What Does Your Homeowner's Insurance Really Cover?
Learn key protections, common gaps, and how to fill them.
Protection Essentials
Dwelling Coverage:
- Covers the physical structure of your home (walls, roof, foundation).
- Includes attached structures like garages or decks.
- Typically for perils like fire, windstorms, vandalism (check policy for specifics).
Personal Property Coverage:
- Protects your belongings (furniture, clothes, electronics).
- Coverage can be worldwide, not just at home.
- Exclusions often apply to high-value items (jewelry, art) unless specifically scheduled.
Liability Protection:
- Covers bodily injury or property damage you or family members cause to others.
- Includes legal defense costs if you're sued.
- Applies both on and off your property.
Common Coverage Gaps
Wildfire & Natural Disaster Limits:
- Policies in high-risk areas may have separate deductibles or lower limits for specific perils like wildfires or hurricanes.
- Coverage might not cover current rebuilding costs.
Typically Not Included by Default:
- Flood Damage: Requires a separate flood insurance policy.
- Earthquake Damage: Usually needs a specific endorsement or separate policy.
- Sewer Backup & Sump Pump Overflow: Often excluded unless an endorsement is added.
- Mold Remediation: Coverage is typically limited or excluded.
Additional Considerations:
- Personal Umbrella Policy: For liability coverage above your standard policy limits.
- Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Understand the limits and duration if your home is uninhabitable.
How to Read Your Policy
Key Terms to Understand:
- Declarations Page: Summary of your coverage, limits, deductibles, and policy period.
- Limits: The maximum amount your insurer will pay for a covered loss.
- Deductibles: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in.
- Endorsements/Riders: Additions or modifications to your standard policy (e.g., for jewelry, home business).
- Exclusions: Perils or situations not covered by your policy.
Quick Checklist for Critical Sections:
- Verify Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A) amount.
- Check Personal Property (Coverage C) limits and type (Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost).
- Note Liability (Coverage E) limits.
- Review all deductibles (standard, wind/hail, hurricane, wildfire).
- Carefully read the Exclusions section.
- Look for any Endorsements that modify your coverage.
“I found a $50K gap in my wildfire coverage—PolicyReviewPro saved me!”
— Jane D., LA homeowner
2,500+ homeowners served
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