Does home insurance cover fire damage?

by Carolyn Ross 06/05/2023

Homeowners insurance and fire coverage featured image

Knowing what coverages your home insurance policy offers makes all the difference in securing your home. Emergencies such as house fires can happen fast, so having the right policy secures your property when disaster strikes. 

Does homeowners insurance cover fire?

Standard homeowners insurance offers coverage for fire damage. This coverage typically extends from the interior of the property all the way to detached structures such as barns, fences and sheds. 

If you’re misplaced from your home as repairs are made, standard policies also pay for temporary housing and food. 

Replacement cost versus fair value

It’s crucial to note when choosing a policy, some plans do not offer replacement costs for items. Instead, they may offer fair value price. Replacement cost is how much the item is originally worth, whereas value cost is the amount it would currently sell for in the market. 

Natural disaster coverage

Many damages caused by natural disasters are also covered under standard homeowners insurance. These perils include, but are not limited to: 

  • Hail storms.
  • High wind damage.
  • Hurricanes.
  • Lightning strikes.
  • Etc. 

Fire protection

It’s reported by the National Fire Protection Association over 300,000 house fires happen yearly. 

Dwelling coverage protects your home structure if fire damages occur. Personal property coverage financially compensates for personal belongings damaged by fire.

Having the right coverage and understanding compensation options is important to make an informed decision when choosing the best plan to protect your household.

About the Author
Author

Carolyn Ross

Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment. 

She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.

Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents.  She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years. 

This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.