home insurance rismedia March 27, 2024
Homeowners insurance is supposed to cover catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes, and a tree falling through the roof. But there are some much lesser problems that a typical insurance policy can cover.
Here are some of the surprising things covered by many home insurance policies. Check with your insurer first to see if you’re covered for them:
Riot: Called a “civil commotion” by insurers, riots can include vandalism, fire, and explosions, which are normally covered by home insurance. Having a state of emergency declared in your area because of rioting could make it easier to file a claim, as could a police report on damage to your home.
Volcano: If your home is in the path of an erupting volcano, your home is covered. Earthquake damage, however, isn’t covered by most standard policies.
Dog bite: Up to $300,000 in medical care may be covered if your dog bites someone. Other claims, such as for pain and suffering in a civil lawsuit, may only be covered up to a certain amount or may require additional coverage.
Spoiled food: If a storm causes your power to go out and the food in your refrigerator is spoiled, your homeowner's insurance should cover the cost of replacing the food. However, check if you’ll have to pay a deductible first and if it’s low enough to make filing a claim worthwhile.
Items stolen on vacation: Your belongings should be covered wherever you go by a homeowners policy, including on vacation under an “off-premises” provision. Had your laptop stolen in Lithuania? You should be covered. For more expensive items, such as a wedding ring, you may need to buy an additional rider to cover it.
Dorm theft: Just as your belongings are likely covered when you’re on vacation, so are your child’s things at college — up to a point. A dorm room on campus may be covered by your homeowner's policy, but off-campus housing may not be. The liability limits on a student’s belongings may be lower, so an expensive computer or bike may need to also be covered by renter’s insurance.
Gazebo: Your home is covered, and so is your entire property. This can include structures such as gazebos, storage sheds, and patios. Tell your insurance company that you have such structures, and provide photos and other documentation such as work orders to show they exist and how much they cost.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Smart home technology does more than make your home an energy-efficient machine with lower energy bills. Incorporating smart home technology throughout your house can… Read more
An inviting winter home is warm and inviting and should feel like a welcoming retreat for all who enter. Layering textiles, adding rugs, increasing the light sources,… Read more
Your home’s energy bills will likely substantially increase during the frigid winter months. However, investing in energy-efficient home features can help reduce heat… Read more
Winterizing your home before the first deep freeze sets in is essential for keeping it in excellent condition. The changing of seasons requires additional home mainten… Read more
If you plan to offer a home this winter, you may have an advantage during the home inspection. The home inspector will be able to assess winter-related house issues wh… Read more
As the days become shorter and the sun sets in the late afternoon, homes can lose the sense of security that the daylight hours provide. However, adding the necessary … Read more
Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind for home renovations, but there are actually several projects that are perfect to start during the colder month… Read more
Is your carpet looking a little worse for wear after years of foot traffic, pet stains, and spills? If you’re thinking about replacing it, consider whether tile might … Read more
As our population ages, many adult children are welcoming their elderly parents into their homes. Not only does this multigenerational living arrangement offer more ti… Read more