Nov 11, 2022

What Home Insurance Covers (and What It Doesn't)

Home insurance basics- what it is, why you need it

Home insurance is important for protecting your property from damage or loss, whether it's from a natural disaster like a hurricane, or from the accidental actions of another person. Your policy will cover specific types of damage and can be tailored to protect you and your family in a variety of ways.


You need home insurance to protect yourself, your family, and your property – no matter what happens. Hurricanes, fires, theft…the possibilities are endless. Protecting yourself and your loved ones is always worth it in the long run.


Some things that home insurance won’t cover include: Acts of God (like hurricanes), windstorm damage caused by tornadoes or thunderstorms, earthquake damage, flood damage caused by heavy rains or severe flooding, animal attacks on homeowners (or their pets), riot/civil disturbance coverage (unless you live in a designated “high-risk area” as determined by your insurer), and claims made as part of an investigation into fraud or theft committed against the insured property(s).


To get the best possible coverage for your home and belongings, start by understanding what exactly is covered under each type of policy offered by different insurers - then compare rates to see who offers the best deal for you! There are many resources available to help with this process too - like our handy guide here: https://www.smartassetinsuranceguide .com/home-insurance-basics/.


Some tips for saving money on home insurance include: Making sure you have comprehensive coverage which will cover all kinds of damages; bundling policies together so that you’re paying one premium for multiple policies; shopping around regularly for new quotes so that you can find the best deal; and creating an emergency fund to cover unexpected costs down the road (like repairing damages after a storm).


Coverage options- what does home insurance cover?


Home insurance policies offer a variety of coverage options that can fit different needs and budget constraints. Here are some of the most common types of coverage and what they cover:


Coverage options include property, liability, and theft coverage. Property coverage includes damage to or destruction of your home, possessions inside, and any plants or animals in the home. Liability covers you financially if someone is injured on your property or if someone else’s negligence causes damage to your home. Theft protection covers loss or theft of personal belongings inside your home, such as jewelry, electronics, and furniture.


Each type of coverage has its own set of exclusions that may apply. For example, only limited liability insurance will cover injuries caused by you or a guest. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover damage done by natural disasters like tornadoes or floods. You can check with your policy provider for specific exclusions applicable to your specific policy.


You can customize your home insurance policy to fit your needs by adjusting the deductible amount and adding additional Coverage A items (such as earthquake risk). Additionally, you can compare rates between different providers to find the best value for your needs.


What doesn't home insurance cover?


Standard home insurance policies generally do not cover damage caused by floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters. Damage caused by intentional acts, such as vandalism or theft, is typically not covered by home insurance. Certain types of property may also be excluded from coverage, such as jewelry, art, or collectibles. In some cases, home insurance policies will exclude coverage for certain types of homes (e.g., those located in flood zones). It is important to read your home insurance policy carefully to understand what is and is not covered before you purchase it.


Tips for finding the right home insurance coverage for you



When shopping for home insurance, it's important to first identify what risks are most important to you. Coverage may vary depending on the type of home you live in, as well as the specific features included. For example, flood damage may not be covered by many policies, while earthquake damage can be costly and difficult to recover from.


It's also important to consider your budget when choosing a policy. Some insurers offer more comprehensive coverage than others at a higher price tag. Once you've determined which risks you're willing to risk losing money on, compare different policy options and pick one that fits your needs and budget best. If you have any questions about your coverage or policy, don't hesitate to speak with your insurer or company representative.


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