an appointment.

Does Home Insurance Require You To Keep a Home Inventory?

Posted on December 31, 2025December 8, 2025 by admin

If you own a home, it’s important to have home insurance. Home insurance provides essential coverage that can help you rebuild or repair your home after a covered event occurs.

The professionals at M & M Insurance Group servicing Chesterland, OH, are here to help you find the best home insurance for your property. As an independent insurance agency, we work with many carriers to help homeowners compare and select coverage that’s right for them.

If you have home insurance, you may have considered making a home inventory. Understanding what a home inventory is and its benefits is crucial in the event of a claim.

What Is a Home Inventory?

A home inventory is a list of everything you own. Home inventories usually include information like purchase price, year of purchase, brand, and model number.

Some people use a spreadsheet to create their home inventory, while others download an app. If you don’t have a home inventory but want to make one quickly, you can also make a video of your home’s interior, focusing on items you own. Keep your home inventory in a secure location that’s easily accessible outside of your home, such as cloud storage, so you can get to it after a disaster.

Am I Required to Keep a Home Inventory?

Some homeowners are required by their home insurance company to keep a home inventory; others are not. Even if you’re not required to keep a home inventory, it’s still a good idea to make one.

What Are the Benefits of a Home Inventory?

Having a home inventory can make recovering after a disaster easier and faster. It’s hard to remember everything you own. Having a home inventory can help you replace items that you need if a disaster has destroyed your belongings.

Need Home Insurance? Contact Us

If you need home insurance or want to review your existing home policy, the professionals at M & M Insurance Group, servicing Chesterland, OH, are here to help. Call to speak with one of our knowledgeable insurance professionals.

Home Insurance Costs Could Be Impacted by Attractive Nuisances: What Are They?

Posted on July 31, 2025July 25, 2025 by admin

Creating a home that fits your lifestyle is always rewarding. However, as a property owner, you must ensure the safety of others who visit your property—even those who may enter without your permission. An attractive nuisance is a feature on your property that could entice others, especially children, into potentially dangerous situations.

At M & M Insurance Group, we can help you purchase home insurance in Chesterland, OH, that accounts for these nuisances and provides guidance on minimizing associated risks.

What Are Attractive Nuisances?

Attractive nuisances are visible features on your property that may tempt children or others to use them unsupervised. Common examples include:

Swimming pools
Trampolines
Playgrounds
Playsets
Abandoned or neglected structures
Construction sites

How Can Attractive Nuisances Impact Insurance Rates?

These features are critical factors in determining your home’s risk level. If you plan to add any of these features, it’s important to inform your insurance provider. Additionally, taking steps to minimize risks—such as installing fencing to restrict access—can help reduce liability.

Homes with attractive nuisances may have slightly higher insurance rates. However, demonstrating risk mitigation efforts, like secure fencing, can help keep rate increases manageable. Most importantly, you must notify your insurance company about these features to ensure proper coverage.

How We Can Help

At M & M Insurance Group, we provide hands-on support to help you protect your property. Contact us for home insurance in Chesterland, OH, that safeguards you financially from the risks associated with attractive nuisances.

Will Home Insurance Cover Preventive Tree Removal?

Posted on May 30, 2025May 28, 2025 by admin

Leaning trees can pose a significant liability. They can easily fall onto people or your property, causing thousands in damage to structures. It’s understandable that homeowners’ insurance companies in Chesterland, OH, would want you to remove them, but they don’t always pay for removal. There are a few things to consider.

Companies Vary

While some companies will pay for preventative maintenance, such as waterproofing a basement or tree removal, others consider it the homeowners’ responsibility. Many view preventive tree removal as a form of property maintenance, which is the homeowner’s responsibility. Speak with an agent at M & M Insurance Group to determine what’s covered. They can also provide helpful advice and tips for ensuring your family and home are safe.

Required Removal

Many insurance companies require removal because the tree can result in an insurance claim. They may also require that homeowners pay the removal cost. Refusing to remove the dangerous tree can result in the modification of the policy to exclude damage caused by the tree if it falls, or higher insurance rates.

