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Understanding the difference between hazard insurance & homeowners insurance

by Taylor Stewart 12/03/2023

With so many apparent similarities between the two, hazard insurance and homeowners insurance are often mistaken for the same thing. Standard homeowners insurance policies include hazard coverage, but what about standalone hazard insurance?

Here is a basic comparison of hazard insurance and homeowners insurance to help clarify the differences and similarities:

Hazard insurance

Hazard insurance protects you financially if your property is damaged by a specific natural disaster. Some examples of hazard policies include tornado insurance, earthquake insurance and flood insurance.

Hazard insurance is typically required in certain areas where hazards are not otherwise covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy.

Homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance includes basic hazard coverage for damage to your home from extreme weather, theft and other perils. It specifically includes dwelling coverage, which protects the physical structure of your home, and personal property coverage, which protects your belongings.

Homeowners insurance protects the contents of your home as well as the home itself. This is a major difference between homeowners and hazard insurance. Generally, home insurance covers a broader range of hazards, but won’t be able to help you if certain specific hazards, like tornadoes, occur.

Do you need hazard insurance?

Whether you require additional hazard insurance is dependent on your personal preference and where you live. In regions where tornadoes are common, for example, your mortgage lender might require you to get a tornado insurance policy before approving you for a loan.

Even if not required, having hazard insurance coverage can give you peace of mind. If you have an additional hazard policy, you’ll know you have financial coverage if your home and belongings are damaged by something otherwise excluded from your home insurance.

About the Author
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."