9 Surprising things your home insurance pays for that you didn't know it did
By Kim Bronder
When my husband and I bought our first house, I didn’t know why we needed insurance except the mortgage company said we needed to have insurance. We got insurance, paid the premium and didn’t think about insurance again until a hail storm damaged the roof to our home and we filed a claim. Then a neighbor had a fire in their fireplace, a claim was filed and repairs done to the house. A family member had a robbery in their home, so a claim was filed and reimbursements were made on the items stolen. A friend’s pipes froze while on vacation causing several inches of water in the house, a claim was filed, clean up and repairs were done. Wind, hail, fire, lightning, theft/vandalism were homeowner coverages I knew about from others experiences.
But did you know there are a lot of other items also covered by home insurance (subject to the deductible and coverage options)? Be sure to check with your agent!
Liability coverage refers to providing protection against claims resulting from injuries and damage to OTHER people or property. Liability covers legal costs and damages/payouts you are found responsible for if you are found legally liable. For example, your dog bites someone. Liability coverage protects you. Your tree falls on the neighbor’s house, liability covers damages to the neighbor’s property. This is about protecting your assets and financial future.
Medical payments to others applies to guests who are injured on your property, no matter who is at fault. Think of these as home accidents where Aunt Sue is visiting and gets on a step ladder, falls and breaks her leg. Your homeowner policy provides her with medical expense coverage up to the limits of the policy.
Accidents outside your home. If someone injures themselves on a crack in your sidewalk, you can be held responsible and your liability coverage is used to protect you in case of a lawsuit.
Additional Living Expenses coverage. If you are unable to live in your home due to a claim, the policy pays for room and board within the limits of the policy.
Spoiled Food. If you lose power for a length of time, you may have coverage up to $500 to replace that expensive food!!
Identity Fraud Expense. Coverage can be provided for expenses incurred in the event of identity fraud.
Equipment Breakdown covers damages to appliances, electrical equipment, household systems (HVAC, water heater, computers) caused by mechanical or electrical failure.
Service Line coverage reimburses you for damage to utility lines that run underneath your property including cable lines, power lines, and water pipes. This can be added to your policy.
How about these unlikely coverages? Volcanic eruptions, items falling from the sky and damaging your home. It’s comforting knowing that if a piece of SpaceX or the Space Shuttle fall from the sky, that our home is covered!
All of the above items will vary with each policy. Be sure to review with your agent so you know what your policy covers. Our team is ready to help you with your home insurance needs. Complete our Check Coverage Form or call us at 800-832-4689 to get started today!
About Kim
Avid traveler, Mom of Three Daughters, and Insurance Agent Direct Phone – 913-754-3807 kbronder@maxinsurance.com
Kim has been with MAX since 2011 and has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. When Kim is not at work, she loves to travel, cook and read. Kim and her husband of 35 years are involved with Retrouvaille, a ministry that helps married couples strengthen and heal their marriages. She has three grown daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren. Kim enjoys the spring and summer months where she can tend to her garden.