What Does Homeowners Insurance Actually Cover? (And What It Doesn’t)

Homeowners insurance is essential—but many people don’t realize what their policy does (and doesn’t) actually cover.

Whether you’ve just purchased a home or are reviewing your current plan, understanding your coverage is key to avoiding costly surprises.
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Let’s break it down.

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✅ What’s Typically Covered
Most standard homeowners policies (also known as HO-3 policies) include:

1. Dwelling coverage – Protects your home’s physical structure from damage caused by covered perils like fire, wind, hail, or theft.

2. Other structures – Detached garages, fences, sheds, etc.

3. Personal property – Covers your belongings (furniture, electronics, clothing) if they’re damaged or stolen, even away from home.

4. Liability protection – If someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else’s, this helps cover medical or legal expenses.
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5. Loss of use – Pays for temporary living expenses if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered claim.



❌ What’s NOT Usually Covered
This is where many homeowners get caught off guard. Common exclusions include:

• Flood damage (requires a separate flood policy)
  
  
• Earthquakes (often requires a rider or separate policy)
  
  
• Sewer backup or sump pump overflow (unless added)
  
  
• Wear and tear or neglect-related issues
  
  
• Certain high-value items like jewelry, firearms, or collectibles beyond policy limits
  
  
  

➡️ Disclaimer: Coverages vary by policy and carrier. Always check your declarations page and consult your agent for your specific coverage.



🛡️ What You Can (and Should) Add
To increase protection, many homeowners add optional coverages, including:

• Flood insurance (even if you're not in a flood zone)
  
  
• Water backup and sump pump failure
  
  
• Scheduled personal property for high-value items
  
  
• Roof matching endorsements (to replace your whole roof vs. patchwork)
  
  

🏠 Final Tip

Not all home insurance policies are equal—and the cheapest option may leave out key protections.

At Corin Insurance, we shop multiple carriers to help you find a policy that’s affordable and comprehensive. Whether you're in Texas, Missouri, or Kansas, we tailor your coverage to local risks.
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📲 Ready to make sure your home is protected? Contact us for a personalized quote today.

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