Your home, and your possessions in it, are your most valuable assets. Your investments must be covered when a loss occurs. 

Your homeowner’s insurance covers your dwelling, possessions, and liability. That is a large umbrella. So, we will get into some detail as to what most policies cover- (some policies vary):

1. Dwelling Coverage: If your home is damaged by rain, fire, lightning, wind, and other weather events (except floods and earthquakes). Vandalism is also covered. Coverage also extends to detached structures such as garages, guest homes, barns, sheds, and storage buildings.

2. Possessions: Theft of your belongings such as jewelry, electronics, furniture, sporting goods, clothing, and even appliances are covered. If they are damaged or lost due to weather events, they are also covered under a homeowner’s policy. These items can be replaced or repaired.

3. Interior of your home: If a pipe bursts in your home and causes mold, it is covered. However, most mold claims would not be covered. Homeowner’s policies also cover roof leaks, a failed washing machine hose, or water damage from a broken window due to a storm. Sump pumps that stopped working or a backup of a drain, and slow leaks are not typically covered.   

4 Home air conditioning units: These are covered for theft, and weather damage. Wear and tear and other damage are not covered. 

5. Home foundation: Coverage for damage caused by a storm, fire, or other events stated above, is included in a homeowners insurance policy. Flood and earthquake damage require separate policies. There is no coverage for neglect, lack of maintenance, or poor construction. 

6. Roof replacement: The homeowner’s policy helps pay for roof repairs or replacement if the damage was caused by a covered risk which is usually fire or storm damage. Of course, wear and tear, age, or neglect are not covered.

7. Dog bites: It isn’t commonly known but dog bites are covered. If your dog bites someone who is visiting your property (home and detached dwellings on the property) your homeowner’s liability will cover the medical expenses of the injured person. If your dog is menacing or a certain breed, some insurance companies may deny coverage or attach an exclusion for dog bite coverage. (Pit Bulls, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Huskies, and Rottweilers are typically on that list. Consult your insurance agent for proper coverage.)

8. Tree removal: Trees fall all the time. We have major storms here in Central Maryland. Trees fall on homes, yards, detached dwellings, and electrical lines. It’s quite common and can be quite expensive to remove and then repair the damage caused by them. Should a tree fall on your house, garage, or other structure covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy during a storm, most insurance companies will pay for the tree to be removed up to the limits of your policy. However, if the tree falls on the ground without causing other damage, the cost of removal is not covered. If the tree is unhealthy, the damage may not be covered. 

9. General liability: If someone is visiting your home and slips on the sidewalk, it would be covered up to the limits of your policy ($300,000 coverage is recommended). Liability typically covers the legal expenses of the insured. Coverage may be denied if the insured was negligent such as a broken sidewalk that hasn’t been repaired or failing to melt ice on the porch. If you have a business at your home, you will need to get business coverage for the possessions and liability. 

Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover valuable jewelry ($2,500 or more), rare artwork, or other collectibles. Identity theft protection is also not covered. See your insurance agent if you are unsure of what your policy covers. You may need a separate policy for your expensive possessions or liability. 

Lindquist Insurance has an experienced and licensed staff who can consult you on the best homeowner’s coverage for you and your family. Call (301) 694-0008 for a consultation. We serve the Frederick, MD, and Annapolis, MD area. 

*** For more about Central Maryland weather, visit the Baltimore Sun website.