Episode 79

Why Homeowners Insurance Keeps Going Up and What You Can Do About It

Episode Description

Homeowners insurance costs have been rising fast, and many homeowners are feeling the pressure. In this episode, Blake Watson breaks down why premiums have increased so dramatically and what homeowners in the Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia area can do to manage and potentially reduce those costs. From understanding rebuild values to avoiding costly coverage mistakes, this episode offers practical strategies to protect your home and your finances.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

  • Why homeowners insurance premiums have increased by nearly 70 percent in recent years
  • How rising construction costs directly impact your insurance rates
  • The role of severe weather and national risk trends in local premiums
  • What reinsurance is and why it affects what you pay
  • How stricter underwriting is changing the way homes are insured

Key Strategies to Save Money

Review and shop your insurance policy every year

Compare bundled vs separate home and auto policies

Evaluate whether raising your deductible makes financial sense

Work with your insurance agent to adjust coverage and structure

Smart Homeowner Upgrades That May Lower Risk

Installing a new or more durable roof

Adding monitored security systems

Upgrading windows, doors, and electrical systems

Improving drainage and storm resilience around your property

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Letting your policy auto renew without review

Switching from replacement cost to actual cash value coverage

Underinsuring your home based on market value instead of rebuild cost

Overlooking exclusions like sewer backup or flood damage

Important Coverage Insights

Replacement cost coverage helps fully restore your home after a loss

Actual cash value policies may leave you paying large out of pocket costs

Flood insurance may be worth considering even outside high-risk zones

Wind and hail deductibles may differ from your standard deductible

Local Perspective

This episode highlights real examples from the Chattanooga area, including storm damage, flooding, and insurance challenges homeowners have faced in recent years.

Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance is no longer a set it and forget it expense. Active management, regular reviews, and informed decisions are essential to controlling costs and avoiding major financial setbacks.

Connect with Blake Watson from Epique Realty

Call or text (423) 315-1815

Visit athomechattanooga.com

Follow on Facebook and LinkedIn as Blake Watson

Instagram: @rocknrollblake

Office phone (888) 893-3537

Podcast

Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate

Hosted by Blake Watson, Epique Realty

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About the Podcast

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Let's Talk Chattanooga Real Estate
Real Estate in Chattanooga Tennessee and Northwest Georgia

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About your host

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Blake Watson

When you choose to partner with me as your Realtor, I bring knowledge, expertise, and real estate experience to our partnership. You can count on my negotiation skills and marketing know-how to help sell your property or help you secure the home of your dreams. I am Blake Watson, real estate agent with Epique Realty, and serving Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia. In addition to being an agent, I host the “Let’s Talk Chattanooga Real Estate” podcast.
Honesty, transparency and trust are qualities you can expect from me. Above all, you can be confident that I will serve you with your best interest at heart.
Chattanooga is my hometown. I'm a proud graduate of Hamilton County Public Schools with years at East Brainerd Elementary, Westview Elementary, Brown Middle and Central High. I went on to graduate from the Honors Program at the University of Georgia, where I met my amazing wife. After several years away in other southern cities, we returned to the Chattanooga area. Now, we live in Ringgold, GA with our two adopted kids, and we raise goats on our small farm.
I've worked in Chattanooga and Northwest Georgia for decades and know and love the towns and neighborhoods throughout the area. I love the community we have in Chattanooga, and the incredible transformation our city has enjoyed over the past 20 plus years. If you live here, you know what I mean. If you are considering a move to Chattanooga, be prepared to fall in love with this beautiful area that is so full of life and fun!