Buying a house is quite likely to be the single largest investment you’ll ever make in your life. With so much money at stake, it makes sense to protect your home with sufficient insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect the physical structure(s) of your home in the event of a fire or other natural disaster. Homeowners’ insurance may also offer liability security if anyone is injured on your property. As well as theft protection in the event of a burglary. Having said that, getting the right homeowners insurance takes a lot of thought. You have to start by comparing the coverage offered by various insurance companies and then investigating the features of the various policies they have. Let us help you secure a homeowners insurance policy that is ideal for you.
What exactly is homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that covers homeowners. More likely, in the event of harm or loss to their home and its contents. This insurance also protects homeowners against liabilities resulting from injuries at home or on the land.
Is homeowners insurance required?
In some states, homeowners insurance is mandatory. Some mortgage lenders, for example, include homeowners insurance. Even if no one expects you to purchase homeowners insurance, it is a good idea. A homeowners insurance policy can help ensure that you do not end up paying exorbitant expenses. Especially, out of your own pocket in the case of an unfortunate occurrence or disaster. A homeowners policy is not the same as a home warranty. It does not cover the cost of replacing household systems and appliances that have damaged. So, what exactly does it cover?
What does homeowners insurance cover?
Homeowners insurance pays for certain types of damage to your own homes. Such as arson, robbery, and natural disasters. As well as damage to someone else’s property and injuries to guests on your property. Some policies can also assist in covering expenses if you inadvertently harm someone else’s property. Or if there is some injury to the guest in your home. The following are some of the damages that standard homeowners insurance policies typically cover:
- Your dwelling – Covers structural damage to your house and ensures that if your house’s destruction is by fire, other natural disasters, or robbery, the insurance provider will help pay to rebuild it.
- Structures on your property – Other buildings on your property besides your house – detached garage, tool shed, fence, or even a gazebo.
- Personal property – Protects your personal belongings in your houses, such as furniture and appliances.
- Personal liability – Personal responsibility protects you from financial liability if anyone who does not live with you is harmed on your property or if you, your family, or even your pet damages someone else’s property.
- Additional living expenses – If you need temporary housing when your home is being rebuilt after a covered accident, your insurance will pay for hotel stays, meals, etc.
What isn’t covered by homeowners insurance?
Although it seems that nearly every major disaster gets protection under this insurance, there are a few exceptions:
- Seismic activity – This can come as a surprise when you know that earthquakes are a natural calamity. However, standard insurance policy in most states doesn’t offer protection for earthquakes, sinkholes, and other ground changes. Most states (except California) allow you to buy earthquake insurance as an endorsement/supplement for an additional fee.
- Water Damage – Flood damage and damage caused by hurricanes or melting snow are not on the list. It does not fall under standard homeowners insurance plan coverages. If you live in a flood-prone area, you will need to purchase extra flood insurance to protect your home from flood damage.
- Problems with maintenance – These insurance plans do not compensate for damage to your home caused by a lack of good care and routine maintenance. Damage caused by termites/insects, birds or rats, rust, rot, and mold, as well as general wear and tear, are not under protection. Other exclusions include smog or smoke injury. Water damage as a result of leaks or overflows from sewers/drains or sump pumps does not get standard homeowners insurance coverage.
How much does homeowners insurance cost?
For a $250,000 house, the national average annual premium is $1,393. On average, home insurance costs will go up by 6% considering last year, keeping pace with the 7.5% inflation rate currently happening in the United States. The cost of your home insurance, on the other hand, depends on a number of different variables. Premiums get heavy influences by a person’s physical location. If a natural disaster occurs in one area, the cost of rebuilding can be much higher than in other areas. As shown in the table below, the typical insurance rates in your state for a policy with a $250,000 dwelling coverage limit are indicative.
To know more about this and any other homeowners or auto insurance queries you may have, reach out to Way.com. Our agents will get in touch to help you out.
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