Knippenberg Insurance Inc

608 N Mechanic St
Cumberland, MD 21502

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Water Damage and Home Insurance: Drawing the Line

Water damage is a problem for many homeowners around Cumberland, MD, and comprehending its coverage under home insurance policies is critical. Let’s delve into the specifics of how home insurance addresses water damage and delineate the extent of its coverage.

Understanding Coverage for Sudden and Accidental Damage

Home insurance provides security for homeowners, covering sudden water damage from busted pipes, leaks, or malfunctioning appliances. This coverage extends to cover the costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged property and expenses for restoration and cleanup, offering a reassuring level of security.

Exclusions and Limitations

While home insurance does cover sudden and accidental water damage, it’s important to understand the exclusions. These policies often don’t cover damage that results from gradual or long-term issues like poor maintenance, wear and tear, or neglect. For example, if a leaky roof is left unattended and causes water damage, your insurance may not apply.

Exemption for Flood Damage

It’s important to note that standard home insurance policies usually do not cover damage caused by flooding, including water intrusion from external sources like overflowing rivers, heavy rainfall, or storm surges. To ensure comprehensive protection, homeowners must be informed about the need for separate flood insurance policies.

Mitigation and Prevention Strategies

By adopting proactive measures, homeowners can take control of their property’s maintenance and mitigate the risk of water damage. This ensures coverage under home insurance policies and empowers homeowners to protect their investments. These measures include regular inspection of plumbing systems, immediate repair of leaks or damages, and installation of preventative tools like sump pumps or water leak detectors.

Let Knippenberg Insurance Inc. Give You Information

Knippenberg Insurance Inc. can answer all of your home insurance questions and serves the Cumberland, MD, region. Call us today. 

Clever Ways to Improve Your Home Insurance

When it comes time to choose your auto insurance, it’s critical to work with a team that has your back. Our team at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. can help you provide auto insurance in Cumberland, MD, by providing you with several clever tricks that can improve your policy and its overall cost.

Don’t Add High-Risk Areas 

It might seem fun to add swimming pools and even playgrounds to your backyard for yourself or your children. However, you’re going to notice a pretty quick uptick in your insurance policy if you do. Why? These are considered high-risk additions and will put your family and others at risk. 

Bundle Your Policies 

It’s possible to save good money on your homeowner’s policy when you combine it with other types of policies from the same provider. It’s also a great idea if you plan on protecting your home for the long term and want to work with the same provider for many years. 

Improve Your Home’s Structure 

While adding certain types of improvements can impact your home’s insurance negatively, structural improvements can improve it. For example, if you repair problems with the foundation, roof, walls, doors, and windows, you can make your insurance a little stronger. Talk with your agent and a contractor to learn more.

Add Security Systems 

Insurance companies love it when homeowners add security items to their homes, like deadbolts, cameras, alarm windows, and more. They’ll likely reduce your payments or even open you up to other types of policies that may be unavailable to many homeowners. 

Taking the Smart Steps Towards Success

By working with our team at Knippenberg Insurance Inc., you can protect your Cumberland, MD home from various long-term complications. Just as importantly, you can get the policy that makes the most sense for your needs and minimize potential financial issues.

How Can Home Insurance Protect Me If I Am Sued?

Many people do not realize that their home insurance policy can help to protect them if they are sued for injuries or events that occurred at their home. Here at Knippenberg Insurance Inc., providing home insurance to the residents of Cumberland, MD, we want to help you understand more about this concept and how it may protect you.

Home Insurance Provides Protection

Liability Coverage

Home insurance typically includes liability coverage, which can offer financial protection if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. If you are sued for such incidents, your home insurance policy can help cover legal expenses, court costs, and any settlement or judgment up to the policy’s liability limits.

Legal Representation

In the event of a lawsuit, home insurance can provide you with access to legal representation. The insurance company can assign an attorney to handle your case and help defend your interests. Having an experienced attorney by your side can be crucial in navigating the legal process and protecting your rights.

Settlements and Judgments

If you are found liable for damages or injuries in a lawsuit, your home insurance policy can help cover the settlement amount or court-ordered judgments up to the limits specified in your policy. This can help prevent you from having to pay significant amounts out of pocket, which could have a substantial impact on your financial stability.

Reach Out To Us

Your home insurance can help to protect you in case you are sued for an event that happens on your property or in your home. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to have a home insurance policy that has enough insurance coverage to protect you. If you are looking to purchase a new home insurance policy in the greater Cumberland, MD region, reach out to Knippenberg Insurance Inc. 

First-Time Homebuyer? Check Out These Five Things You Need to Know About Buying Homeowner’s Insurance

Buying a home for the first time? Congratulations! There are a few things you’ll want to consider as you search for the right homeowner’s insurance policy for you. If you’re getting ready to buy home insurance in the Cumberland, MD area, Knippenberg Insurance Inc. is here to help. 

