Protecting your home and everything inside it
Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means it can cover both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for injuries and property damage that you or members of your family cause to other people. This liability coverage also includes damage caused by household pets.
What does homeowners insurance cover?
A typical homeowners policy includes protection for:
- Your home’s structure against perils such as fire, windstorm, hail, theft, and vandalism
- Personal belongings inside your home, including furniture, electronics, and clothing
- Liability coverage to protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you cause damage to others
- Additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss
Damage caused by most disasters is covered, but there are important exceptions. Floods and earthquakes are generally not covered under a standard homeowners policy and require purchasing separate flood or earthquake insurance policies. Additionally, damage resulting from poor maintenance or neglect is the homeowner’s responsibility and is not covered.
How does homeowners insurance work?
You pay a monthly or annual premium for your policy. If your home or belongings are damaged or stolen due to a covered event, you file a claim. After an adjuster reviews the damage, your insurance company helps cover repair or replacement costs up to your policy limits, minus any deductible.
Why is homeowners insurance important?
Your home is more than a place to live—it’s where memories are made and your financial investment grows. Without homeowners insurance, you would be responsible for costly repairs or replacing belongings after damage or loss. Liability coverage also protects you from expensive legal claims if someone is hurt on your property or if your pets cause damage.