Simple Guide to Insurance Coverage

Homeowners insurance pays for losses and damage to your home’s structure and contents when caused by a covered event. The specifics of what’s covered, and what’s not, depends on your individual insurance policy.

Homeowners insurance coverage

Homeowners insurance companies may offer different types of policies, which vary depending on the insurer.

It is important to check your policy to understand what it covers. Most homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for the perils listed below.

Fire or lightning
Windstorm or hail
Explosion
Riot or civil commotion
Aircraft
Vehicles

Smoke
Vandalism or malicious mischief
Theft
Falling objects
Weight of snow, ice, or sleet
Volcanic eruption

Important things to know about your coverage

Additional coverage

If not already included, optional additional coverage may cover damage from:

Sewer backup
HVAC, fire-protection systems, or appliance issues
Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current

Review your specific needs with a licensed insurance agent to determine what level of coverage works best for your situation.

Excluded coverage

Most homeowners policies do not include coverage for damage caused by:

Floods
Earthquakes
Lack of maintenance
Sewer backup

Are you in a flood zone?

Learn about the flood risk to your home and community by checking FEMA’s flood zone maps.

Remember, flood insurance is excluded from most homeowners insurance policies. If you decide flood insurance is right for you, contact insurance providers for estimates. Flood insurance policies can be purchased through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or a private insurer.