Surprising things your homeowners insurance covers

You've probably heard of some of the most common causes of home damage, such as high winds, heavy rain, and vandalism. But did you know that your home insurance policy also covers some rather surprising things? If someone steals your identity or a meteorite lands in your kitchen, your home insurance may kick in to cover the costs. The StrongInsurance editorial team has compiled a list of six unexpected things that homeowners insurance covers.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Your homeowners insurance policy is intended to protect your home, belongings, and liability exposure. As needed, you can frequently add additional optional coverages.

There are some situations for which most homeowners policies provide coverage, regardless of the company from which you purchase your policy. Theft, vandalism, and wind damage are all common losses covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners insurance, on the other hand, does not typically cover floods or earthquakes. You may be able to add coverage for these events with an endorsement, or you may need to purchase a separate policy, such as flood insurance.

The specific protections you receive from your policy will be determined by the type of policy you purchase. Condo policies, for example, typically provide a different set of standard coverages than homeowners policies. And, within homeowners policies, there are various policy forms that provide varying levels of coverage. Discussing your coverage with your insurance company is the best way to determine the specific coverages included on your homeowners insurance policy.

Surprising homeowners insurance coverages

While you can often supplement your homeowners policy with optional coverages, there are some standard coverages that may surprise you. The following are six things that most homeowners are unaware of that are generally covered by home insurance.

1. Identity theft

If your identity has been stolen, you may have to pay fees to repair the damage.You could waste countless hours and thousands of dollars attempting to repair your credit.

Some insurers include identity theft coverage in standard homeowners policies, but most offer it as an optional coverage that you can purchase for a fee. This coverage may help pay for expenses incurred as a result of your identity being stolen. Legal fees, lost wages, and notary fees associated with restoring your credit may be covered by identity theft coverage.

2. Damaged outbuildings

Your homeowners insurance policy may include “other structures coverage.” Other structures coverage is included with the majority of home insurance policies and covers structures on your property that are not attached to your home, such as fences and sheds.

For example, if a windstorm causes damage to your detached garage, your other structures coverage may cover the repairs. Similarly, coverage for other structures may include barns, detached garages, privacy fences, and gazebos. However, your deductible applies to this coverage, so be prepared to pay a portion of any claim out of pocket.

3. Injuries caused by animals

If your pet injures someone who does not live with you, such as a guest, neighbor, or mail carrier, personal liability insurance can help cover legal and medical expenses. Personal liability coverage is standard on the majority of home insurance policies.

Every year, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. A dog bite is a serious injury that can result in costly medical and legal bills. Pets can also injure people in other ways, such as knocking them down. If your pet causes an injury to another person, your liability coverage may help pay for medical bills and legal fees if you are sued. However, not all businesses automatically cover pet liability. Exotic pets and certain dog breeds are frequently excluded from coverage. You should check with your insurance company to see if your policy includes pet liability coverage.

4. Hotel expenses after a covered loss

If you sustain significant damage to your home, you may need to find temporary housing while it is being repaired. Most standard homeowners policies, fortunately, include loss of use coverage, also known as additional living expenses coverage.

Following a covered loss, your additional living expenses coverage may assist in covering the costs of a temporary living situation. This could include hotel bills or the cost of a temporary rental home, laundromat fees, and any other unexpected expenses.

5. Lawsuits

Your liability insurance is intended to cover injuries or property damage for which you are found to be at fault, and it can help pay the other party's medical and repair bills, as well as your legal fees. Most standard homeowners insurance policies include liability coverage.

If you frequently entertain, have children who like to host sleepovers, or if your home has a potentially dangerous feature, such as a swimming pool or trampoline, you should consider increasing your liability coverage. Coverage limits typically begin at $100,000 and can reach $1 million. You can increase your liability coverage even further by purchasing an umbrella insurance policy.

6. Meteorite damage

The majority of standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by falling objects. If a meteorite falls from the sky and hits your house, your homeowners insurance may cover the damage.

However, you should carefully read your policy terms to understand which perils are covered and which are not. There are several types of homeowners insurance policy forms, each with its own set of coverages.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know what my homeowners insurance policy covers?

The specific coverages and exclusions on your homeowners insurance policy are detailed in your full policy form, which you may have received when you purchased your policy. You may be able to obtain your full policy online if you have an online account with your company or have signed up for a paperless option. If you have any questions about your homeowners insurance coverage, you should be able to get answers from your insurance company or agent.

Can I add more coverage to my homeowners insurance policy?

If you want to add a coverage option to your homeowners insurance policy, such as identity theft protection, you should first contact your insurance provider to see if they provide the coverage you require. You might just be able to add the option to your policy. If you are unable to obtain the coverage you require through your current provider, you may want to consider switching.

What are some things that homeowners insurance doesn’t cover?

Home insurance is primarily intended to cover unexpected and accidental damage. Any ongoing or intentional damage is likely to be denied. For example, if you put off repairing a slow water leak, your home insurance will most likely not cover the water damage. Without an endorsement, most home insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage. Furthermore, if you run a business from home, you will most likely require additional coverage.

What is the best home insurance company?

The best homeowners insurance company for you is determined by specific rating factors such as the age of your home, its location, your coverage requirements, your budget, and other factors. By obtaining quotes from several carriers, you may be able to find a company that meets your requirements. This may allow you to compare coverage options and find the protections you require.