Covered Damages

There are several instances in which a homeowner’s insurance policy will cover damages if the tree falls. Many policies will cover structural damage and the removal of fallen trees. However, they often require that the tree fall due to a covered peril. For example, if it falls due to a tornado, you would need tornado coverage to cover the damage.

Many insurance companies differ in their coverage and what is considered standard maintenance. Always speak with a professional at M & M Insurance Group about your specific situation to get personalized advice. Contact us today to learn what we cover. We’re currently serving the Chesterland, OH area.

Endorsements that increase your home insurance protection

Posted on February 28, 2025February 26, 2025 by admin

A home insurance policy includes basic types of coverage such as property, content, liability, and loss of use. These provide a broad range of protection but may not be sufficient for your specific needs. The use of endorsements or riders allows you to customize your home policy to fit your personal requirements. We will work with you at M & M Insurance Group in Chesterland, OH to ensure you have the coverage you need.

Windstorm Coverage

In some parts of the country, certain windstorm damages are not covered. Your policy may exclude tornadoes, hurricanes, or named storms. This rider will provide the protection you need to feel secure.

Sinkhole Coverage

Sinkholes are occurring more frequently across the country. While some areas seem more prone to sinkholes than others, if you feel that you are at risk, this endorsement will provide the coverage you require.

Sewer Backup

Most home insurance policies do not cover sewer backup, which is often considered owner neglect. However, there are instances when the backup is not related to any care you provide. By having this coverage, you protect yourself from the damage that such an event can cause.

Valuables Coverage

A standard home insurance policy covers most types of valuables, such as jewelry, art, or electronics, with limited coverage. The keyword is limited. You likely don’t have enough coverage if you have more than basic jewelry. Getting your jewelry appraised and then getting the correct amount of coverage is essential. Reading your policy so that you know the amount of coverage you have and whether it is adequate is crucial.

At M&M Insurance Group in Chesterland, OH, we are here to help you with your home coverage. Call our office or visit our website.

Points to Consider When Searching for Second or Vacation Home Insurance

Posted on December 31, 2024January 5, 2025 by admin

A vacation home or second home is a major investment that should be cared for properly. One thing that must be handled quickly is getting insurance on the property. Unlike your primary home, a second or vacation home requires a specialized policy that addresses the unique risks associated with intermittent or seasonal use. Understanding a few points about these policies can help you find the right policy for your property.

Coverage Options

Insurance for vacation homes typically includes dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and liability protection. Dwelling coverage helps pay for repairs or rebuilding if events like fires, lightning, or storms damage your home. M & M Insurance Group can discuss tailored policies that consider the specific risks of your property’s location.

Evaluating Risks and Location

The location of your vacation home significantly impacts your insurance rates and coverage. Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to hurricanes or floods, may require additional coverage. Factors like usage frequency, property type, and the presence of unique features like a pool or hot tub can also affect premiums.

Specialized Policies for Vacation Homes

Seasonal home insurance policies are designed for homes used occasionally. They often cover named perils such as fire, theft, vandalism, and water damage.

If you rent out your vacation home, you may need a more specialized policy. This coverage helps protect against liability and property damage when renters occupy your home.

Protecting Your Second Home

Contact M & M Insurance Group today to explore comprehensive coverage options for your second home in the greater Chesterland, Ohio, area.

How to Insure a Historic Home

Posted on September 30, 2024September 29, 2024 by admin

Insuring a historical house can be a complex process, as such homes are often either excluded from or denied home insurance coverage, mainly due to their age. Aged properties are notoriously prone to structural issues and require more comprehensive protection. If you’re a proud owner of a historic home in Chesterland, OH, and need insurance, you might want to consider a specialized policy. Our M & M Insurance Group experts recognize the deep-rooted sentiment connected to older homes and are here to assist you.

