Home Insurance 101

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Standard Home Insurance: What You Get

Even veteran homeowners insurance buyers can stumble when it comes to citing exactly what’s typically included in a standard policy. That’s why we’ve put together this handy Home Insurance 101 resource. Standard policies typically include six types of protection for you house. See the tiles below for a quick explanation of each type of coverage, You can click ‘More details’ for further information on each coverage type.

Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling coverage is what comes immediately to mind when someone says ‘home insurance.’ It protects the structure of your house against covered perils such as fire, wind, lightning, and hail. You should have enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your house from the ground up should it be destroyed by a covered event. One caution: Separate policies are needed for flood and earthquake coverage. More details

Other Structures Coverage

Other Structures protection is exactly what you might think. It protects sheds, detached garages, and fences from covered events. Typically, coverage limits are set at 10% of the amount of dwelling coverage, but you can purchase more protection if necessary. More details

Personal Property Coverage

Personal Property coverage protects your possessions in case they’re stolen or destroyed by a covered peril. Electronics, clothing, and furniture are among the items in this category. Limits typically are set at between 50% and 70% of your dwelling coverage limit. However, coverage is often limited for certain high-value items such as jewelry or furs – these can be covered fully by scheduling an endorsement to your policy. More details

Personal Liability Protection

Personal Liability protection helps if someone sues after being hurt on your property or suffering property damage because of an event caused by your or a member of your household. It can pay for your legal defense and for any settlement or award in the lawsuit, up to your coverage limits. You also can be protected from injuries caused by your pets. The coverage limit typically is set at $100,000, but you can purchase additional coverage. More details

Loss of Use Coverage

Loss of Use coverage kicks in if your house becomes uninhabitable because of a covered event. While it’s being repaired or replaced, this coverage helps with your living expenses, including hotel and restaurant bills. Limits typically are set at 20% of your dwelling coverage limit; however, sometimes policies include time limits as well. More details

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical Payments coverage helps if you’re responsible for the injuries of someone who does not want to sue. It can pay medical expenses up to your coverage limit. That limit typically is set at $1,000, but you can purchase additional coverage. More details

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