Insurance Basics: Everything You Need to Know

3 Strange Things Your Home Insurance May Cover

Since most lenders require home insurance, you might have a plan tacked right onto your mortgage. However, while many people are accustomed to the idea that home insurance typically covers large losses like house fires, many people are unfamiliar with the other perks of their policy. Here are three strange things your home insurance policy may cover.  

1.  Vandalism

While toilet papering your front trees may not cause a lot of problems, having your home egged or targeted with BB guns could cause other types of damage. If you live in a high-vandalism area, you could be left dealing with everything from broken playground equipment to damaged windows. Fortunately, your policy might help to repair the damage caused by vandalism.

Talk with your insurance agent to see which kinds of vandalism are covered and if there are line item expense limits for taking care of certain damages.

2.  Crime Scene Cleanup

Losing a loved one suddenly can be devastating, but if the unattended death occurs on your property, you could be on the hook to either clean up the mess or pay someone to do it. Because crime scene cleanup is expensive, many home insurance policies extend coverage to help people to manage the expenses tied to crime scene cleanup.

Like any other form of coverage, there may be a limit to the amount you can pay a service for cleanup, or you may not have coverage for some kind of damage.

3.  Dog Bites

You love your furry little friend, but if he or she doesn't like the neighbors or those joggers passing by, they could cause problems by biting a stranger. Although it can be incredibly stressful to deal with the legal ramifications of a dog bite, your homeowners insurance could provide some relief.

When you discuss dog bite coverage with your agent, be completely open and honest about your pet. Explain that you have a dog, and have information about their breed and behavior ready to go. If your dog is especially aggressive, consider adding more coverage for dog bite protection, just in case.

Remember, since every home insurance policy is a little different, it is important to do what you can to understand what your policy covers long before you place a claim. Consider sitting down with your homeowners insurance provider once or twice a year to learn more about your policy, and to update your coverage if your needs change.


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