May 2026 Newsletter

What to look for when “shopping” for insurance

Insurance agents often review your existing policies alongside third-party quotes, which frequently omit standard coverages. This is why such comparisons are often described as “comparing apples to oranges,” since the differences in coverage can be significant and not always are the coverages or exclusions listed obviously on the dec page.

While third-party quotes may come with lower premiums, it is crucial to carefully evaluate what is actually covered. The five coverages listed on the right highlight the most common differences we encounter.

Key Coverages to Review:

Roof Coverage

(ACV vs Replacement)

ACV pays only the depreciated value of your roof at time of claim while replacement cost covers a brand-new roof of similar quality. Older roofs are often only covered on an ACV basis.

Cosmetic Loss

Some carriers are starting to exclude cosmetic loss damage for roofs, siding, or soft metals. This means that the damage does not affect the functionality, safety, or structural integrity of the property and therefore will not be covered by a claim.

Roof & Siding Match

Nebraska is a line-of-sight state, meaning insurers only replace siding or shingles that are visibly damaged. This can lead to mismatched materials if your roof or siding has aged or faded. Adding this endorsement allows full replacement of affected areas, ensuring a uniform appearance. Without it, your home may have visible mismatched sections even after a claim.

Deductibles

Higher deductibles can lower your premium, but make sure it’s an amount you can comfortably afford if damage occurs. Most policies have separate deductibles for Wind and Hail. The industry is moving towards minimum deductibles of 2500 or 1% for Wind & Hail.

Coverage A

This is the cost to rebuild the house with like, kind, and quality- without the contents. .We find this amount by entering information about your home into a cost estimator that then gives us a dollar amount. This can always be reviewed.

When a claim goes wrong, who do you call?

Without an agent, you may find yourself calling a call center and speaking to someone different each time. When a claim goes wrong, that can leave you feeling helpless. At Vault Insurance & Risk Management, we are here for you. We answer your questions, guide you through the process, and work directly with the adjuster to get your claim back on track. With a dedicated agent by your side, you are never facing the unexpected alone.