Homeowners Insurance: Requirements and Coverage
Homeowners Insurance: Requirements and Coverage
Homeowners insurance is something that you are required to have in Illinois, but it is also your best protection against disasters and other unforeseen events. With a good policy, you can have superior asset protection and peace of mind in the event of a disaster.
What does your homeowners insurance policy cover for your home?
If you have a basic homeowners policy, your home structure and other property structures, like a detached garage or storage shed, will be covered. In addition, the personal assets you have within these structures should also be covered. You should have liability protection in case you or a member of your household is taken to court over bodily injury or property damage.
Types of Losses
Homeowners insruance policies cover different situations. Frequently referred to as “perils” in the policy, the situations can be fire, theft, vandalism or windstorm. However, additional perils like earthquakes, flood and other instances should be added to the basic homeowners policy in order to ensure protection. These additional perils might require a separate insurance policy, so understanding your current homeowners policy is essential to getting the best coverage.
Coverage limitations can lead to unpleasant surprises. Be sure you know what your policy covers and what it is not include before a disaster strikes. In addition, make sure that you perform a yearly review of your policy to ensure that all of your assets are protected. Also, if you are considering making a significant alteration to your property – like adding or removing a room – consult with your insurance agent to see if your policy needs to be revised as well.
Before you agree to your homeowners coverage, make sure that you are not in a potential flood zone and that any other potential hazards are covered within your insurance plan. Discuss all potential limitations with your insurance provider.