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About The Song
“You’re My Best Friend” is a song written by Wayland Holyfield, and recorded by American country music artist Don Williams. It was released in April 1975 as the first single and title track from the album You’re My Best Friend.
After Don Williams’ breakthrough in 1974, he came back the following year with the release of “You’re My Best Friend,” which was released as the first single and title track off his fourth album. The song brought Williams his second No. 1 hit, as it ranked atop Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and marked Williams’ true beginning as a commercial juggernaut, as the song topped Canadian RPM Country Tracks. It even cracked the U.K. Singles Chart, where it peaked at No. 35.
Choosing the right home insurance in the U.S. can be a daunting task, given the variety of policies and providers available. However, with a bit of research and understanding of your needs, you can secure the right coverage for your home. This guide will walk you through key factors to consider when selecting a home insurance policy.
1. Understand What Home Insurance Covers
Home insurance typically covers:
- Dwelling coverage: Protects the structure of your home against risks such as fire, storms, or vandalism.
- Personal property coverage: Covers your belongings, including furniture, appliances, and electronics.
- Liability coverage: Protects you in case someone is injured on your property, or you accidentally damage someone else’s property.
- Additional living expenses (ALE): Covers the cost of living elsewhere if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Before choosing a policy, make sure you understand these components and how much coverage you need for each.
2. Assess Your Home’s Value and Risk Factors
The amount of coverage you need will depend on several factors:
- Home value: The replacement cost of your home should be the main consideration. This refers to the amount it would take to rebuild your home from scratch.
- Location: Homes in high-risk areas (e.g., flood zones, wildfire-prone regions) may require additional coverage, such as flood or earthquake insurance.
- Personal belongings: Calculate the total value of your possessions to determine how much personal property coverage you need.
Make sure your policy can cover the full replacement cost of your home and valuables in case of a disaster.
3. Compare Different Types of Policies
There are several types of home insurance policies, each offering varying levels of protection:
- HO-1: Basic form, covering only named perils like fire or theft (rarely offered).
- HO-2: Broad form, covering more perils, including windstorms, hail, and falling objects.
- HO-3: Special form, the most common, offering comprehensive coverage for your home (except for specifically excluded risks).
- HO-5: Premium form, providing the highest level of protection for both the dwelling and personal property.
- HO-8: Designed for older homes, covering the actual cash value instead of replacement cost.
Choosing the right policy type depends on your budget and the level of protection you’re seeking.
4. Factor in Deductibles and Premiums
A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. Premiums are the regular payments you make to maintain coverage. Higher deductibles typically result in lower premiums, but be sure to choose a deductible you can afford in the event of a claim.
When comparing policies, strike a balance between affordable premiums and manageable deductibles to ensure you’re not caught off guard during a claim.
5. Look for Discounts
Many insurance providers offer discounts, which can help lower your premiums. Some common discounts include:
- Bundling policies: You may get a discount if you combine your home and auto insurance with the same company.
- Home security systems: Installing alarms, cameras, or other security features may lower your risk profile.
- New homebuyer discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for first-time homebuyers.
- Loyalty discounts: Staying with the same insurer for several years can sometimes earn you savings.
It’s worth asking your provider about these and other potential discounts.
It has since become one of his signature tunes and paved the way for several songs by Don Williams to enter the country charts.
Written by songwriter Wayland Holyfield, “You’re My Best Friend” is a simple, genuine sentiment of love and friendship to a long-term romantic partner.
“You’re my bread when I’m hungry. You’re my shelter from troubled winds. You’re my anchor in life’s ocean. But most of all, you’re my best friend,” the song goes.
Holyfield was actually just new in the songwriting business when he penned this song about his wife, but he knew it would resonate with every person who is in that type of special relationship. Indeed, it was! The moment Don Williams began singing the romantic ballad in his shows, he noticed how the audiences had already picked up all the lyrics. It then quickly grew into a major sing-along segment of his live shows.
6. Research the Insurance Company’s Reputation
Not all insurance companies are created equal. Before selecting a provider, research their:
- Financial stability: You want a company that can pay out claims even in times of widespread disaster. Check their financial ratings through agencies like A.M. Best, Moody’s, or Standard & Poor’s.
- Customer service: Look for reviews and ratings to understand how well they handle claims and customer support. Websites like J.D. Power or the Better Business Bureau can offer insights.
- Claim process: A smooth, hassle-free claims process can make a significant difference during stressful times. Ask about the company’s track record for timely payments.
7. Understand Policy Exclusions
Every home insurance policy has exclusions, or specific scenarios that are not covered. Common exclusions include:
- Floods: Flood insurance usually needs to be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
- Earthquakes: Earthquake coverage is typically an add-on, especially in high-risk areas like California.
- Wear and tear: Damage caused by normal wear and tear or neglect is not covered by home insurance.
Knowing what isn’t covered helps you assess whether you need additional policies or riders to fill the gaps.
8. Consider Additional Coverage Options
Depending on your needs, you may want to add riders or endorsements to your policy for extra protection:
- Flood insurance: Essential if you live in a flood-prone area, as standard home insurance does not cover flood damage.
- Earthquake insurance: Important for homes in areas like California.
- Valuable personal property rider: If you own expensive items like jewelry, artwork, or collectibles, you may need extra coverage for those.
- Water backup coverage: Covers damage from sewer or drain backups, which is not typically covered by standard policies.
These add-ons increase your premiums but offer peace of mind for unique risks.
9. Review Policy Limits Regularly
Over time, the value of your home and belongings may change. It’s important to review your policy annually to ensure it still meets your needs. Significant life events, such as home renovations, new purchases, or changes in family size, might necessitate a policy update.
10. Seek Professional Advice
If you’re unsure about which home insurance policy is best for you, consider consulting with an insurance broker. Brokers can help you compare options from multiple providers and give advice tailored to your specific situation.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home insurance in the U.S. involves balancing coverage, cost, and personal needs. By understanding the types of coverage available, assessing your risks, comparing providers, and reviewing your policy regularly, you can protect your home and belongings with confidence. Remember to research the reputation of insurance companies and consider additional coverage for unique risks to ensure you’re fully covered.
The song also marked a long and fruitful partnership between Williams and Holyfield. “You’re My Best Friend” was actually Holyfield’s first No. 1 hit on the U.S. charts in a career that would see him writing songs for some of the most notable country artists – from Charley Pride to George Strait.
Lyric
You placed gold on my finger
You brought love like I’ve never known
You gave life to our children
And to me a reason to go on.You’re my bread when I’m hungry
You’re my shelter from troubled winds
You’re my anchor in life’s ocean
But most of all you’re my best friend.When I need hope and inspiration
You’re always strong when I’m tired and weak
I could search This whole world over
You’ll still be everything that I need.You’re my bread when I’m hungry
You’re my shelter from troubled winds
You’re my anchor in life’s ocean
But most of all you’re my best friend.You’re my bread when I’m hungry
You’re my shelter from troubled winds
You’re my anchor in life’s ocean
But most of all you’re my best friend…