What does homeowners insurance cover

Homeowners insurance is coverage that protects you finically against loss due to theft, disasters, and accidents. Typical home insurance policies will include a few basic coverage types. Home insurance coverage for the structure of your home. Homeowners insurance coverage for your personal belongings within thew home. Liability coverage in case anyone is injured on your property and needs medical bills to be covered or you get sued and need money for legal expenses. There’s also coverage for additional living expenses as well.

Home insurance is in place to protect you and family in the event you need to completely rebuild your home or just need it repaired. Now that we know what basic coverage is involved let’s look into each a little closer. 

Home insurance coverage for the structure of your home

One of the most common coverage types in your home insurance policy will cover the structure of your home. If your house is destroyed by a fire, hurricane, hail, lightning or another disaster covered in your policy your homeowners insurance policy would pay for the repairs or rebuild of the home. Some policies will also cover detached structures as well. This can include sheds, a garage or gazebo. 

Please keep in mind a standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover you for flooding if it was caused by excess rain or a storm. Typical policies also won’t cover you in the event of an earthquake. If you’re looking to get coverage for either of these situations you will have to look into a flood insurance policy and an earthquake insurance policy.

A good rule of thumb to go by would be to always make sure you’re covered for a complete rebuild if necessary. Think about inflation and ask an insurance agent about extra insurance that may protect you from inflation as well. If you’d like to speak to an agent now about a better home insurance policy, give us a call! All of our wonderful agents are experts when it comes to home insurance and would love to help you find a better home insurance premium. Call us now 916 313 6100!

Homeowners insurance coverage for your personal belongings

Things like your clothes, furniture, and personal items are usually covered under a standard home insurance policy, if you encounter theft or a covered peril creates damage. The typical homeowners insurance policy covers around 50 to 70 percent of the structure of the home. This of course is all dependent on what coverage limits you have on your policy. 

If you’re looking to get a good idea of how much coverage you need, you might want to start with a home inventory. For some home insurance policies coverage for your personal belongings may be covered outside of your home as well. Meaning you may have coverage all around the world. Some home insurance companies will limit you to 10 percent of your personal belongings. There also may be coverage for unauthorized use of your credit cards. 

Items priced above $500 each would be generally covered. Things like trees, shrubs, and house plants may not be covered. If this is something that interests you and you want to ask an agent, give us a call! We’re nice people and we have great rates! 916 313 6100

Home insurance liability protection

Liability protection covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you or someone close to you causes to another person. Liability can can also cover you in the event your pet causes damage or get’s you in legal issues. For example if your cat ruins your neighbors part of the fence, you might be covered. Although, if they were to destroy something of your, you may not be covered. 

Liability will also cover legal fees to defend yourself in court. It can also pay for court awards up to the limit stated in your home insurance policy.

You should always discuss how much liability you might need with an agent. They can help you think through what you may or may not need coverage for. You may also want to consider an umbrella policy if you need additional coverage.

Most liability coverage provides no fault medical coverage so if someone is hurt or injured in your home, you may be covered. The person hurt would have to submit their medical bills to the home insurance company. By doing this, expenses can be paid without a liability claim being filed against you. Please keep in mind, it will not cover you or your family and pets. 

Homeowners insurance additional living expenses (ALE)

Additional living expenses pays additional costs if you are living away from your home. Your home would have to be inhabitable due to a natural disaster or different covered peril stated within your policy. Hotel bills and restaurant bills are a couple of the more common things covered with additional living expenses. These expenses are covered while you’re waiting for your home to be rebuilt or repaired. 

Additional living expenses coverage has it’s limits. Some also come with a time restriction. If you rent out a portion of the home, you may also be covered for loss rental income. 

These are the basics in terms of what homeowners insurance covers. There are additional coverages that can extend past this list and cover you for much more. If you have questions about home insurance or just want to look into getting a better home insurance rate, give us a call. We would love to help you get better home insurance! 916 313 6100