Five Things You Need to Know About Buying Home Insurance

1. Shop early.

Don’t wait until the last minute to discover the right policy for your needs. Shopping early gives you plenty of time to consider exactly what you want from a policy and find the best rates for you.

2. Decide how much coverage you need.

You’ll want to consider how much you have in emergency savings and other factors when deciding what level of coverage is a good fit for you.

3. Compare rates.

Take your time comparing rates, and don’t be afraid to take your time before committing to an insurance company.

4. Get an idea of what you’ll need for your emergency fund.

When you know what’s going to be covered by your insurance policy, you can begin to stow away money in the event that you have an emergency. 

5. Purchase your policy before closing.

You’ll need to have your policy in place before you close on your house, so be sure to work with your agent to ensure that your paperwork will be signed and completed before the day you get the keys to your home.

Give Us A Call

At Knippenberg Insurance Inc., we’re proud to serve our Cumberland, MD customers. We’d love to chat with you about our home insurance options as you go through the process of purchasing your first home. Reach out to us today or stop by our office to learn more about what we have to offer. 

Does My Mortgage Company Require Me To Have Home Insurance?

Many mortgage companies require their borrowers to have home insurance. As a homeowner, you may be wondering if this is something you’re legally required to do or if your mortgage company is just trying to protect its investment. The answer, unfortunately, is a little bit of both. Knippenberg Insurance Inc. in Cumberland, MD is here to explain why you need homeowners insurance.

Why You Need Homeowners Insurance

Home insurance is not required by law, but many mortgage companies will not give you a loan unless you have it. That’s because your home is the collateral for your loan, and the lender wants to be sure that its investment is protected in case of fire, flooding, or other disasters. 

If your house is destroyed and you don’t have insurance, the lender could end up losing a lot of money. That’s why most lenders require proof of home insurance before they’ll approve your loan. Even if your state doesn’t require it and your lender doesn’t strictly enforce it, getting home insurance is still a good idea. 

How Much Coverage Do You Need?

The amount of coverage you need depends on several factors, including the value of your home, the type of home you have, and the number of personal belongings you own. It’s a good idea to work with an independent insurance agent to determine how much coverage is right for you. At Knippenberg Insurance Inc., we specialize in helping our clients find the right homeowners insurance policy for their needs. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from finding the right policy to filing a claim. 

Get Home Insurance Today

Whether or not your mortgage company requires homeowners insurance, it’s still a good idea to purchase a policy. Homeowners insurance can protect your home and belongings in the event of damage or destruction. When shopping for homeowners insurance, get in touch with us at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. in Cumberland, MD, and we will help you find the right policy for your needs.

Why Home Maintenance Is Important

When you own a home, you are going to be the only one who is in charge if something breaks. You won’t be able to call the landlord to fix it. You are going to be the one who takes care of your home Though you may not see the importance of maintaining a home, here are some reasons why it is. 

It saves you money. Though you may have to shell out money for maintenance, it is often cheaper to do that than to deal with the larger problem. A dirty filter can damage your HVAC unit. A clogged drain can burst, leaving you with a huge mess. Not only will you have to deal with the pipe itself, you may also have water damage in your floor and walls. This can be very costly to fix. 

It keeps your home running smoothly. If you don’t clean the filters in your furnace or HVAC unit, it is going to have to work harder to heat and cool your home. It may take more energy and fuel to keep the house at the right temperature. This will also save you money, because when you keep things efficient, your electricity and fuel bills won’t be as high.

It will increase the value of your home. If you decide to sell your home, and you haven’t taken care of it, it may not do well at your home inspection. You may end up having to repair a lot of things first. If you have kept after things all these years, you really shouldn’t have to worry about the inspection.  

If you want to make sure that your home is protected, don’t hesitate to contact us at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. in Cumberland, MD. 

Keeping Your Home Insurance Up to Date

Are you concerned about your home insurance policy or feel it may not be up to date? If so, please call us at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. serving Cumberland, MD, to learn more. Or you can read this information below to give yourself the details necessary to keep your insurance policy up to date.

What Happens If Your Policy Lapses?

If your policy lapses, you:

  • Won’t be covered in emergencies 
  • May struggle to find another policy 
  • Could decrease the value of your home 

Therefore, it is essential to reach out to your insurance company and take the steps below to ensure that your policy is as up-to-date as possible.

Ways to Keep Your Policy Up-to-Date 

If you’re uncertain of whether your policy is up to date, you need to take steps to make sure that you don’t run into any complications. Just a few ways you can ensure that you are covered and that you minimize your risk of serious financial struggles include how you can:

  • Pay all of your bills on time (or pay off any debts you may owe)
  • Make sure you have the correct address for your home insurance 
  • Add any renovations or extensions to your policy 
  • Get your home’s value checked to ensure it is fully protected 

You can work directly with your home insurance agent to handle many of these steps and to minimize their impact on you. However, you can also get high-quality help from many adjusters and other experts who can provide you with the information you need about your policy. 

