Dwelling coverage is a crucial part of every standard homeowners insurance policy. Dwelling coverage can help you in the event the physical structure of your home incurs serious damage. However, it’s important to understand what types of damage are covered.
Here is a basic guide to the types of damage covered by your dwelling insurance:
Why you need dwelling coverage
You can use dwelling coverage to pay for damage sustained from natural hazards, also called perils. You may be eligible for financial compensation if the main structure of your home is damaged by any of the following:
- Fire/smoke
- Windstorms
- Lightning strikes
- Hail
- Snow, sleet or ice
Other than natural or weather related hazards, there are more types of damage covered under dwelling insurance. These hazards include:
- Vandalism
- Theft
- Falling objects
- Damage from motor vehicles
- Damage from aircraft
If any of these perils cause damage to the structure of your home, your dwelling coverage is there to help you.
Important exceptions
Not all natural hazards are covered by dwelling insurance. For example, windstorms do not include tornadoes. If you live in a region prone to tornadoes, you will need to purchase a tornado-specific insurance policy.
Other major natural perils like earthquakes, mudslides and floods typically require their own specific policy. Other non-natural hazards might be covered by auto insurance or personal liability insurance.
Hopefully, you’ll never need to make a claim to your homeowners insurance for one of these issues. However, the more you know about what hazards are included in your dwelling coverage can give you greater peace of mind as a homeowner.
About the Author
Michelle Plunkett, Associate Broker
It's simple, really. Help people. Each client is unique. Every situation deserves special attention. Each home, neighborhood and community is a perfect fit for someone. Whether you are part of a grieving family settling an estate, 1st time home buyer, Upsizing, simplifying or find yourself starting a new life chapter, I am eager to understand your needs, provide you with options, guide you along and help you to make insightful, shrewd decisions. What journey do you find yourself embarking on? I would love to share the adventure with you - keeping it exciting, fun and rewarding! I am a FULL TIME Realtor - working my schedule to fit with your lifestyle and adapting to your technological abilities. Together we can make it happen! In appreciation for your business and in keeping with the spirit of thankfulness to the community that has supported me along the way, a portion of each commission is donated to charity.
