A closer look at what’s covered by standard homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance is something most people don't want to have to think about until they need it the most. Understanding your coverage can sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing if you aren’t familiar with insurance claims and coverage. Most homeowners don't know what's covered in their policy. That's why FirstCall is here to help. Having a team of industry experts to help you understand your insurance policy can help ease the burden and frustration of handling your insurance claim on your own. Let’s take a look at what is typically covered under a homeowners policy.

Homeowners coverage provides financial protection against property loss due to disasters. Most standard policies include coverage for the structure of your home, coverage for your personal belongings, liability protection, and coverage for additional living expenses.

Coverage for the structure of your home

Your homeowners policy pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged or destroyed by fire, hurricane, hail, lightning or other disasters listed in your policy. Most policies also cover detached structures such as a garage, tool shed, or gazebo. A standard policy may not pay for damage caused by a flood, earthquake or routine wear and tear. So be sure to check your own policy and add coverage if necessary.

Coverage for your personal belongings

Clothing, furniture, appliances, and most of the other contents of your home are covered if they're destroyed in an insured disaster. Fire, storms (such as hurricanes and tornadoes), and hail are all examples of these types of disasters. If you own a lot of high-priced possessions (fine art or antiques, fine jewelry, designer clothes), you might want to pay extra to put them on an itemized schedule, purchase a rider to cover them, or even buy a separate policy.

Personal Liability for Damage or Injuries

Liability insurance protects you from financial losses resulting from damage to others’ property and personal injury to others if you are found legally responsible. Unless they are excluded, this insurance also covers damage caused by your family members and even your pets. Liability protection covers court awards and expenses, depending on your policy.

Additional living expenses (ALE)

If the damage to your home is severe, you may need to find other living arrangements for a period of time. ALE pays the additional costs of living away from home if you cannot live there due to damage from an insured disaster. It covers hotel bills, restaurant meals and other costs, over and above your usual living expenses incurred while your home is being restored or rebuilt.

Fire and Smoke Damage

All standard homeowners insurance policies include coverage for damage from fire and smoke. Such coverage generally includes teardown, cleanup, and rebuilding costs for the main structure and outbuildings, along with replacing furniture and possessions in the home. Most policies also include loss of use coverage to pay for alternate lodging while your home is rebuilt. If your property has had fire and smoke damage, FirstCall are experts in navigating the insurance claim process for property losses.

Roof Leaks

Standard homeowners insurance policies usually cover roof leaks that are caused by a covered event, such as a storm or hail. In that case, the policy should also pay for repairs. If you’ve experienced a property loss due to hail, windstorms, roof damage, fallen tree, etc., FirstCall will ensure that the maximum value of your loss is reclaimed.

Water Damage

Almost all water damage is covered. Water damage from something like a burst pipe or failed washing machine hose is generally covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy, with the caveat that damage caused by a lack of maintenance is typically not covered. Whether you’re experiencing a burst pipe or internal water damage, FirstCall can help to ensure your full property value is recuperated.

Flood Damage

Flooding is a hazard that is typically not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. However, flood insurance may be a requirement depending on where you live. If that’s the case for you, most major insurance companies offer optional flood insurance. Flooding from storms and rising water from land can be devastating and often times will lead to more serious issues such as mold and fungus growth. Flood insurance is not always included in a standard policy, so be sure to check your policy if you would like this type of property coverage. Let FirstCall advocate to reclaim your property loss to its full value.

Storm Damage and Tree Removal

If a tree falls on your house, garage, or other structure covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy during a storm, most insurance companies will pay to have it removed up to the limits of your policy. If you’ve experienced a property loss due to hail, windstorms, roof damage, fallen tree, etc., FirstCall will ensure that the maximum value of your loss is reclaimed. Policy terminology can be confusing and often deceptive. FirstCall can help you understand the provisions (inclusions/exclusions) of your policy. They will keep you informed and help answer any questions or concerns that you may have. As insurance consumers themselves, the FirstCall team can empathize with their clients and provide insurance policy guidance and a claim settlement process that is as stress-free as possible.