INSURANCE INSIGHTS BLOG

Why a Basic Homeowners Policy Isn't Always Enough

By Josh Griffel, Insurance Agent  |  February 15, 2024

Owning a home is a significant achievement, but it also comes with a myriad of responsibilities and potential risks. A homeowners insurance policy is a crucial safeguard against unexpected events that could damage or jeopardize your investment. While a basic homeowners policy provides essential coverage, it might not cover all the risks you face as a homeowner. In this article, we'll explore why a basic homeowners policy might fall short and why considering additional coverage options is a wise choice.

Understanding a Basic Homeowners Policy

A basic homeowners insurance policy typically covers the following key areas:

  1. Dwelling Coverage: This covers damage to your home's structure caused by covered perils, such as fire, windstorms, and vandalism.

  2. Personal Property Coverage: This covers the belongings inside your home, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing.

  3. Liability Coverage: This provides financial protection if someone is injured on your property and sues you for medical expenses and other damages.

  4. Additional Living Expenses: If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered peril, this coverage helps with temporary living expenses.

The Gaps in Basic Coverage

While a basic homeowners policy provides essential protection, it might not cover all the risks that homeowners could face. Here are some areas where a basic policy could fall short:

  1. Natural Disasters: Basic policies often exclude coverage for certain natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Depending on your geographical location, you might need additional coverage to protect against these risks.

  2. High-Value Items: If you own valuable items such as jewelry, art, or collectibles, the coverage provided by a basic policy might not be sufficient to replace them in case of loss or theft.

  3. Sewer and Water Backup: Damage caused by sewer backups or water damage from a malfunctioning sump pump might not be covered by a standard policy, leaving you responsible for costly repairs.

  4. Ordinance or Law Coverage: If your home is damaged and local building codes have changed since it was built, a basic policy might not cover the additional costs of bringing your home up to code during repairs.

  5. Identity Theft: In today's digital age, identity theft is a real threat. Basic policies usually don't cover the expenses associated with restoring your identity and credit.

Supplementary Coverage Options

To address these gaps in coverage, homeowners have the option to add supplementary coverage to their policies. Here are some common options to consider:

  1. Flood Insurance: If you live in a flood-prone area, a separate flood insurance policy is essential to protect against flood-related damages.

  2. Earthquake Insurance: Similarly, residents in earthquake-prone regions should consider earthquake insurance to cover damages from seismic events.

  3. Scheduled Personal Property Coverage: This coverage allows you to specify and insure high-value items individually to ensure their full value is protected.

  4. Umbrella Liability Insurance: This extends your liability coverage beyond the limits of your homeowners policy, offering additional protection in case of major lawsuits.

While a basic homeowners insurance policy provides vital protection, it's important to recognize its limitations. Homeowners should carefully assess their unique risks and consider adding supplementary coverage to ensure comprehensive protection against a wide range of potential threats. By tailoring your coverage to your specific needs, you can safeguard your home and possessions with confidence, knowing that you're prepared for whatever challenges come your way. Remember, a little extra investment in comprehensive coverage today can save you from significant financial setbacks in the future.

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