When you purchase your home or property, property insurance can give you peace of mind to know that, in the event of damage, you can make a claim to your insurer for those damages to be covered. However, it is important to note that insurance policies do not cover every single circumstance or piece of property. This is why you should make sure certain items or events are covered.
This article reviews the types of things that are typically covered by property insurance policies, things typically not covered, and how to protect yourself.
What is Typically Covered?
Standard property insurance policies can differ depending on the insurance issuer and the client. However, there are commonalities that tend to be present in most insurance policies. While you will want to carefully read your own policy, here is what insurance policies typically cover.
Common Events that Cause Damage
Natural disasters or so-called “acts of God” are generally included in most property insurance policies. Snow, ice, wind, hail, fire, and theft are causes that are also generally covered by insurance.
Exterior of Property
The outside of your home may become damaged during a weather event. Roofs may sustain damage, siding may be torn off, or gates may be blown down.
Contents of Property
Your property inside your home will also generally be covered, for example in the event they become lost, stolen, or damaged during a covered event. This includes things like clothing, electronics, and furniture.
Reimbursement Of Medical Bills for Injured Guests
If someone on your property becomes injured, many policies generally cover the cost of medical bills. This could include doctors’ visits, physical therapy appointments, medications, ambulances, and more.
Protection Against Lawsuits
One feature of insurance policies that sometimes surprises insureds is protection against lawsuits. The insurance policy could cover the costs associated with defending yourself against legal claims.
What Are Exclusions?
Exclusions are provisions within insurance policies that state that there is no coverage for certain property or types of damage. This means you can be denied for something because the insurance company alleges it is excluded under the policy and therefore not covered. Here are some tips to avoid this happening to you.
Tips to Avoid Being Without Coverage
Read and Re-Read Your Policy Carefully
Insurance policies can be full of dense and difficult language and legal terms. This can make understanding what is covered and what is not incredibly difficult. Do not just sign on the dotted line. Before you accept a contract, ask questions. If necessary, contact a Florida insurance property attorney and have them review your situation and the contract to ensure that you are covered.
Be Honest About Your Needs/Property
One of the best ways to ensure that you are covered is to tell the insurer, in the first place, what your needs are. Be sure to accurately describe your property and the activities that you conduct on the property. They will be able to tell you whether you will be covered in the event of damage and how much they will be able to compensate you.
Update Your Insurer About Your Situation
One error that homeowners sometimes make is to not update their insurer about changes in their situation. Sometimes, this happens due to genuinely forgetting. Other times, homeowners want to avoid their rates being raised. Either way can be catastrophic. Before making any substantive additions or changes to your property, contact your insurance provider and get guarantees in writing that you will be covered and get a quote for how this will affect your rate.
Common Exclusions That Are Not Covered
Intentional Acts
Intentional acts are acts that are done on purpose. For example, if a fire accidentally happens in the home, then the insurance company will generally cover that damage. But if an insured person sets the home on fire, then the damage will be excluded and not be covered.
Improperly Maintained Property
Property must be maintained. This clause is in virtually every insurance contract.
Common Exclusions That Can Be Covered
Flood Coverage
Many insurance policies cover water damage that does not result from flooding. Flood coverage can be purchased directly from the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the National Flood Insurance Program.
Disconnected Buildings on the Property
Many insurance policies will cover the main building. Some people have buildings that are not connected to the home, such as a detached garage, shed or studio. Read the fine print–damage that happens to those buildings may not be covered.
Pools
Pools increase risk because of the likelihood of accidents. This, in turn, will increase the price. Some insurance policies will not cover them.
Full Replacement
Sometimes an insurance policy will cover the cost of repairs but will not cover the cost of a replacement. Make sure to get clarification on this point through your insurer.
High-Value Items
If you have numerous high-value items, consider a policy that ensures you will receive enough money to cover them. For instance, if you have high-end technology equipment or a wardrobe exclusively packed with high-end designer garments, keep this in mind while shopping for a policy.
Speak to a Homeowners’ Insurance Attorney
Contact our office today at 321-415-9012 to speak with one of our homeowners’ insurance attorneys if you would like to discuss the particulars of your situation. We present the material contained on our website and pages, including this Blog, for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute the rendering of legal advice and does not create any attorney-client relationship. If you need legal or other professional advice, you should consult with legal counsel about your particular facts and circumstances. Contact us to see how we may be able to fight for you!