Homeowners insurance: A basic guide to coverages

by Carolyn Ross 03/04/2024

Homeowners insurance featured image with picture of homeowners insurance document

For many, homeowners insurance is a necessity. It offers financial protection for your home, and understanding coverages can help you pick a policy best fitting your needs. 

What's not covered by my insurance?

It’s essential to note, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover every peril that can potentially harm the structure of your property. For example, most policies don’t cover termite damages, as this is seen as something preventable by the homeowner with proper maintenance.  Some perils such as earthquakes and floods need to be covered under separate policies. 

What is covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance typically offers liability coverage, dwelling coverage and coverage to personal property. 

Homeowners insurance offers financial protection against these standard perils: 

  • Theft.
  • Fire.
  • Hail. 
  • Wind damage.
  • Ice damage.
  • Damages from public commotion.
  • Etc.

Is homeowners insurance necessary?

Homeowners insurance isn’t a requirement - however, accidents frequently happen nationwide, and by purchasing a homeowners insurance policy, you add an extra level of security over your assets. 

For example, a kitchen may be damaged by a fire. Home insurance would kick in after the deductible is paid to help pay for repair costs. In addition to paying for repairs, the policy type may also cover moving the policyholder and their household into temporary lodging as the structure of the home is being restored.

Consider examining the needs of your home and speak with a local insurance representative to  understand what your coverage options are. They can help you choose a policy offering the best benefits for your home and belongings. 



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.