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Larry Burkman Agency

4820 University Dr., Ste. 7
Huntsville, AL 35816

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Are Plumbing Issues Covered by Home Insurance?

Plumbing is one of the most complex and problematic systems within a home. During your time as a homeowner, you’ll likely run into plumbing issues at some point. The tricky thing about plumbing issues is that it can be hard to know what type of damage is covered by your home insurance and what’s not. We simplify things for you by going into detail about what is often covered and what may be rejected when you’re trying to file a claim. If you’re looking for home insurance to help you cover future incidents, start here with us at the Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL and surrounding areas.

What Kind of Plumbing Issues Will Home Insurance Cover?

Your home insurance will often cover leaks or overflows that have taken you by surprise. If a pipe suddenly bursts or starts leaking, if there’s a random overflow somewhere in your home, or if there’s a hidden leak that you weren’t able to detect, you may be able to file a claim and get approved by your policy provider. So, what would home insurance fail to cover when it comes to plumbing? 

You likely won’t be covered by your home insurance if:

  • Your plumbing problem is a result of wear and tear over time.
  • Your plumbing issue is a result of negligence. A great example of this would be failing to take the proper precautions during the winter and ending up with burst pipes as a result.
  • You’re dealing with specific plumbing issues that aren’t covered by your standard home insurance policy, such as sewer backup or issues with a sump pump. 

Keep Your Home in Stellar Condition With the Larry Burkman Agency

Home insurance is crucial to keeping your home in optimal shape, and we can help you find it! Get started with the Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, to get the coverage you deserve. Get in touch and compare quotes with us now.

Planning Home Renovations? Find Out if You Should Update Your Home Insurance First

From kitchen remodels to adding a room, home improvements can enhance the value and functionality of your home. Before you start construction, meet with your qualified agent at Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL. You’ll learn how renovations affect your home insurance policy and have the opportunity to modify your coverage to include the upgrades.

Why Do I Need More Coverage After Renovating?

After building a new addition or redoing the bathroom, consider adding coverage to your policy. Why? Your house becomes more valuable following a major overhaul. You may need additional insurance to protect it against possible risks. Our experienced agents can provide the guidance needed to make an informed decision.

What Home Renovations Typically Require Insurance Changes?

Let’s talk about which renovations typically affect your insurance. Expanding your home, adding a pool or deck, or renovating the kitchen or basement will most likely raise your property’s value and insurance needs. Your agent can explain how these changes compare with your dwelling or liability coverage. For example, replacing your roof or installing a new HVAC system may generate changes to your home insurance needs. Make sure your policy accounts for any new risks and values.

Beyond structure, design and safety features also play a role. Adding rooms, installing a pool or deck, upgrading the kitchen, finishing the basement, or replacing the roof are just a few of the remodeling projects that can increase the value of your home. Safety features, such as grab rails and anti-slip flooring, may significantly reduce risks. High-end designs and finishes make your home aesthetically pleasing and harmonious. To maintain your peace of mind, you’ll want your home insurance to include these improvements.

Before you sign off on the build design, talk to a dedicated agent at Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL.

Tips for creating and storing a home inventory

Home insurance is all about protecting your house. While you hope you’ll never have to file a claim, having a home inventory will make the process much smoother if you do. At Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, we have the expertise you need to make the best decision about the coverage that suits you best.

Creating a Home Inventory

Creating a home inventory can seem daunting. It does take some time, but the value it provides will more than compensate for it. Set aside a few hours, grab a pad and pen, and your phone or camera, and pick a room to start. Write down everything you can see, then start opening drawers, cupboards, and closets. Write down as much detail as possible, including brand names, number of items, and, where possible, model and serial numbers. Take pictures of each room from several different angles.

Go through all the rooms and continue until you’re done. Don’t forget to inspect the attic and basement, if you have them. Attach any receipts or sales slips that you have for any items.

Storing a Home Inventory

Once the inventory is complete, you need to find a safe place to store it. Storing it in your home may not be the best option. A safe deposit box is a good choice. If it must be kept in your home, ensure it is stored in a fire-resistant, waterproof container. Placing a copy of the home inventory in the cloud will allow you to access it at any time from any location, which is beneficial.

In Huntsville, AL, you can count on our team of independent insurance agents at Larry Burkman Agency to be there for you when you need us. Give us a call today.

Does Home Insurance Cover the Septic?

Not every home in and around Huntsville is on a town sewer system. If you aren’t, you may be delighted to have your septic system, as it gives you more control, and you don’t have the bills associated with town sewer. The downside is when something goes sideways with the septic, and a lot can go wrong, believe us. From tree roots cracking the pipes to overflows that wreck your lawn (think "Meet the Parents" movie), you may hope that your home insurance covers the septic. Does it?

