Anyone who has a home should have insurance to protect it. This is especially true when the home is financed and used for collateral. According to Fit Small Business, an online resource that provides business owners with important information from industry experts, property damage accounts for 98% of claims filed for home owner insurance plans. In order to properly protect your home, it's imperative to take the time to find a policy that will cover the costs associated with the most common forms of home damage claims. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the following are the three most common claims made against those policies, which are ranked from most to least common.

1. Wind and Hail

Most of the United States is prone to experiencing very high winds and destructive hailstorms. Such storms can severely damage or demolish homes of just about any type. Hailstorms likewise can cause extensive damage and often accompany high winds. If you're worried about these damages, work with an experienced insurance agency so you can find a policy to cover the costs of any and all damages these events can cause.

2. Water Damage and Freezing

Most home owner insurance plans protect against internal flooding but not external flooding. Internal flooding might be caused by a defective appliance, a ruptured water heater, or a frozen pipe that bursts. Whatever might have caused it, internal flood protection can help you handle the damages. A separate flood insurance policy would be needed for external flooding. Complete a quote request today with a local insurance company to learn more about the cost of these forms of coverage.

3. Fire and Lightning

Home fires can be caused by a wide variety of factors. Regardless of the cause, it's essential that you take action to protect your home as soon as possible. This will ensure you're able to receive assistance should anything occur. Work with an insurance agency that's a member of associations such as the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) and the Total Quality Agency (TQA) to guarantee you're receiving help you can depend upon.

If you own a home, you need to take the time to find an insurance policy that can help assist you when issues arise. When you're looking for an insurance company you can rely on, call Fischer Insurance. You can call or visit our office today to learn more about our home owner insurance plans and get a quote.