Skip to main content
InsureGuide

Homeowners Insurance

See how dwelling, personal property, liability and deductibles fit on a typical homeowners policy.

Open home insurance calculator

Home insurance basics

A standard homeowners policy is a package of property and liability coverages. It is not a warranty against maintenance problems. Reconstruction cost, not sale price, is the usual starting point for dwelling limits.

Dwelling coverage

Dwelling coverage applies to the house and attached structures after a covered loss. Separate limits often apply to other structures such as detached garages. Building-code upgrades may require an ordinance-or-law endorsement.

Personal property, liability and deductibles

Personal property coverage is for belongings, often with sub-limits. Liability can help with certain injury or property-damage claims. Deductibles may be flat dollar amounts or, in some catastrophe-prone areas, percentages of dwelling coverage.

Frequently asked questions

Does a homeowners policy cover flood?

Typically no. Flood insurance is usually a separate NFIP or private policy. Check flood maps and lender requirements.

What is additional living expense coverage?

If a covered loss makes the home uninhabitable, this coverage may help with reasonable extra living costs. Ordinary bills you would have paid anyway are not automatically included.