Coverage is Available for You 

Please reach out to us at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. near Cumberland, MD, if you’re uncertain of your policy option. Our team will do what they can to help you out and will ensure that you are protected as much as possible. 

Must I Carry Home Insurance In Maryland?

Maybe we are a bit biased here at Knippenberg Insurance Inc., but there are not many areas in the US you can call home as beautiful as Maryland. When owning a home in this state, you will continuously experience beautiful towns and amazing scenic views throughout. 

But before thinking of building a home here in Cumberland, MD, you must think about home insurance. Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make in your life, and as such, you need to know everything at your disposal to protect it.

Is home insurance mandatory in Maryland?

While Maryland doesn’t require you to carry home insurance, your lender expects you to purchase home insurance as long as the mortgage liability is outstanding. But whether it’s a mandatory requirement or not, getting home insurance shouldn’t be shoved aside when making your investment plans.

Why you need home insurance

Whether it’s a new or old home in Maryland, you need to carry home insurance for the below reasons:

  • To protect your asset: In the world that we live in, risks are never far from us. And for your home, risks like fire, lightning, theft, hail, windstorms, and other natural disasters can wreak havoc on your invaluable investment. However, when you obtain home insurance, you can be at ease because your insurance pays for repairs if your home is damaged.
  • To cover yourself against liabilities: Somebody might slip and sustain injuries on your premises. Or you can reverse your car into your neighbor’s wall. Either way, liability insurance should pay for third-party losses when you are at fault.

Marylanders, there you have it. If you have been in doubt whether you should purchase home insurance, now you have every reason to get one ASAP. At Knippenberg Insurance Inc., located in Cumberland, MD, we shall be waiting for your call as we look to partner with you for all your home insurance solutions.

What are the benefits of getting a home insurance policy in Maryland?

For people that are in the Cumberland, MD area, investing in your future and buying a home is a great financial decision that can pay dividends in the future. When you are going to purchase a home here, you also need to make sure that you get proper insurance. Several benefits come when you get a home insurance policy. 

Coverage Protects You and Your Home

One of the main reasons to get a home insurance policy is to give you coverage for your home and yourself. A home insurance policy will give coverage that will help to repair or rebuild your home and even replace personal assets if you suffer a loss. At the same time, home insurance includes a liability insurance provider that will give protection if anyone ever files a liability claim against you.

Coverage is a Requirement

Another benefit that will come when you get home insurance is that you will receive coverage that complies with various agreements. A property owner in this area of Maryland is likely to take out a mortgage when they buy their home. If you take out a mortgage, you will need to comply with the lender’s insurance requirements. Those that live in certain areas may also have a home association that has insurance requirements as well.

Anyone in the Cumberland, MD area that needs to get home insurance should spend time considering all of their options. If you are going to get an insurance policy here, you should speak with the team at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. The insurance team at Knippenberg Insurance Inc. can provide you with the support you need to build an appropriate policy that protects you and your property. 

Reasons Why Home Insurance Is Important

A new house is the biggest purchase you will ever make in your life. Imagine how devastating it would be to lose it in a flood or fire. The good news is that it will not happen to you if you have proper home insurance. It will protect not only your house but also all your belongings. Therefore, even though it is not obligatory to have home insurance in Maryland, you still need to think about getting it if you live in Cumberland, MD, or any other surrounding towns. Knippenberg Insurance Inc. provides you with a few reasons why it is so important:

Financial Security

If your house is damaged by fire or flood, repairs can be quite expensive, and you might not be able to cover them yourself. However, if you home insurance coverage, you have nothing to worry about; your insurance will cover all the expenses. It will even pay for your temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable. 

Getting Mortgage

The state of Maryland does not require homeowners to have home insurance. However, if you need to get a mortgage, then home insurance becomes a necessity. No lender will give you a loan without home insurance because he wants to protect their financial interest. 

Protection of Your Assets

You may have certain assets in your house that are important and valuable. This can include furniture, electronics, art objects, jewelry, clothing, and others. Home insurance will protect not only your house but also all the belongings. Therefore, if your assets are damaged or destroyed by fire or stolen, the home insurance coverage will cover your loss. 

Home insurance is a necessity, not a luxury. If you have just gotten a new house or you are thinking about purchasing the one in Cumberland, MD, Knippenberg Insurance Inc is ready to assist you in finding the best home insurance plan based on your needs and budget. Give us a call today to talk to one of our agents and discuss the options available. 

Partner Carriers


  • Allstate
  • Amwins
  • Chesapeake
  • Foremost
  • Frederick Mutual
  • Guard
  • Hagerty
  • K&K
  • Liberty Mutual
  • MetLife
  • National General
  • Nationwide
  • Progressive
  • Safeco
  • State Auto
  • Tapco
  • The Hartford
  • Travelers
  • Zurich