Most often, a home owner insurance policy will cover damage that occurs to your property. You can find out what your policy covers. Then, you will be able to determine what the policy leaves vulnerable. If you wish, you may buy additional coverage for those events or items.
There are several types of damage usually covered by a home owner insurance policy.
- Fire or lightning. Fire is one of the greatest forces your home can come up against. All policies cover fire, and lightning should be a part of the package. This type of coverage is a given with any reputable company.
- Smoke. Where there is fire, there is smoke. If your house is damaged by fire, the smoke damage should also be covered. Even if there was no actual flame, smoke itself can cause its own destruction.
- Explosions. There could be many different reasons for an explosion. The problem could be because of a gas leak. Whatever the reason, the destruction will probably be devastating. Your insurance policy should cover it.
- Windstorm or hail. Hail can ruin a perfectly good roof. Windstorms can cause all kinds of damage. You would need to file an insurance claim to make the necessary repairs.
- Weight of snow, sleet, or ice. Especially if you live in a cold climate, precipitation on your roof can damage your home. The damage could even go beyond the roof, down into the interior of your house. Insurance should cover it.
- Damage by vehicles; damage caused by aircraft. If someone drives their car into your living room, any good insurance policy will cover it. The same is true if a plane crashes through your roof. Just be sure to call the police to the premises to make a report.
- Vandalism. Contrary to common thought on the subject, vandalism is not always carried out by young people. Having the insurance company fighting on your side will help police find who did it.
- Theft. If your belongings are covered by your insurance, the company should pay a claim for any losses you can prove. With your inventory in hand, make your claim.
- Plumbing ruptures and freezes. Your plumbing may suddenly spring a leak for no apparent reason, or your pipes might burst after a cold snap freezes them. In any case, repairs are covered.
- Damage from electrical current. If there is a sudden current surge, you can recover damages. You will not be able to make a claim for electronic equipment, though.
- Falling objects. Imagine that a tree falls on your home. Your home owner insurance policy should take care of you.
- Some unusual events. Volcanoes should be covered. Civil commotion and rioting can damage your home and insurance will help you repair it.
Your home owner insurance policy is there to make your life easier when disaster comes. Find out all you can about what is covered. Make provisions for what is not. That is the best you can do.
