Personal Insurance

Homeowners Insurance — Protecting Your Biggest Asset

Your home is likely your most valuable asset. A homeowners policy protects the structure, your belongings, and your liability — and your income if a covered loss forces you to temporarily leave.

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What Homeowners Insurance Covers

A standard HO-3 policy bundles six distinct coverages into one.

Dwelling (Coverage A)

Covers the physical structure of your home — walls, roof, foundation, and attached structures — against fire, windstorm, vandalism, and most sudden accidental damage.

Other Structures (Coverage B)

Covers detached structures — fences, detached garages, sheds — typically at 10% of your dwelling limit.

Personal Property (Coverage C)

Covers furniture, clothing, electronics, appliances, and other belongings if damaged or stolen — both at home and anywhere in the world.

Loss of Use (Coverage D)

If your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, this pays for hotel stays, meals, and other additional living expenses.

Liability (Coverage E)

Covers you if someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else's property. Also covers legal defense costs.

Medical Payments (Coverage F)

Pays medical expenses for guests injured on your property regardless of fault — typically $1,000—$5,000.

Strong carrier relationships for home insurance

We have strong carrier relationships across standard, high-value, coastal, and hard-to-place home risks.

Common exclusions to know

Standard policies typically exclude these — separate coverage available.

  • Flood (requires separate NFIP or private policy)
  • Earthquake (endorsement or standalone)
  • Sewer backup (endorsement available)
  • Wear and tear / maintenance
  • Pest damage (termites, rodents)

Key Coverage Decisions

Key Decision

Replacement Cost vs. ACV

Replacement cost pays to rebuild at today's prices — no depreciation deducted. ACV deducts for age and wear. For most homeowners, replacement cost is worth the extra premium.

  • Replacement cost = full rebuild value
  • ACV = depreciated value (can leave gaps)
  • Applies to building and contents
  • Extended replacement cost adds a buffer
Key Decision

How Much Coverage?

Your dwelling limit should reflect the cost to rebuild — not your purchase price or market value. Construction costs have risen significantly. Many homeowners are underinsured without realizing it.

  • Based on square footage and construction
  • Updated annually at renewal
  • Inflation guard endorsement helps
  • Don't confuse with market value

Scheduled Personal Property

Standard policies have sublimits for jewelry, art, firearms, and collectibles — often $1,500—$2,500. High-value items need to be scheduled separately.

  • Jewelry and watches
  • Fine art and antiques
  • Musical instruments
  • Firearms and cameras

Water and Sewer Backup

One of the most common uncovered losses. A sewer backup isn't covered by standard homeowners — but a relatively inexpensive endorsement can add it.

  • Sewer and drain backup
  • Sump pump overflow
  • Not the same as flood
  • Usually $5—$15/month to add

Home-Based Business

Your homeowners policy provides little or no coverage for business property or liability at your home. If you work from home, ask about a business endorsement.

  • Business equipment coverage
  • Business liability at home
  • Clients visiting your home
  • Home office endorsement options

Dog Liability

Many carriers exclude certain breeds or limit liability for dog bites. Disclose your dog at application and find a carrier that provides proper coverage.

  • Disclose your dog at application
  • Breed restrictions vary by carrier
  • Umbrella policies may help
  • Canine liability endorsements available

Common Questions

  • Your dwelling limit should reflect the cost to rebuild from the ground up at current construction prices — not your purchase price or market value. Construction costs have risen significantly, and many homeowners are underinsured. We use replacement cost estimators to find the right number.

  • No — flood is specifically excluded from standard homeowners policies. You need a separate flood policy through NFIP or a private flood insurer.

  • A home inventory is a documented list of your belongings. It makes filing a claim significantly easier and helps ensure you have enough personal property coverage. We recommend photographing every room and storing the inventory in the cloud.

  • Common discounts include bundling with auto, installing a security system, having a newer roof, being claims-free, choosing a higher deductible, and being a long-time customer.

  • Renting through Airbnb or similar platforms can create coverage gaps. Many carriers exclude short-term rental activity. We can help you find coverage options that protect you as a short-term rental host.

Protect your home the right way.

We compare carriers to find the right homeowners coverage for your property, budget, and situation.

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