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Home insurance

Protect the home you have built.

Homeowners insurance helps pay to repair or rebuild your home and covers some liability. What is covered, and for which causes of loss, depends on your policy. Knowing the gaps before a loss is the point.

Choose your state

Select your state to see its requirements, available coverages and official contacts on this page.

Benefits

What a homeowners policy does for you.

01

Rebuilds, not just repairs

Dwelling coverage is meant to pay to repair or rebuild the structure after a covered loss, up to your limit.

02

Covers what is inside

Personal property coverage helps replace belongings after a covered loss. Some categories, such as jewelry, may have lower limits.

03

Helps if someone is hurt

Liability coverage helps with legal costs and damages if you are responsible for injury or damage to others.

04

Keeps you housed after a loss

Loss of use coverage helps with extra living costs if a covered loss makes your home unlivable.

Coverages

The main parts of a homeowners policy.

Policies are commonly organized into several coverages, each with its own limit. Names and details vary by insurer and policy form.

CoverageWhat it generally does
DwellingPays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home after a covered loss.
Other structuresCovers detached structures such as a garage or fence.
Personal propertyCovers your belongings, with limits and exclusions that apply.
Loss of useHelps with extra living costs if a covered loss makes the home unlivable.
Personal liabilityHelps with legal costs and damages if you are responsible for injury or damage to others.
Medical payments to othersPays small medical bills for guests hurt at your home, regardless of fault.

This summary is general. Your policy defines exactly what is covered, excluded and limited. Read the declarations page and exclusions, or ask your insurer or state insurance department.

Common gaps

What standard policies often leave out.

These are the questions most worth asking before a loss, because the answers are in your policy, not in assumptions.

01

Flood

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood. Coverage is generally bought separately, including through the National Flood Insurance Program run by FEMA, or from private insurers.

02

Earthquake

Earthquake damage is commonly excluded and handled by separate coverage. Ask your insurer what is available where you live.

03

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value

Replacement cost generally pays what it costs to replace an item new, while actual cash value accounts for depreciation. Your policy states which applies.

04

Special deductibles

In some areas policies carry a separate deductible for certain events, such as wind or hail. Check how yours works.

Checklist

Review your protection.

A short routine worth repeating every year.

  • Match dwelling coverage to rebuilding costDwelling coverage relates to the cost to rebuild, not the market value that includes land and location. Ask how your insurer estimates it.
  • Photograph or list your belongingsA simple inventory makes a claim easier and shows whether personal property limits fit.
  • Check your flood riskFEMA publishes flood maps, and risk can exist outside designated zones.
  • Understand your deductiblesKnow the amount and whether any event has its own deductible.
  • Ask about optional add-onsSome risks can be added by endorsement. Ask what is available and what it costs.
  • Confirm lender requirementsLenders typically require insurance on a mortgaged home. Your loan documents control the specifics.

Guides

Go deeper.

Each guide cites its sources and shows what applies in your state.

How to file a home insurance claimThe steps you take in the first days affect how smoothly a claim goes. Document everything and read your policy's requirements.
5 min read
Flood and earthquake: why they need separate coverageTwo of the most damaging risks are usually left out of standard homeowners policies. Knowing that before a loss is the whole point.
6 min read
Home insurance and your mortgageLenders usually require insurance on a mortgaged home. Understanding escrow and lender rules helps you avoid gaps.
4 min read
Replacement cost vs. actual cash valueThe valuation method in your policy changes how much a claim pays. It is one of the most important lines to understand before you need it.
4 min read
What homeowners insurance covers and excludesA homeowners policy bundles several coverages. The policy wording decides which causes of loss are covered and which are excluded.
6 min read

Questions

Common questions.

Is flood damage covered?

Standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood. Flood coverage is generally bought separately. Check your own policy.

Does my mortgage lender require home insurance?

Lenders typically require insurance on a mortgaged home. Your loan documents control the exact requirements.

Is the amount I should insure my home's market value?

No. Dwelling coverage relates to the cost to rebuild, while market value includes land and location.

How do I know whether I have enough coverage?

Compare your limits with a rebuilding cost estimate and your belongings inventory, then ask your insurer to explain any gap.

Protection for your vehicle and your family comes next.

See how car coverage works, or learn how life and health insurance protect the people who depend on you.

Car insuranceLife & health insurance