10 Weird Things Covered by Home Insurance – Homeowner’s insurance is a vital safeguard against unforeseen events that can damage your home or lead to liability claims. While most people are familiar with the standard coverage provided by home insurance, there are several peculiar items and situations that homeowners may not be aware of.
In this article, we explore ten unexpected things that may be covered by home insurance policies. Let’s delve into these intriguing provisions and broaden our understanding of the protection offered by homeowner’s insurance.
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Dog Bites
One of the 10 Weird Things Covered by Home Insurance Falling meteors and space debris is dog bites. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Surprisingly, about one-third of homeowner’s insurance claims are related to dog bites.
If your dog happens to bite someone, the liability section of your insurance policy is designed to provide protection in case of a lawsuit.
The Insurance Information Institute states that homeowners and renters insurance policies typically include coverage for legal expenses resulting from dog bite liability, with coverage limits ranging from $100,000 to $300,000.
However, it is essential to review the specifics of your policy. Some insurance providers may not offer coverage for certain dog breeds, while others may require liability waivers to be signed, particularly for specific breeds.
Falling Meteors and Space Debris
Falling meteors and space debris is another thing part of the 10 Weird Things Covered by Home Insurance,
Although the chances are quite slim, there is a possibility of your home being damaged by a meteor or falling debris from the sky. While this occurrence is rare, there have been instances in the past. Fortunately, your homeowners’ policy provides coverage for such damages regardless.
It’s worth noting that the coverage also extends to your vehicles. Therefore, if your truck is struck by a falling object, the resulting damage will be covered by your insurance.
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Damage From Planes and Cars
Occasionally, unusual events occur that are covered by home insurance. For instance, in rare instances, planes may crash in residential areas, resulting in property damage or injuries. Similarly, if a car loses control due to adverse weather conditions or driver distraction, it may veer off the road and collide with a house.
It’s important to note that damage and injuries caused by such incidents, involving planes or cars, are typically covered by the majority of homeowners’ insurance policies.
Accidents That OccurWhenYou’re Away From Home
In some unexpected situations covered by home insurance, let’s consider the following scenarios: Imagine you’re on a trip, and unfortunately, someone breaks into your car and steals your belongings. Surprisingly, your homeowner’s policy may provide coverage for the stolen or damaged items, even if they were not physically inside your house.
Additionally, if an unfortunate accident occurs where you unintentionally injure someone while on vacation, your homeowner’s liability policy can come to your aid. It extends its coverage to protect you in such situations, even when you are away from home.
Burglary In Your Child’s Dorm Room
It’s fascinating to discover that home insurance coverage extends to unexpected situations. For instance, if your child is a full-time student living on campus, their belongings in the dorm room are covered by your homeowner’s insurance, even if they are not residing with you.
However, there are a few qualifications to keep in mind:
- Your child must be a full-time student.
- They must be living on campus.
- They must be under the age of 26.
In such cases, it’s reassuring to know that your home insurance can provide protection for your child’s possessions while they are away at school.
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Stolen Identity
Identity theft is a prevalent issue that impacts countless individuals nationwide. As per a 2019 Identity Fraud Study, approximately 14.4 million people fell victim to identity fraud. Disturbingly, the out-of-pocket expenses linked to identity fraud doubled between 2016 and 2018.
Remarkably, certain homeowner’s policies offer coverage to assist you in handling the expenses associated with identity theft. This coverage encompasses various aspects, including attorney fees, lost wages, and fees related to reapplying for loans in case of denial based on credit rating information.
Having this coverage within your homeowner’s policy can be invaluable when combating the financial and legal implications of identity theft, providing you with much-needed support during a distressing situation.
Upgrades Due To New Regulations
In many instances, local governments enact city ordinances that necessitate certain changes to keep your property in compliance. These changes may require you to invest in upgrades within your home or on your property. Fortunately, homeowner’s insurance frequently includes coverage for such improvements. Therefore, it is crucial to review your policy for ordinance coverage.
By having ordinance coverage in your homeowner’s insurance policy, you can receive financial assistance in covering the expenses associated with making necessary upgrades to adhere to local ordinances. This coverage ensures that you can stay “up to code” without bearing the full burden of the costs yourself.
Damage From Riots, Bombs, and Explosions
While it may seem unlikely to have a bomb in your house, certain unexpected situations can arise. For example, a leaky gas pipe has the potential to cause an explosion. Additionally, riots can erupt within your community, leading to property damage, fires, and broken windows affecting both homes and stores.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, communities often face power outages and reduced police presence, which can attract looters who break into homes and stores to steal belongings.
Fortunately, your insurance coverage can offer assistance in such challenging circumstances. It can help cover the costs of repairing or replacing stolen or damaged items, ensuring that you receive the necessary support to recover from these unfortunate events.
Floods and Earthquakes
Generally, most homeowners’ policies do not include coverage for flood or earthquake damage but it is part of the 10 Weird Things Covered by Home Insurance. Additionally, some policies may require a separate policy to cover wind damage resulting from tropical storms or hurricanes. However, it’s worth noting that in certain states, comprehensive coverage may cover damage to your vehicles.
Therefore, it is important to review your insurance policy carefully to ensure you have the appropriate coverage for specific events like floods, earthquakes, and wind damage. Considering the geographical location and potential risks, obtaining additional policies or adjusting existing coverage can provide the necessary protection and peace of mind.
Toppled Gravestone
It is disheartening to acknowledge that cemetery vandalism occurs more frequently than most people realize. However, the good news is that the damage caused by such acts may be covered under your existing homeowner’s insurance policy. It is crucial to approach these situations with caution and avoid placing blame without proper evidence. Surprisingly, a significant portion of damage to grave markers is caused unintentionally by heavy equipment operated by landscapers.
While spray paint vandalism is one thing, it is essential to be vigilant and report any instances of cracked or chipped headstones to the cemetery’s management. By doing so, you contribute to the preservation of the sacred resting places of loved ones.
Grave markers and other funerary items are typically considered “valuables” within most homeowner’s insurance policies. However, it’s important to note that coverage for such items is often limited, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. If you desire comprehensive coverage for a family crypt or other significant funerary items, it is advisable to discuss purchasing expanded coverage with your insurance agent.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s crucial to remember that insurance policies can vary significantly from state to state, and individual policies may have different provisions. To ensure that you have a clear understanding of your coverage, it is essential to review your policy thoroughly. By doing so, you can determine the specific coverage provided and any additional requirements or limitations that may apply.
Taking the time to review your policy and familiarize yourself with its details is a proactive step towards protecting yourself and your assets. Understanding the extent of your coverage empowers you to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to ensure you have adequate protection for your unique circumstances.
FAQS
What items would not be covered under your homeowner’s policy?
Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover damage caused by flooding, earthquakes, termites, mold, or normal wear and tear. Learn about all the different home insurance exclusions and how to get covered.
What are the risks covered by home insurance?
A home insurance plan provides financial coverage to your home against any natural calamities such as tornadoes, hurricanes, cyclones, storms, earthquakes, fires, lightning strikes, floods, landslides, damages caused by pipes, tanks, vehicles, or aircraft.