Insurance plays a crucial role in the things you decide to do in life. There's health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, optical and more, though most people overlook homeowners insurance. This is the kind of thing you want in case your house floods or is burnt to the ground, keeping you safe from being homeless. The premium is often worth the benefit of having your house covered in case of a natural disaster or emergency. Read on below to get a better understanding.

What Is it, Exactly?

Homeowners insurance is a type of policy which insures damage to property and more. This can also cover any injuries or things like property damage to you or family members. It can even include damage done by animals or pets. It's like any other insurance, but targeted specifically at those who own some kind of home or property. It's relatively easy to find as well, making it something that's simply a Google search away.

The Policies

Every insurance company provides an array of different packages. Sometimes, they make sense and other times, they don't. The common policy purchased is usually something called the HO-3 policy, which covers home, home contents, damage, theft and personal liability if a family member or acquaintance is injured on your property. Usually the policies also cover things like earthquakes, fires and floods, meaning you're protected against the nasty natural disasters mother nature has to offer. A good policy will also cover other portions of your personal property, like sheds, garages and more.

The Limits of Liability

This usually gets overlooked, but it's one of the first things you should consider about homeowners insurance. It's called a liability limit and it determines the amount of coverage you do have if something were to happen to your house or property. They generally start with 100,000 USD in coverage but can easily exceed that. Experts in the field often recommend getting a homeowners insurance plan between 300,000 and 500,000 USD to be safe. This would cover the value of your home and leave you breathing room in case things get too out of hand.

On Buying

If you've decided that you are going to purchase a plan, or perhaps considering a new policy, then it is time to consider a provider. The nation is full of insurance companies and each state has their own. Because of the sheer amount of choices, it may seem difficult picking one that suits you. This doesn't have to be the case, though. Question the area you live in. For example, tornado alley is a high risk zone for homeowners insurance because of the storms that roll through annually. After you consider the risks of your home, start looking around and checking out the web for information on something that'd suit you.

Homeowners insurance is a great way to keep yourself insured and protected if your property is damaged. It's readily available around the country and each insurance provider will customize your plan for the best policy.

← Back to article list