What homeowners insurance covers
A standard homeowners policy is a package of several coverages. It protects your main dwelling, other structures on your property (such as a fence, pool or gazebo) and your personal property inside the home when damage is caused by a covered event.
It also includes family liability — for example, if you or a family member accidentally injure someone or damage their property, including damage caused by your pets — plus medical payments for guests, loss of use, and options such as water backup coverage.
What’s usually not covered
Most standard policies exclude flood, earthquake, wear and tear, maintenance issues and mechanical breakdown. Flood and earthquake require separate policies.
The exclusions section is one of the most important parts of your policy. Read it carefully so you know exactly what is and isn’t covered, and ask us if anything is unclear.
Why you need it
- If your home is destroyed by fire or damaged by a natural disaster, you’ll need money to repair or rebuild it.
- If a guest is injured in your home, medical payments coverage helps with their medical expenses.
- If you’re a victim of theft or vandalism, your policy can reimburse certain losses. Some items — cash, jewelry, gold, silver, antiques — have payment limits.
- If you have a mortgage, your lender will require insurance.
Questions to ask your agent
- How much would it cost to rebuild my house if it were completely destroyed?
- How much would it cost to replace my belongings?
- Does the insurance company have a good reputation for paying claims fairly and promptly?
- What discounts are available? Ask about bundling, security systems, fire-resistant construction, a new roof and early signing.
- What’s the process for filing and settling a claim?
This guide is general information, not a policy. Coverage, limits and exclusions vary by carrier and state — your policy documents are what apply. Ask us about your specific situation.