Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Homeowners insurance is known to provide coverage for your home in the event of a covered event—does this include house fires? It can. Every home insurance policy is different—it is very important you review yours in detail or ask your home insurance agent any questions you may have about coverage and qualifying events.

Potential Exclusions
Under most policies, intentional setting of fire to the home by the policyholder or resident of the home can exclude damage from coverage. In addition, unintentional but neglectful acts (such as leaving a candle burning overnight) may be excluded from some insurance policies.

What damage is covered by homeowners insurance?

• Dwelling
Home insurance’s primary purpose is to provide financial protection for the main structure of the house—the area in which you and your family “dwell”. This area can also include attached structures, like the garage, attic, or basement. Repairs to replace damage areas of the home—or complete reconstruction are included in the section.

• Detached Structures
The part of a homeowners policy includes additional structures on the property aside from the main home. This can include a detached garage, second garage, shed, gazebo, boat house, or fences.

• Personal Property
In addition to the physical structure of your home, homeowners insurance also include coverage limits for personal property that may need to be replaced following a fire. Personal property including furniture, paintings, and clothing.

• Landscaping
Some coverages may include protection for landscaping that is damaged during the fire such as trees or shrubs that are consumed by the house fire.

How much insurance coverage do I need for fires?
Typically, a policy is created with dwelling and detached structure coverage limits based on how much it would cost to completely rebuild your home or the listed value of your home. This value is not specific to only fires, it is also the coverage limit for damage caused by other events. Other aspects of your home insurance policy, such as coverage for personal property or landscaping may have adjustable coverage amounts to account for individual needs. Select ac overage limit that would allow you to repair or replace all damaged items.

Get Better Coverage
If you are considering switching or changing your homeowners insurance policy, consider talking to an independent insurance agent at Magurder to help find a policy that best fits your needs.