Case
The Perkins’ Homeowners’ Insurance Decision
Calvin and Danielle Perkins, ages 30 and 28, were recently married in Kansas City. Calvin is an electrical engineer with Analytical Solutions, a computer component design firm. Danielle has a master’s degree in education and teaches at a local middle school. After living in an apartment for six months, the Perkins have negotiated the purchase of a new home in a rapidly growing Kansas City suburb. Kansas City Savings and Loan Association has approved their loan request for
270,000, which represents 90 percent of the
300,000 purchase price. Before closing the loan, the Perkins must obtain homeowner’s insurance for the home. The Perkins currently have an HO-4 renter’s insurance policy, which they purchased from Calvin’s bridge partner, Gene Patterson, who is an agent with the Roberts Insurance Company. To learn about the types of available homeowner’s insurance, Calvin has discussed their situation with Gene, who has offered them several homeowner’s policies for their consideration. He has recommended that the Perkins purchase an HO-5 policy because it would provide them with comprehensive coverage.
Critical Thinking Questions
1. What forms of homeowner’s insurance are available? Which forms should the Perkins consider?
2. What are the perils against which the home and its contents should be insured?
3. Discuss the types of loss protection provided by the homeowner’s policies under consideration.
4. What advice would you give the Perkins regarding Gene’s suggestion?What coverage should they buy?