The largest single investment most consumers make is in their home. In order to best protect your family, your home, and your possessions, it is wise to take the initiative to fully understand your homeowners insurance policy.  While it is difficult to predict future loss, you can minimize the impact of loss on yourself and your family by spending the time necessary to familiarize yourself with your policy and how it specifically addresses your needs in the event of a loss.

Typical homeowners coverage insures your dwelling, other structures and contents, and may cover against losses such as:

• Fire or lightning
• Windstorm or hail
• Breakage of glass
• Explosion
• Riot or civil commotion
• Theft
• Aircraft
• Vehicles
• Smoke
• Vandalism and malicious mischief

You may elect to buy specialized homeowners coverage that provides additional protection for your dwelling and contents beyond the standard coverage limitations in most homeowners policies.  Ask your insurance agent or broker about available endorsements to extend coverage.  Endorsements to coverage such as building code upgrade can greatly add to your protection in a loss.  You may also want to consider separate earthquake coverage or flood insurance, as these types of hazards are specifically excluded in most homeowners insurance policies. 

Your policy also covers loss of use, including increases in living expenses due to fire or other insured loss.  It is a good idea to be familiar with the coverage provisions for living expenses and include the information in your regular disaster plan in case of emergency.

Liability coverage protects you for injuries or damages to others caused by you, a member of your family, or pet. Medical payments insurance covers medical expenses to non-family members injured at your home.