Step 1: Secure an Appraisal

The first step in insuring a historic property is to obtain a precise appraisal. Someone specializing in historic buildings must do the appraisal to ensure your home is insured for the right amount. The appraisal should cover both the house itself and the accompanying land. Historic homes often feature unique landscaping and outbuildings, and a home insurance policy should also cover these elements.

Step 2: Document Everything

Once you’ve ascertained the home’s worth, it’s time to begin the documentation process. Despite being time-consuming, documentation is a critical step in ensuring your property is adequately insured. Photos, written records, receipts, and more can all serve as valuable documentation tools. Your documentation should provide a detailed record of improvements, repairs, and renovations.

Step 3: Seek Out Specialized Coverage

Rather than limiting yourself to standard home insurance, you can explore policies explicitly designed for historic homes. Once you find a suitable policy, ensure it meets all of your home’s needs by covering the full cost of its restoration and maintaining adequate limits.

Contact M & M Insurance Group in Ohio!

Owning a historic home can be a rewarding experience, but it comes with unique challenges. Specialized historic home insurance is a must to maintain the property optimally. If you’re ready to discuss this further, the team at M & M Insurance Group’s Chesterland, OH office is eager to help. One of our representatives can assist you in finding the proper coverage.

Importance of Reviewing Your Home Insurance Policy Each Year

Posted on July 31, 2024July 31, 2024 by admin

Home insurance involves making several decisions to ensure you have the best coverage for your needs. It’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief once you’ve finalized these choices. However, at M & M Insurance Group, we believe it’s essential for Chesterland, OH residents to review their home policy each year. Life is continuously changing, which can significantly impact your coverage needs.

A year—despite seemingly flying by—is made up of 365 days, and several changes could occur within this period, including:

Birth or adoption of a child
Marriage or divorce
A family member passing away
Kitchen or bathroom renovations
Adding a room or other structure
Starting a home-based business
Decreasing your home loan or refinancing
Retiring
Installing an alarm system
Upgrading the electrical system
Purchasing new furniture, artwork, or other valuables

Reviewing your policy annually ensures that these changes are factored into your coverage. It offers several benefits, such as:

Increasing coverage: If you’re upgrading your home, starting a business, or acquiring new assets, you will likely need additional coverage.
Decreasing coverage: Some changes, such as refinancing for a lower cost, may decrease necessary coverage.

While an annual review doesn’t always imply changes to your home policy, it ensures that your policy remains suitable to your current situation. If you’re in Chesterland, OH, let our M & M Insurance Group team help you evaluate your coverage. Get in touch with us via a call or visit our office.

Mistakes to Avoid When Shopping for Home Insurance

Posted on April 26, 2024April 23, 2024 by admin

Surprisingly, more than 6 million American homeowners currently don’t have home insurance policies. If you’re one of them, consider shopping for home insurance through M & M Insurance Group for your Chesterland, OH house. Just be sure not to make any crucial mistakes while doing it. Check out several common mistakes you should avoid below.

Shopping for Home Insurance on Your Own

You can technically shop for home insurance independently and find an excellent policy if you know what to look for. But why take this approach when you can have a professional from M & M Insurance Group on your side? They’ll help you work your way through the process of picking the right home insurance policy for your Chesterland, OH, home.

Selecting the Wrong Home Insurance Policy

The home insurance policy you choose should be based on everything from the value of your home to the personal possessions you keep inside it. The last thing you want to do is settle on a policy that won’t provide enough coverage. It’s another reason you should enlist a professional’s services to assist you in your search.

Failing to Shop for Home Insurance Often Enough

Your home insurance needs will likely change annually as your home will grow in value over time. For this reason, you should aim to shop around for home insurance yearly to ensure you have enough coverage for your house and everything in it.

Want to steer clear of making the mistakes listed here as you shop for home insurance in Chesterland, OH? M & M Insurance Group can lend a hand and leave you with the right policy in the end. Contact us today.

Insurance Blog

M&M Insurance Group

Get a Quote, Instantly!