When Home Insurance Covers Septic Damage

Standard home insurance policies, like the ones available through Larry Burkman Agency in Huntsville, AL, may cover septic system damage in certain situations. If a covered event occurs, such as fire, vandalism, or something else, the insurance company might be responsible for paying for repairs or replacement.

What Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover

Home insurance generally doesn’t cover damage caused by wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or gradual deterioration. If the septic system fails due to age, rust, or tree root infiltration, homeowners will likely have to pay for repairs out of pocket, which won’t be cheap.

Additional Coverage Options

Some insurance companies offer optional riders or endorsements that can provide extra protection. You should look into these. One common add-on is sewer backup coverage, which may help cover the cost of cleaning up if the septic system overflows into the home.

Understanding what is and isn’t covered under a home insurance policy is essential for homeowners who rely on a septic system. Reviewing the policy details and speaking with an insurance representative at Larry Burkman Agency serving Huntsville, AL can help ensure the right coverage is in place to avoid unexpected repair costs.

Does My Home Insurance Cover My College Student’s Apartment?

College students take valuable assets to school, including electronics, furniture, jewelry, and other items, so it is essential to understand whether and how your home insurance protects those assets. Generally, home insurance policies cover children’s assets if you claim them as dependents and they are 26 or younger. However, significant limitations exist that you should know before they leave for school. Contact our Larry Burkman Agency team, serving Huntsville, AL, if you need answers concerning your home or other insurance coverage.

Home Insurance Coverage Limits for College Students

Home insurance typically covers your dependent children’s personal belongings for theft, fire, or other covered perils, as well as their liability for injuring someone or damaging the property of others.

A key consideration is that many insurers do not cover students in fraternity, sorority, or off-campus housing. Many only cover university-controlled housing, so talk to your agent in advance.

In addition to the university-controlled housing issue:

  • Coverage generally applies only to full-time students.
  • Some insurers stop their coverage when your child reaches 24 or 25 years old.
  • Belongings like jewelry, bicycles, and electronics often have low claim limits.
  • Every claim is subject to your policy’s standard deductibles.
  • The loss of belongings at "off-premises" locations is commonly capped at 10% of your personal property limit.

Talk with your agent to confirm how your policy handles your college student’s property so you can adjust your housing or insurance decisions as needed. Many college students buy affordable renters insurance that covers their belongings, much like their parent’s home policy.

Insuring with Larry Burkman Agency

Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, will help develop an insurance plan that meets your family’s needs. Visit our office or call us today at 256-830-1123 to protect your family and possessions.

Are Personal Effects And Contents Covered Under a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

Understanding Home Insurance: What Does It Cover?

At Larry Burkman Agency of Huntsville, AL, we understand that the intricacies of home insurance can easily be forgotten over time. Many homeowners secure policies primarily because it’s required by their lenders, thus not paying adequate attention to the specifics. This can lead to misunderstandings about their coverage.

For instance, a common query we encounter is about the coverage of personal property and home contents under homeowners’ insurance. Let’s discuss this aspect and its implications.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Personal Belongings and Contents of Your Home?

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies include provisions for coverage of contents and personal belongings. This coverage typically extends up to a certain percentage of the insured amount for the structure of your home. However, it’s worth noting that if you possess an extensive collection of high-value assets, standard coverage might not suffice.

If you own expensive items like antiques, jewelry, coins, or other such prized possessions, you may want to consider securing additional coverage for comprehensive protection. Also, keeping a detailed inventory of your belongings, supported by photographs or videos, can facilitate smoother claims processes in case of significant losses.

Get to Know Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

If you need clarity on your homeowner’s insurance policy’s limits and provisions, reach out to us at Larry Burkman Agency of Huntsville, AL. We’re more than ready to review your existing policy, irrespective of your insurer, and evaluate your coverage. Having a clear idea about your coverage can offer you considerable peace of mind and may even highlight areas of protection that need bolstering. We’re here to assist you in securing the best possible coverage for your home – contact us today for a no-obligation quote.

Are Personal Effects And Contents Covered Under a Homeowner’s Insurance Policy?

Understanding Home Insurance: What Does It Cover?

At Larry Burkman Agency of Huntsville, AL, we understand that the intricacies of home insurance can easily be forgotten over time. Many homeowners secure policies primarily because it’s required by their lenders, thus not paying adequate attention to the specifics. This can lead to misunderstandings about their coverage.

For instance, a common query we encounter is about the coverage of personal property and home contents under homeowners’ insurance. Let’s discuss this aspect and its implications.

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Personal Belongings and Contents of Your Home?

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies include provisions for coverage of contents and personal belongings. This coverage typically extends up to a certain percentage of the insured amount for the structure of your home. However, it’s worth noting that if you possess an extensive collection of high-value assets, standard coverage might not suffice.

If you own expensive items like antiques, jewelry, coins, or other such prized possessions, you may want to consider securing additional coverage for comprehensive protection. Also, keeping a detailed inventory of your belongings, supported by photographs or videos, can facilitate smoother claims processes in case of significant losses.

