Homeowners Form Codes

Homeowners form codes are standardized designations, HO-1 through HO-8, that describe how broadly a homeowners insurance policy covers losses to your home’s structure and personal belongings.

What do the different homeowners form codes mean?

The form code describes whether coverage is triggered by a list of named causes of loss or by any cause except those specifically excluded. HO-1 is a basic named peril form covering roughly 11 listed causes of loss; it is rarely sold today. HO-2 is a broader named peril form covering around 16 perils. HO-3 is the most widely sold form: open-peril coverage on the dwelling structure, paired with named-peril coverage on personal property. HO-5 extends open-peril coverage to both the structure and personal property. HO-6 is written for condo unit owners, covering the interior of the unit, personal property, and personal liability. HO-8 is designed for older homes where market value falls well below rebuild cost.

Where do I find my form code?

Your form code appears on your declarations page, typically in the policy form or coverage description section. Most policyholders have never checked this field, even though it is one of the most important quality indicators on a homeowners policy. For example, two policies with identical coverage limits can respond very differently to the same loss depending on whether the form is HO-3 or HO-5. Knowing the difference matters before a claim, not after.

What is the practical difference between HO-3 and HO-5?

The difference appears most clearly on personal property claims. On an HO-3, a laptop that slides off a table and breaks from the impact may go unpaid because accidental impact is not a listed named peril on the standard contents schedule. On an HO-5, the same loss is covered unless the policy specifically excludes it, with no need to match the cause to a list. Upgrading from HO-3 to HO-5 typically adds 10 to 20 percent to the premium, a difference that closes real-world contents gaps that most homeowners would reasonably expect to be covered.

Why does the form code matter in Georgia?

In Georgia, wind, hail, and severe thunderstorm events are common seasonal realities. The distinction between named-peril and open-peril coverage on contents matters more than many homeowners expect. Most standard policies exclude flood and earthquake regardless of form code; those require separate coverage. For storm-related losses that are covered, the form code determines how broadly that protection applies to personal belongings. For example, structural water intrusion following a storm (a compromised roof membrane letting rain in over several days) may not be covered on a named-peril form because the damage pathway is prolonged moisture rather than the wind event itself.

How do I know if my form code is right for my situation?

Not every insurer offers HO-5, and in older or higher-risk homes the available forms may be limited. Knowing your form code before a claim is the kind of detail a coverage review can clarify. A licensed advisor can confirm whether your current form matches your contents and whether an upgrade is available from your carrier.