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Claims Resource
Coverage Types Explained
Understanding your insurance coverage is the first step to filing a successful claim. Learn what each coverage type protects and what it doesn't.
Standard Homeowners Coverage
Dwelling Coverage (Coverage A)
Protects the physical structure of your home, including walls, roof, foundation, and attached structures like garages. This is typically the largest coverage amount on your policy.
What's Covered
- Main house structure
- Attached garage
- Built-in appliances
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- HVAC systems
- Permanent fixtures
What's NOT Covered
- Land value
- Detached structures
- Maintenance issues
- Wear and tear
Pro Tip: Ensure your dwelling coverage equals the full replacement cost of your home, not the market value.
Other Structures (Coverage B)
Covers detached structures on your property that are not connected to your main home. Typically set at 10% of your dwelling coverage.
What's Covered
- Detached garage
- Storage sheds
- Fences and walls
- Guest houses
- Pool houses
- Gazebos
What's NOT Covered
- Structures used for business
- Rented structures
- Structures on other properties
Pro Tip: If you have valuable detached structures, consider increasing this coverage beyond the standard 10%.
Personal Property (Coverage C)
Protects your belongings inside your home and even when you travel. Typically set at 50-70% of dwelling coverage.
What's Covered
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Appliances
- Sports equipment
- Personal items away from home
What's NOT Covered
- Items over special limits (jewelry, art)
- Business equipment
- Motor vehicles
- Animals
Pro Tip: Create a home inventory and consider scheduling high-value items like jewelry, art, and collectibles.
Loss of Use (Coverage D)
Pays for additional living expenses if you cannot live in your home due to a covered loss. Also called Additional Living Expenses (ALE).
What's Covered
- Hotel/temporary housing
- Restaurant meals
- Storage costs
- Pet boarding
- Laundry expenses
- Additional transportation
What's NOT Covered
- Normal living expenses
- Mortgage payments
- Utilities at your home
- Voluntary relocation
Pro Tip: Keep all receipts for additional expenses. Coverage is typically limited to the time needed for repairs.
Liability Coverage (Coverage E)
Protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. Covers legal defense costs.
What's Covered
- Medical bills for injured guests
- Legal defense costs
- Court judgments
- Property damage to others
- Dog bite liability
- Off-premises incidents
What's NOT Covered
- Intentional acts
- Business activities
- Auto accidents
- Professional services
Pro Tip: Consider at least $300,000-$500,000 in liability coverage. An umbrella policy can provide additional protection.
Medical Payments (Coverage F)
Pays medical expenses for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault. No lawsuit required.
What's Covered
- Emergency room visits
- Doctor visits
- X-rays and tests
- Ambulance costs
- Minor surgeries
What's NOT Covered
- Your family's injuries
- Intentional injuries
- Injuries to residents
- Large medical claims (use liability)
Pro Tip: This coverage is typically $1,000-$5,000 and helps prevent lawsuits by covering minor injuries quickly.
Additional Coverage Options
Flood Insurance
ImportantStandard homeowners policies do NOT cover flood damage. Separate flood insurance is required, typically through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Earthquake Insurance
ImportantEarthquake damage is excluded from standard policies. Separate earthquake coverage is essential in seismically active areas.
Umbrella Insurance
Provides additional liability coverage beyond your home and auto policies. Typically starts at $1 million and is relatively inexpensive.
Auto Insurance
Covers your vehicles and liability while driving. Required by law in most states. Consider bundling with home insurance for discounts.
Not Sure What Coverage You Have?
Our AI assistant Alan can help you understand your specific policy coverage and guide you through the claims process.