Understanding Homeowners Insurance
You have a lot to consider in the pursuit of finding your first home, which is why it can be easy to gloss over something like your home insurance options. But choosing homeowners insurance is actually one of the most important steps in the home buying process. Many first time homeowners choose a policy without doing enough research, but one of the smartest things you can do as a new homeowner is understand how to protect it.
Take a look at what you need to know about homeowners insurance.
What Is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance is protection for your home that helps cover repairs or replacements to your home's structure, belongings and even covers you if you're liable for injury to another person or damage to their property.
Do You Need Homeowners Insurance Before Closing?
Yes. Most mortgage lenders require that a buyer has homeowners insurance before they purchase a home. They’ll request proof of insurance before they agree to closing. This is because they want to make sure their investment is protected, since they’ll technically own the title of the home until you pay off the mortgage. So unless you’re paying in cash, you’ll need home insurance before closing.
The Basics of Homeowners Insurance
There’s a lot to know about homeowners insurance, but learning about it doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. We’ll start with the basics about what you need to know before buying a home insurance policy.
How Does Homeowners Insurance Work?
Home insurance is financial protection that covers damages to the interior and exterior of your home and your personal property. It also includes liability protection for you and your family members. It’s designed so you’ll have the funds to return your home and possessions, or additional structures on the property, back to normal if your home faces damage covered by your policy.
What Makes up a Homeowners Insurance Policy?
Although homeowners insurance isn’t required by law, typically your mortgage lender will require you to have it. Here’s a high-level look at the main components of homeowners insurance: property coverage, liability coverage and other coverage options.
Property Coverage
From fires and storms to vandalism and burglaries, property insurance helps you recover from accidental damage or destruction to your home and its contents. In the event you need to repair, rebuild or replace what’s damaged or lost, homeowners insurance helps cover the costs, so you aren’t stuck paying everything out of pocket.
There are four basic categories of property coverage:
Dwelling protection
Dwelling coverage provides protection in the event your home and attached structures are damaged.
Personal property coverage
Personal property coverage pays for the cost of repairing or replacing belongings that are stolen or damaged.
Coverage of other structures on your property
Other structures coverage covers damage to stand-alone structures like fences, toolsheds or detached garages.
Loss of use coverage
Loss of use coverage helps with additional living expenses, including hotel costs and meals, in the case you have to temporarily relocate while repairs are made.
Like all insurance policies, your homeowners policy includes limitations on certain types of property, as well as a deductible — which is the amount you pay for each claim before the insurance kicks in.
Liability Coverage
Let’s say an accident occurs on your property — a visitor is injured after slipping on your icy sidewalk, or you’re cutting down a tree and it falls on your neighbor’s brand new car. Liability coverage helps financially protect you from paying expensive damages for which you are legally liable.
Optional Coverage
For extra coverage and peace of mind, you can add optional coverage to your homeowners policy. Some optional coverages are itemized personal property, which covers things like jewelry, fine art and musical instruments. Other available options include coverage for identity theft, home day care, home office, equipment breakdown, service line coverage and more. Talk with your insurance agent to decide which coverage works best for your home.
Want to find out about more ways to protect your new home? Keep reading to learn about all your options for homeowners insurance coverage
Compare the main components of homeowners insurance
- Dwelling Protection: Provides protection in the event your home and attached structures are damaged.
- Personal Property: Pays for the cost of repairing or replacing belongings that are stolen or damaged.
- Other Structures: Covers damage to stand-alone structures on your property.
- Loss of Use Coverage: Helps with additional living expenses in the event you have to temporarily relocate while repairs are made
- Liability Coverage: Helps protect you from paying expensive damage for which you are legally liable.
- Umbrella Coverage: Provides an additional layer of liability coverage above your policy limit.
- Itemized Personal Property: Extra coverage that allows you to add on protection for specific valuables.
How Much Insurance Do You Need for Your Home?
There are a number of factors your insurance agent will look at in order to help you create a customized policy that’s specific to your needs. They’ll consider things like the cost to rebuild your home, your home’s age, your claims history and recreational additions, like a trampoline or swimming pool.
It’s important to have enough protection to cover the costs of rebuilding your home and replacing your possessions in the event of the unexpected.
How High Should You Set Your Deductible?
When considering how much you want to pay, keep in mind you’ll be required to pay a deductible if you file a claim. As previously noted, the deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket before your insurance company steps in. The lower your deductible, the higher your premium. You’ll want to choose a deductible that you are financially comfortable with in the event of a loss. Your agent can help you decide upon the best approach, depending on your situation and budget.
Saving Money on Homeowners Insurance
If you’re looking to save money on homeowners insurance, talk to your agent about the many available discounts. For example, we offer a discount for bundling policies, like home and auto insurance. You could also get a lower rate for having a home security system or smart home technology like Ring.
Head to our homeowners insurance discounts to learn if you’re eligible to save on your home insurance with American Family Insurance.
Need More Information About Homeowners Insurance?
Reach out to an American Family Insurance agent to find the best coverage for your home and needs. They’ll help you create a customized policy that works hard all year round to protect your home and lifestyle. If you’d like to take the first step in insuring your home, get a home insurance quote online.
More Chapters in This Guide
Steps for First-Time Home Buyers
Not sure where to start when buying a home? Our first time home buyer guide explains what you need to know about buying your first home. Learn more today!
Back to Beginning >Saving for a Home
Saving money is one of the most important steps to buying a home. Learn how to save up for a down payment for a house with our first - time home buyer guide
Chapter 1 >Understanding Loans and Mortgages
Buying a house but confused by financing? Learn about the different types of home loans and mortgages with our first-time home buyer guide.
Chapter 2 >How to Start Looking for a House
Starting to shop for homes but don't know where to start? Learn about what to look for when buying a house so you can find the perfect home for your needs..
Chapter 3 >Putting an Offer on a House
Found the home of your dreams and want to place an offer? Read our tips for making an offer on a house and learn how much to offer to stay competitive in the market
Chapter 4 >The Home Inspection and Appraisal Process
What can you expect from the home appraisal and inspection process? Our homebuyer guide is here to help demystify home inspection and appraisals. Check it out today!
Chapter 5 >Understanding Homeowners Insurance
Choosing the right insurance policy for your new house is another important step in the home buying process. Learn about how homeowners insurance works and find the best coverage for your home today.
Chapter 6 >What to Expect on Closing Day
Closing on a house is an exciting yet hectic time, but don't worry. Our closing day checklist and tips can help you succeed. Learn more from American Family.
Chapter 7 >What to Do After Closing on a House
Congratulations! You've closed on your home and can start making it your own. But there are a few final steps you'll need to take. Use the following resources to make your transition into your new home as smooth as possible.
Chapter 8 >Looking for More Guidance on Homeowners Insurance?
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice and does not afford, offer or guarantee any coverage. You should contact a professional for advice specific to your situation.