Homeowners Insurance

Homeowner's Insurance Coverage

While policies may vary, in general the basic homeowner's policy is divided into four parts.

Structural Damage

Less a deductible, your insurance policy is likely to cover the repairs or the rebuilding of your home in the event it suffers damages due to arson, accidental fire damage, and certain acts of nature, such as hail damage or lightning strike. The structural damage clause in your policy may also cover damage to any detached structures as well, so if your detached garage or tool shed is blown away in a tornado, you can find some solace in the knowledge they will be replaced without taking a huge chunk out of your savings.

Personal Belongings

As pricey as the home itself can be, you might be surprised what it would cost to replace the contents. This is why most homeowner's insurance policies also insure your belongings against damage or theft. Policies generally cover the contents as a percentage of the value of your home. For example, if the policy covers the contents up to 50 percent of the value of your structure and your home is valued at $100,000, you would be limited to collecting $50,000 from the insurance company to replace your furniture, appliances, clothing, electronics, and other possessions. This is why it is important to keep a running inventory of your household belongings, to make sure your coverage is sufficient to cover the replacement costs of those items that need to be replaced. Unfortunately, some of the most important things in our homes have more sentimental value than monetary value.

Jewelry, furs, and certain collectibles may be covered under different limits, which may require you to purchase additional coverage to make sure these items are covered in the event of theft.

Liability Coverage

It is important to carry a liability component to your homeowner's insurance policy in case someone is injured on your property or their property is damaged on your premises. This coverage also applies if you are on someone else's property and accidentally damage their property. For example, if your son breaks the neighbor's window while playing ball in their backyard, your policy would pay to have the window replaced.

In the event you or a member of your family are sued for bodily injury or property damage, the policy is likely to also cover your legal costs and any court awards against you up to the policy limits.

In general, property damage liability coverage ranges from $100,000 to $300,000, but additional coverage can be purchased. Personal injury coverage is likely to be just a few thousand dollars.

Living Expenses

In the event your home is damage so greatly that you will have to find temporary accommodations elsewhere while repairs are being made, this portion of your homeowners policy will cover the hotel bills or rent, meals, and incidental living expenses. Often this coverage is quoted as a percentage of the coverage on your home or as an unlimited amount for a limited timeframe.

Money Saving Tips

While the cost of homeowner's insurance is minimal compared to the cost of replacing your home in the event of a disaster, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you are making the best use of your money:

• Shop around. Not only are insurance policies structured differently, the costs can vary greatly.
• Raise your deductible, but only to the point where you can afford to pay it in the event there is an emergency.
• Many insurers will discount your policy if you take certain security measures, such as installing smoke alarms and security systems.
• Maintain a good credit history. Premiums costs are directly affected by the policyholder's credit rating.

Additional Homeowner's Insurance

While homeowner's insurance can alleviate your monetary concerns during certain times of disaster, you may need to purchase additional coverage to protect you and your property against earthquakes and flood. It is also important to review your coverage frequently to make sure it is still adequate. Keeping a running inventory of your personal property, along with the replacement value, will go a long away toward assuring you have enough insurance to meet your needs.

Related Insurance Links

• High Risk Home Owner Insurance
• Renter's Insurance
• American Family Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Accident Health Insurance
• Insurance Online.