Each family is a different world and has different needs from the others. However, everyone should share as a priority caring for themselves and their future. For this reason – and after reading this article – you will agree that investing in a homeowners insurance policy is a very important issue.

The following data and advice are based on the fascicle of the General Superintendence of Insurance (SUGESE), an entity that controls and regulates the policy market in Costa Rica. In order to provide consumers with knowledge of the insurance market, in a transparent and informed way.

Insurance types:

Against fire

This insurance covers possible damage to real estate, which may result from various eventualities: fire, earthquake, flood, landslides and hurricane winds.

It is important to evaluate opting for this insurance, because Costa Rica is a country prone to several natural disasters because of its geographical location. Where the country has been affected by the movements of the Cocos and the Caribbean tectonic plates, tropical cyclones such as Hurricane Otto in 2016, the tropical climate characterized by the time of heavy rains, etc.

So, being able to purchase insurance that covers your home in these extreme situations results in relief for many.

Burglary insurance

Now, theft insurance covers those goods that you wish to protect, such as electronic equipment, jewelry, furniture, even animals, in the event that a third party enters your home to commit a crime.

In general, said insurance also includes a security system, based on an alarm that activates and contacts the owner and an operator in case of a transfer in their home, to request that a patrol be sent to their home and proceed with the necessary research.

In this way your goods will have greater protection, where you can cover them in full or in a percentage of their valuation.

Total coverage insurance

As the name states it, the full coverage insurance protects your home in case of crime and a natural eventuality, in a package where you do not have to pay each service separately.

Other insurance policies

However, there are several policies, such as the mortgage and the “all risk” type in case you are about to start the construction project of your home. This covers all or part of the damages that may occur in the construction process: damages to third parties, civil liability, work stoppage, etc.

Expert Advice

The recommended before purchasing insurance, of any kind, is:

  • Verify authorized insurers at www.sugese.fi.cr

  • Review the contract conditions with the support of a qualified professional in the field
  • In case of acquiring insurance abroad, consider that SUGESE cannot intervene, so you have to be well informed about the conditions applicable to claims

Before acquiring a policy, develop a personal and family strategy that allows you to cover most of the risks to which you may be exposed, according to your economic conditions

Tomás Soley – Insurance Superintendent

It is important to always inform yourself in depth and consult with experts in the field, to understand how payments work and what assets the policy covers, since it is an important investment for the future of your family.