What Does Home Insurance Typically Cover? A California Perspective

Home insurance is a valuable financial product that may help homeowners recover from unexpected damage to their property. Most mortgage lenders require it as a loan condition, but it is also vital for those who want to avoid large out-of-pocket expenses in case of a fire, theft or natural disaster. In California, where natural hazards like wildfires and earthquakes are common, having home insurance is essential to financially secure your property.

What Does Home Insurance Cover?

If a covered peril occurs, standard home insurance may cover the following:

• Dwelling coverage may pay for repairs or rebuilding your home if it’s damaged by covered events such as fires, vandalism or windstorms.
• Other structures coverage may cover structures unattached to your home, such as garages, gazebos and tool sheds.
• Personal property coverage may provide financial aid to repair or replace your possessions, including clothing, electronics and furniture.
• Liability coverage may help with legal expenses if someone is injured on your property and decides to sue. It may also cover accidental damage you may cause to others’ property.
• Additional living expenses may pay for temporary lodging and meals if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
• Medical payments coverage may reimburse someone else’s medical expenses if they were injured on your property.

Given the prevalence of natural disasters in California, homeowners should also consider the following endorsements:

• Earthquake coverage may reimburse repair or rebuilding costs if an earthquake damages your home. This may also cover personal property damage and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable after an earthquake.
• Flood coverage may provide financial assistance for damage to your home and belongings resulting from flooding caused by heavy rains, storm surges or rising water. It may cover the home’s foundation, electrical and plumbing systems and personal property.

Explore Your Options

To learn more about home insurance policies, contact Huddleston Insurance Services today. We can help you customize a policy with appropriate coverage at a reasonable cost.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.