Get to Know Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy

If you need clarity on your homeowner’s insurance policy’s limits and provisions, reach out to us at Larry Burkman Agency of Huntsville, AL. We’re more than ready to review your existing policy, irrespective of your insurer, and evaluate your coverage. Having a clear idea about your coverage can offer you considerable peace of mind and may even highlight areas of protection that need bolstering. We’re here to assist you in securing the best possible coverage for your home – contact us today for a no-obligation quote.

Is Your Homeowner’s Liability Protection Enough?

The Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, and surrounding communities, advises every small business owner, every customer with a net worth of over $1 million dollars, and every customer who thinks they may come into money to consider an umbrella policy for all their personal liability protection needs.

An umbrella policy is supplemental insurance that pays out claims when other policies do not.

Why do higher-net-worth Alabama homeowners need umbrella coverage in addition to their homeowner’s policies, even with riders for high liability limits?

Here are some examples:

  • A Mobile, AL woman was awarded $1.7 million for injuries she sustained when she slipped and fell on laundry detergent. This judgment included $420,000 for her medical bills.
  • A Lauderdale, AL delivery driver was awarded $925,000 for injuries sustained from slipping on the floor during a delivery.
  • An Alabama personal injury firm advertises that it has secured personal injury judgments of $500,000 to $3.2 million for over 30 clients—each of whom collected that money from someone like you. Or maybe they didn’t collect because the judgment drove the defendant to bankruptcy.

If your family lives in a fine home you own outright, you need umbrella insurance. If you rent a nice house and have substantial savings and investments, you need umbrella insurance. If you own a dog, keep exotic animals, your teen has a problematic driving record, or you enjoy shooting sports, you may need umbrella insurance.

Umbrella policies protect you against the worst-case scenario, in which your auto and homeowner policies are exhausted.

Don’t let a court judgment for a mishap on your property wipe out decades of accumulated wealth. Ask your agent at the Larry Burkman Agency, serving Huntsville, AL, and the surrounding area, about the proper umbrella coverage for you.

Does Home Insurance Cover Injuries on My Property?

Home insurance is one form of insurance we offer here at the Larry Burkman Agency for those in the Huntsville, AL, area. Home insurance is a no-brainer for homeowners, providing them with the coverage they need in case they face a situation where their home and contents are damaged, and they need financial support to pick up the pieces and move forward. But while most homeowners are focused solely on having coverage in the event of an accident or purposeful damage caused by another, there’s an important question that some will raise when they’re thinking about all of the possibilities: does home insurance cover injuries that may take place on someone’s property? 

Does Home Insurance Cover Personal Liability?

Whether you’re worried about a service worker getting accidentally injured on your property or in your home, or you’re a landlord who wants to ensure they’re protected in case something happens to their tenants, it’s important to know if your insurance policy will keep you protected. The good news? Home insurance does offer coverage for personal injury claims. This means that should you be on the other end of a lawsuit filed by someone injured due to something on your property being neglected, you will have the financial protection you need to navigate the situation confidently. 

Start Here With the Larry Burkman Agency

Being without home insurance is something you never want to do, but finding the right policy can be difficult. Start your journey here with the Larry Burkman Agency if you live in Huntsville, AL, or surrounding areas. Get a quote, compare policies, or contact us if you need help navigating the process. If you have questions about home insurance, we’re here to help, too!

What to Expect After Filing a Homeowners Insurance Claim

If you’ve recently experienced an incident with your Huntsville, AL home that requires you to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance, and it’s your first time filing one, you might have no idea what to expect. There is no reason to become stressed, as the process is relatively straightforward.

Here is a brief overview of how the process should go:

Gather All Supporting Documents

Before filing your claim, be sure to obtain copies of important supporting documents, such as a police report, if applicable, and clear photos of any damage. The better prepared you are when you file your claim, the easier it will be for your claim to be processed. 

File Your Claim 

Once you’ve gathered all the appropriate pictures as well as the police report, if applicable, you can contact your insurance company and file the claim. This can be done by phone, in person, or even online, depending on your insurance company. You can choose the method that is most convenient for you. 

Wait for a Determination

Once you’ve submitted your claim, you’ll have to wait for the determination. This could take a few weeks, or even a few months, if not longer. If the process is taking longer than expected, you can always contact your insurance company for an update. 

As you can see, the process of filing a homeowners’ insurance claim isn’t difficult and shouldn’t cause you stress. Simply follow these easy steps, and you should receive a determination in no time, hopefully in your favor. If you’ve decided that you’d like to find a new insurance company, you should consider giving us at Larry Burkman Agency a try. We at Larry Burkman Agency provide coverage for Huntsville, AL, and we go above and beyond to ensure each and every customer has an overall positive experience.  

Partner Carriers


  • ASI
  • Foremost
  • National General
  • Orion
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • Safeway
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
  • Universal