Your basic homeowners insurance company will do their best to provide a first class service and offer a high level of customer care. They will explain how to make a claim, the complaints procedure, the terms of the contract, and any cooling off period.  These things are all there to provide a level of customer care to meet the standards set by the insurance authorities. In addition to complying with industry standards homeowner insurance companies will also want to provide the best level of service and benefits in order to attract more customers and be competitive in the market.

Basic homeowners insurance policies can be difficult to read and the insurers are aware that the average man or women in the street will not understand many of the specific terms used within the policy.  Therefore, there will normally be a section in most basic homeowners insurance policies that will provide explanations to specific and key words contained in the policy. These words will often be in bold whenever they occur in the text.

The insurer will also point out the contract is based on information about you, your family, home and personal circumstances you gave when you applied for basic homeowners insurance cover or when you filled out your mortgage application. As part of the contract the insurer will provide insurance cover as set out in the policy wording, for those sections of cover which are shown as in force on your policy schedule. The policy schedule should be read in conjunction with your insurance policy.

Your part in the contract is to pay the insurance premium for each insurance period and to comply with all the conditions set out in the policy. Obviously if you do not meet the conditions of the contract then there is a high possibility any claim you make may be turned down.

When you buy a basic homeowners insurance policy there will typically be a cooling off period which will be stipulated in the policy as part of the insurers obligations and customer care. Normally if you find that the insurance cover is not suited to you the insurer can be contacted within fourteen days at which point you premium will be refunded. This may differ from insurer to insurer so check this section as soon as you purchase the policy.

In case of insolvency (your insurer goes bust) your basic homeowners insurance policy should provide a section giving details of how you can approach the relevant authority for compensation.  The authority may well issue an alternative policy or transfer the policy to another insurer. They will also set out provisions as to what to do and what you are entitled to in the event you are making a claim.

Most insurance providers of basic homeowners insurance strive to provide very high service standards however on occasions they may fall short of their obligations. In the event you are dissatisfied with any particular aspect of the service you have the right to make a complaint. The complaints procedure should be outlined clearly in the policy document so check to see who you should direct a complaint to.