Home coverage
Homeowners insurance, explained plainly
What a homeowners policy pays for, what it leaves out, and how to make sure your limits would actually rebuild your home.
What we check
- Rebuild cost
- Flood zone
- Wildfire and wind
- Roof age
What it covers
Your house
Repairs or rebuilds the home after fire, wind, hail, lightning, theft and other covered events.
Other structures
Fences, sheds and detached garages, usually 10% of the dwelling limit.
Your belongings
Furniture, clothes and electronics, at home or while traveling.
Living costs
Hotel, rent and meals if you can’t live at home during repairs.
Liability
Legal costs and damages if someone is hurt on your property or you damage theirs.
Guest medical bills
Small medical bills for guests hurt at your home, regardless of fault.
Interactive guide
The six parts of a homeowners policy
Most policies split coverage into lettered parts. Pick one to see what it means and how much people usually carry.
Coverage A: Dwelling
Pays to repair or rebuild the house itself. Set it to your rebuild cost, not your home’s market value or what you paid.
- Based on rebuild cost
- Land isn’t included
- Ask about extended replacement cost
General information, not insurance or financial advice. A licensed broker can recommend coverage for your situation.
What affects your price
- 01
Rebuild cost
Bigger, custom or older homes cost more to rebuild.
- 02
Location risk
Wildfire, wind, hail and distance to a fire station.
- 03
Roof
Age, material and condition.
- 04
Claims history
Recent claims on you or the home.
- 05
Deductible
A higher deductible lowers the premium.
- 06
Protection
Alarms, sprinklers and storm shutters can earn discounts.
How it fits with your other policies
Gaps usually hide between policies. Your household dashboard checks how they line up.
Flood
Separate policy. Check your FEMA zone.
Umbrella
Adds liability on top of Coverage E.
Watercraft
Homeowners covers very little for boats.
Home insurance questions
How much dwelling coverage do I need?
Enough to rebuild the home at today’s construction costs. That is often different from the market value. Our report gives an estimate, and your broker can confirm it.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood, including storm surge. Flood coverage comes from a separate policy, through the NFIP or a private flood insurer.
What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost pays what it costs to repair or replace with new materials. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation, so an older roof or sofa pays out far less.
Why was my policy non-renewed?
Carriers non-renew for the home’s risk (wildfire, wind, roof age), for claims, or because they are writing less in an area. The notice should give a reason, and a broker can look for other markets.
Do I need homeowners insurance if my home is paid off?
No lender requires it once the mortgage is paid, but the policy still protects the house, your belongings and your liability. Without it, a fire or a lawsuit is paid from your own savings.
Get home coverage that fits the rest of your policies
Find a licensed broker who writes home, auto, watercraft and umbrella together.