Home Insurance: Protect Your Home and Your Belongings
Your home is one of the most important investments you will make. Homeowners insurance can help protect your home, your personal belongings, and your financial well-being when unexpected events happen.
Having insurance is important—but understanding your coverage is just as important as having a policy.
Protect Your Home. Protect Your Belongings. Protect Yourself.
Homeowners insurance may provide coverage for damage to your home and personal property from certain covered events. Your policy may also include liability protection if someone is injured on your property or if you are responsible for certain damage to someone else's property.
Every policy is different, so take the time to understand what your policy covers—and what it does not.
Review Your Coverage
Make it a habit to review your homeowners insurance policy at least once a year and whenever there is a major change in your life or home.
Ask your insurance professional:
- What is covered under my policy?
- What is excluded?
- Is my coverage amount enough to rebuild my home?
- Are my personal belongings adequately covered?
- Do I have liability protection?
- Has anything changed that could affect my coverage?
Remember to update your insurance company when you make significant changes to your home, purchase valuable items, or experience major changes in your household.
Understand Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you may be responsible for paying before your insurance coverage applies to a covered claim.
Make sure you understand how your deductible works and how much you would need to pay if you had a claim.
Florida homeowners should also pay close attention to whether their policy has separate deductibles for certain types of damage, such as wind or hurricanes. Ask your insurance professional to explain your specific policy and deductible.
Ask About Additional Coverage
Your standard homeowners policy may not cover everything you own or every type of damage that could occur.
Depending on your situation, you may want to ask about additional coverage for items or risks that require special protection.
For example, ask your insurance professional about coverage for:
- Flood damage
- High-value jewelry
- Artwork or collectibles
- Expensive electronics
- Home improvements
- Additional structures
- Water backup
- Identity theft protection
- Personal liability
- Dog-related liability or certain dog breeds
Don't Assume Your Dog Is Covered
If you have a dog, talk with your insurance professional about your policy's rules regarding pets.
Some insurance policies may have restrictions, exclusions, or special requirements related to dog-related injuries or liability. Your coverage can depend on the insurance company and the specific policy.
Ask before there is a problem.
Keep Your Information Up to Date
Keep a record of your home's important information and belongings. Photos, receipts, warranties, and other documentation can be helpful if you ever need to file a claim.
Consider creating a home inventory that includes:
- Furniture
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Jewelry
- Tools
- Clothing
- Collectibles
- Other valuable belongings
Store your inventory and important insurance documents somewhere safe and accessible.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Insurance can be confusing, but you have the right to understand the coverage you are paying for.
Review your policy. Understand your deductible. Ask about additional coverage. Keep your information updated.
Your home is more than a place to live—it's an investment. Taking the time to understand your homeowners insurance can help you be better prepared when the unexpected happens.
Protect your home. Protect your belongings. Protect your investment.
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