Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is designed to give you peace of mind and protect you from a number of potential threats to your home and property. This insurance typically protects against the following perils:

• Natural disasters: As part of your dwelling coverage, homeowners insurance covers natural disasters such as windstorms, hail, lightning strikes and wildfires. However, you must purchase a separate policy for floods or earthquakes because homeowners insurance doesn’t cover these acts of nature.
• Theft or vandalism: Homeowners insurance covers vandalism, riots and civil unrest. For example, if someone breaks into your home, your insurance may pay to replace your doors and windows to make it safe again. Insurance may cover other elements of your home, depending on the circumstances.
• House fire: Homeowners insurance can cover fires that occur on accident, such as electrical fires and grease and candle fires. House fires are common, which is why standard policies cover them. Your homeowners insurance may cover the cost of rebuilding your home as well as living expenses, such as hotel bills, while your home gets rebuilt.
• Personal property coverage: Personal property includes the items in your home, such as furniture, electronics and other personal possessions. Homeowners insurance may replace your personal property if damaged in a covered loss.
• Liability coverage: Liability coverage protects you if someone suffers an injury on your property or you cause an accident to someone else on your property.
• Additional living expenses: Many homeowners insurance policies will also cover additional living expenses you incur while your home or property is being repaired. These can include hotels, rentals, food and more.

What Doesn’t Homeowners Insurance Cover?

While your homeowners insurance policy covers many items, it’s important to be aware of its limitations. Several items aren’t covered under your basic policy but can be picked as additional coverage based on your needs. Typical exclusions include:

• Water damage: Water damage may include sump pump or sewer backup water damage, but homeowners insurance typically doesn’t cover it. You must obtain additional coverage or select add-on policies to cover this type of water damage. However, property damage from malfunctioning sprinkler systems or water pipes that burst is covered.
• Flooding: You must get separate flood insurance to cover storms, melting snow or other natural causes.
• Failure to maintain property: If you fail to maintain your property or don’t take care of it, homeowners insurance may not cover certain damage. Consider a home warranty to cover systems and appliances.
• Earthquakes: Most standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover earthquake damage. You’ll pay out of pocket for repairs if you don’t have a separate earthquake insurance.

Homeowners insurance isn’t required on a state or federal level. However, your mortgage lender will usually require you to purchase homeowners insurance to protect you and them (the lender) if something happens  to the property.

Benefits Of Purchasing Homeowners Insurance

Purchasing homeowners insurance may offer some intuitive benefits, including that you’re covered if disaster strikes. However, there are some other benefits you might not be aware of, including:

• Liability coverage: Homeowners insurance protects your home in the case of a natural disaster, but it also covers your home if someone trips and gets injured on your property.
• Personal property protection: Homeowners insurance also offers coverage for your personal belongings. For example, if a burglar ravages your home and ruins your bedroom, your homeowners insurance can cover the cost of your bed, dresser and other items.
• Housing assistance: If you can’t live in your home due to damage, your homeowners insurance may pay for temporary housing. For example, you may need to rent a storage facility while your home is being rebuilt. Homeowners insurance will cover the fees.
• Financial safety net: Homeowners insurance may help you stay out of debt, keep your savings intact and preserve your credit if you lose your home in a disaster. You pay a deductible and your homeowners insurance will cover the rest. You can feel better knowing that homeowners insurance will help protect you from financial emergencies after a disaster.

Follow these simple steps to get the right home insurance policy:

1. Shop Around For Quotes

Look at insurance coverage options from a variety of companies so you make sure you get the best rate for you. Compare the different types of coverage against the costs. Check out the reviews of each insurance company to learn more about customer service. Learn everything you can about each company you’re considering.

2. Read The Terms And Conditions

What do the terms and conditions reveal about each insurance plan? Get a sense of what your coverage includes, particularly if you live where you encounter floods, earthquakes or hurricanes. You may have to purchase additional coverage for these perils.

3. Take Inventory

Take inventory of your personal belongings so you and your insurer know the replacement costs of all your items. This will help you get an idea of how much coverage you need and will help you if you need to file a claim.

Take a look at some frequently asked questions about homeowners insurance.

What’s the difference between homeowners insurance and a home warranty plan?

Homeowners insurance differs from a home warranty plan in that a home warranty plan covers your home’s systems and appliances, whereas a homeowners insurance covers disasters or accidents that damage your home.

How long does homeowners insurance last?

Homeowners insurance typically lasts a year, but homeowners insurance often renews annually. Ask your insurance company or speak with an insurance agent for more information about how long your coverage lasts.

How do I lower my homeowners insurance cost?

Homeowners can lower their insurance costs by maintaining a good credit record, sticking with the same insurance companies, seeking out discounts and taking preventative measures like installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their home. Some insurance companies may provide discounts for doing so.