Homeowners insurance is made up of coverages that may help pay to repair or replace your home and belongings if they are damaged by certain perils, such as fire or theft. You may be able to get help if you damage the property of someone else or if someone is hurt at your house.
Interior and exterior damage to your house
Your insurer will pay you for damage to your home from fire, hurricanes or lightning. Destruction or mutilation from floods, earthquakes, and poor home maintenance is not usually covered and you may require separate riders if you want that type of protection. You may need separate coverage for garages, sheds, or other structures that are not part of the main house.
If your home is damaged by an insured disaster, you can get coverage for clothing, furniture, appliances and almost all other items in your home. Even "off-premises" coverage is available. This means that you can file a claim for jewelry lost no matter where it was lost. However, your insurer may not reimburse you for the full amount.
How much homeowners insurance do I need?
You might consider buying a separate policy if you have a lot of expensive possessions, such as fine art, antiques, and designer clothes.
Many homeowners insurance policies include coverage for other structures located on your property but separate from your home - like a garage or gazebo. Make sure you get in touch with an insurance agent who can help you find the right policy for your needs.
Personal property protection
Homeowners insurance does more than just cover the damage to your house. It could also offer other benefits. If your belongings are damaged or destroyed due to a covered risk, personal property protection can help you pay for the repair or replacement. You may also be eligible for optional coverages from your insurer to further protect your belongings.
Liability coverage
If someone who is not your neighbor gets hurt while they are on your property, bodily injury liability coverage could help cover your legal expenses and the visitor's medical bills. You might be able to increase your liability coverage by adding an additional policy. Get in touch with an insurance agent who can help you understand the options available to your situation.
Coverage limits and deductibles
Remember that every coverage on a homeowners insurance policy is subjected to a limit, which is the maximum amount your policy would pay for a covered loss. Your coverage limits may be adjusted to meet your needs. This includes taking into consideration the value of your home, belongings, and how much it might cost to repair or replace them in the event they are damaged by a covered loss.
In most cases, you will typically have to pay your deductible before your insurance benefits kick in to help cover a loss. For more information about your coverage and deductibles, consult with an insurance agent. They can usually be adjusted to meet your needs.
A homeowners insurance policy can provide protection in the event of an unexpected. Connect with a local insurance agent at Richard Dean Insurance to help you select the types of coverage and limits that make sense for you.