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
Taylor Stewart
Taylor Stewart was born and raised in Richmond, Va. He attended Elon University on a baseball scholarship, but after suffering an unlikely injury, he was forced to give up on his dreams of making it to the big leagues.In 2006, Taylor moved to Bonita Springs, FL to pursue a career as a Professional Golfer. After traveling up and down the east coast of the United States playing in various golf tournaments on various golf tours, Taylor suffered yet another injury and was forced to change his career plans. Now, as a real estate agent,Taylor as chosen to put the same drive and determination that made him successful in sports, into helping others find their own piece of paradise in southwest Florida. Especially for those living in or looking for that perfect golf community, Taylor is able to guide his buyers and sellers through his expertise of the golf game and southwest Florida golf courses. Taylor is"Your ace in the hole."