HOME INSURANCE FAQs

Your home insurance should be enough to be able to rebuild your home, should it get destroyed.

Several examples of losses not covered are:

1. Flooding: Flooding is covered under a special Flood Insurance policy.  In addition to flooding, these policies cover the movement of earth that comes from excess water, such as mudslides, and rocks and trees that slam into your home.
2. Earthquake Damage: This includes any damage resulting from a movement of earth, as in an earthquake.
3. Damage Caused by Animals or Insects: This includes incidences such as squirrels chewing up wires, raccoons taking up residence in the home causing damage, termite infestations, etc.

If the mold issue is a result of a sudden accident and is a covered loss, it is covered. If the mold is a result of some type of negligence, then it would not be covered under your Homeowners Insurance.

Some Home Insurance policies cover the cost of tearing out and replacing a damaged Utility Line, such as a sewer pipe, buried electric, gas or cable line. This damage must be covered by long-term degradation, tree roots, etc. – not from it being mistakenly dug up.

If your foundation needs repair because of faulty plumbing, you may be covered. However, repairing your plumbing system may not be covered. If your foundation was compromised by a flooding event, that should be covered by flood insurance, if you have it. If your foundation issue was caused by years of neglect, you will not be covered. In the event that your foundation issue was caused by movement of earth, such as an earthquake, that is not covered by your Home Insurance unless you have added an Earthquake rider.

No. It does not cover animal or insect infestations.

Yes, but with limits. Most Homeowners Insurance policies allow for 10% of your Contents limit to cover a loss to Contents off premises (such as a dorm room).

Most likely you’re covered for up to 10% of your policy’s Contents limit. Any amount over 10%, you will have to pay out-of-pocket to recover your losses.

Yes, they would be. Any person that is considered a relative by blood, marriage, or adoption is covered. Any non-related people under the age of 21 are also covered. Adults over 21 who are not considered a relative are not covered.

Let’s say someone stole a computer from your home, but it was 10 years old. Your Homeowners Insurance will cover the cost to replace it with a new computer.

Yes. You would get 10% of the limit of the dwelling to cover these types of structures on your home property.

The insurance companies provide insurance agencies with software that calculates what the replacement cost to rebuild your home is. You may dispute the amount with your insurance company.

Yes. Your Homeowners Insurance protects your belongings while you’re on vacation.

It varies from policy to policy. A standard Homeowners Insurance policy typically has a sub-limit, which may not be enough. You can check with your Home Insurance agent to see if you have that coverage and if so, how much.