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It's hard to know if your home insurance policy is going to provide you with enough coverage until something happens and you're not covered. Here are some examples of things that could damage or destroy your home or property and whether you'd be covered for them under a typical policy. If you wouldn't be covered, you might want to consider buying additional insurance.
(Remember, while these examples are based on a typical policy, your policy may be different. Read your policy carefully and go over it with your insurance agent.)
Lightning strikes a power line leading into your house and starts a fire.
You're covered.
An earthquake makes your cabinets fall over and all of your dishes are smashed.
You're not covered. Earthquakes are usually excluded, unless you buy special earthquake insurance.
A drunk driver runs off the road and smashes into your house.
You're covered.
Someone breaks in and steals your jewelry, TV and home computer.
You're covered, but only up to your policy limit for each item. You can also buy additional insurance to cover expensive items like jewelry and stereo equipment.
Your car is stolen.
You're not covered. You need to buy auto insurance to insure your car (or other vehicle).
Your laptop computer is stolen from the trunk of your car.
You're covered. Your car itself isn't covered but anything that's stolen from it is.
Someone buys a bunch of stuff with your credit card.
You're covered. You're covered for anything (other than your car) that's stolen from you, even if it wasn't in your home.
A fire destroys the laser printer you bought for your home office.
You're not covered. Home-based businesses need separate coverage.
A pipe bursts and floods your bedroom, ruining everything in it.
You're covered.
The river behind your house floods and causes water damage to your home.
You're not covered. Flood is excluded, unless you buy flood insurance.
Mice chew up your insulation.
You're not covered. Damage from rodents and insects is considered "maintenance" and is not covered.
Your dog bites the mailman.
You're covered. Your insurance will cover the cost of the mailman's medical bills and your liability. Get more information.
Your new puppy tears apart your furniture.
You're not covered. Property damage caused by pets is excluded.
You go out of town for two months. You come back and find that the windows in your house are smashed in.
You're not covered. Vandalism is not covered when a house is vacant more than 30 days.
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