Dwelling
Pays to repair or rebuild the physical structure of your home after a covered loss — framing, roof, walls, built-in appliances and permanently attached fixtures. Limits are usually based on rebuild cost, not market value.
Coverage guide
What a homeowners policy actually covers
Most policies are built from the same six parts. Knowing what each one does makes it far easier to see whether your limits fit your home.
Other structures
Detached garages, fences, sheds and driveways. Typically set at a percentage of your dwelling limit, and adjustable if you have a large outbuilding.
Personal property
Your belongings, whether they're at home or with you. Jewelry, firearms, collectibles and business equipment often carry sub-limits, so high-value items may need to be scheduled individually.
Loss of use
Hotel stays, rentals and extra meal costs while your home is being repaired after a covered claim. Usually capped as a percentage of the dwelling limit or a set number of months.
Personal liability
Covers bodily injury or property damage you're legally responsible for, including legal defense. Common limits run from $100,000 to $500,000, with umbrella policies available above that.
Medical payments
Small medical bills for guests injured on your property, paid without regard to fault. Keeps minor incidents from becoming liability claims.
Deductibles
Your deductible is what you pay before coverage starts on a claim. Raising it lowers your premium but increases what a claim costs you out of pocket. Many policies also carry a separate percentage deductible for wind, hail or hurricane losses — worth checking if you live in a storm-exposed area.
Common endorsements
Water backup
Damage from sewer or sump-pump backups, which standard policies exclude.
Extended replacement cost
Extra rebuild funds when construction costs spike after a disaster.
Scheduled personal property
Itemized coverage for jewelry, art, instruments and collectibles.
Ordinance or law
Covers the added cost of rebuilding to current building codes.
Service line
Buried pipes and wires on your property that utilities don't cover.
Home business
Equipment and liability for a business run out of your home.
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