Water leaks and water damage to a home are one of the most covert perils for homeowners. An average of 38% of homeowners report that they have suffered a severe loss due to water damages which if not properly insured, costs approximately $7,000 out of pocket per occurrence. The biggest shock to homeowners that are unlucky enough to have to deal with a water damage claim is that most homeowners’ insurance policies are not properly endorsed to cover them. Here is what you need to know about common water damages and coverage's that you need to be insured for.

1. Sudden and accidental water damage: Covered by all homeowners’ policies. This is what is most thought of when homeowners think of water damage. A pipe breaks in the wall or under the sink that is big and noticeable. Due to how troublesome an incident of this magnitude can be, it can be taken care of quickly. All damage under 2 weeks old is protected under this coverage.
2. Repeated seepage coverage: Only covered if endorsed to the homeowners’ policy. This is the most unknown situation that can happen to a home. This coverage is important when there is a slow and steady leak that goes unnoticed for 2 weeks or more. This endorsement is especially important for investors who rent out property and may always not be on site to check on water pipes. All damage over 2 weeks old is protected under this endorsed coverage.
3. Water backup and sewer overflow: Only covered if endorsed to the homeowners’ policy. Any water that comes up into the house from the water pipes or sewers. If the backup is in sewer water, this coverage can be important to get the damages fixed quickly. If there are any small children in the house there is also an added risk, as a lot of claims are filed because young children stuff things down toilets creating an overflow.
4. Foundation water damage: Only covered if endorsed to the homeowner’s policy. This is one of the most expensive situations that can happen to a home. Water pipes run through the foundation and the explosions of these pipes can cause damage to the foundation and this coverage will protect you from paying those damages out of pocket. As a bonus, this protects against all risks that can damage the foundation of a home.

 For Investors it is important to note that only some insurance companies offer all 4 of these coverage's on their landlord policies. It is especially imperative that you have these coverage's on any properties that are rented due to tenants not being as careful with the properties they live in.  
Although overlooked by many insurance agents, water coverage's are relatively inexpensive to add to a homeowners’ policy, and in the long run can save a homeowner thousands of dollars in case of a claim. It is important to note that these coverage's, even when endorsed, only kick in when the damage is caused by perils accepted by the homeowner’s policy form that was written. Therefore, HO-3’s and DP-3’s are the forms that are always recommended.
 
Any questions as to what you are covered for, or to shop the market to make sure you are covered, Call me!  (512) 676-2519

As a freshman in college I never thought that my first job out of college was going to to be in the world of insurance. If you asked me at the beginning of my senior year if I was going to sell insurance, I would have said absolutely no. So why did I accept this job, and why am I so excited about it? 

When I was looking for sales and marketing jobs as graduation got closer I had parameters for companies that I felt were very important to me. They became a type of checklist for every company I looked at. 

1. Employee investment. I knew that I would give 100% at whatever I decided to do. I would work to make money for the company as much as I would work to make money for myself. I was looking for a company that cared about its people as much as they cared about their bottom line. A company that provided support, software, mentorship, and tools for their new employees. 
2. An innovative business model. This was a tall order to ask in a company. But I wanted to be a part of something new and exciting. A company with a business model that revolutionized the industry that they were in. An innovative business model would give the company a competitive advantage which in turn helps protect their clients and my job.   
3. A business with customer-centric values. It's very easy to take on a sales position that simply sold a product to a person without it actually being something that person needed or could afford. I wanted to sell something important, that made a difference in my client's lives for a price that didn't hurt their budget. 
4. A level of autonomy and an allowance for creativity. With a wide scope of interests it was important to me to be able to have a level of autonomy and creativity when solving problems. I wanted the ability to use every bit of both my formal education and my experiential education. 

My list was intense, and really made the already difficult task of job applications that much more difficult. However, my problems were solved when I found Goosehead. They not only met my expectations, they exceeded them in all aspects. 

1. From the beginning they proved to me that Goosehead's goal was to provide me the training and the tools to expand my knowledge, skillset and confidence not just for my job but for my life. Their extensive 2 week training process and in-office mentorship programs proved to me that they wanted to make sure that I had the support to build myself, and best serve my clients. 
2. Goosehead revolutionized the way home and auto insurance is sold. They allow me, as an account executive to check 41 of the largest policy providers for each of my clients to ensure the highest quality policy for the best price. I can give every client a piece of mind that what they are getting is the best possible policy for them that is on the market. Goosehead also separated the sales and service team. This allows me to focus on helping as many families as possible by selling the insurance coverage they need, while allowing the service team to give award winning customer service. 
3. The business model above is proof the Goosehead puts the customer first. All of the new processes that revolutionized the way that Goosehead does business were implemented to make sure that my client's needs are exceeded, and are exceptionally delivered with as little to no complications.  Not only am I able to sell something that is needed but due to the high moral values that drive the company, my clients can rest assured that I have nothing but their best interest in mind. I will never up-sell for the sake of more money nor will I recommend a policy that is not the best in every category for my clients. 
4.  As an account executive it is my job to bring in my clients, and make sure that any questions, concerns, and problems they have are thought about and solved. Because everyone is different, every person's problems, concerns and policies are unique and require a level of creative solutions from me. When I am your insurance agent, you are treated as special and unique and thanks to Goosehead and my education will be able to take advantage of a wealth of knowledge and unparalleled problem solving. 

Goosehead has provided me the opportunity to have the first job of my dreams! I am surrounded by incredible leaders and an amazing mentor that I truly know want to see me succeed and help me take care of my clients. They have partnered with me to jump in on the 2nd floor of an innovative company that is bringing the insurance industry into the 21st century! Goosehead has checked every box on my impossible list, and now I am ready to do the same with my clients. They have empowered me, and although this was not my plans going into college it has become the opportunity of a lifetime for me.