What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Home insurance protects one of your most valuable assets. Here's a clear breakdown of what a standard homeowners policy covers — and what it doesn't.
Dwelling Coverage
Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home if it's damaged by a covered peril — including fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, explosion, vandalism, and certain water damage. It covers the structure of your home: walls, roof, floors, built-in appliances, and attached structures like a garage.
Other Structures Coverage
This covers detached structures on your property — like a fence, detached garage, shed, or guest house. It's typically 10% of your dwelling coverage limit.
Personal Property Coverage
Personal property coverage pays to repair or replace your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances — if they're stolen or damaged by a covered peril. Coverage applies both at home and away from home (e.g., a laptop stolen from your car).
Liability Coverage
Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property. It pays for legal defense costs and settlements up to your policy limit. Most policies include $100,000 in liability coverage; many homeowners should carry $300,000 or more.
Additional Living Expenses
If your home is damaged and you need to live elsewhere while it's being repaired, additional living expenses (ALE) coverage pays for hotel, meals, and other costs above your normal living expenses.
What Home Insurance Does NOT Cover
Standard home insurance does not cover floods, earthquakes, normal wear and tear, or maintenance issues. Flood insurance is a separate policy through the NFIP or private insurers. If you live in a flood-prone area of West Virginia, AG Insurance can help you get flood coverage.
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