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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.

Homeowners insurance coverage

Examples of covered perils include:

  • 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

Coverage is subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of your policy.

Important things to know about your coverage

Size of the debt

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.

Size of the debt

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.

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