HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE
Homeowners insurance for the home you actually live in.
A standard homeowners policy covers more than most people think and less than most people assume. We compare your home to what carriers actually price it at, flag the coverage gaps before a claim, and explain exactly what you are buying.
What it covers
What a standard homeowners policy covers.
What it covers
Dwelling and structures
The cost to rebuild your home and attached structures after a covered loss. This dwelling coverage is a coverage limit, not your home's market value, and it should reflect current local rebuild costs. Set it to replacement cost so the limit tracks what it actually takes to rebuild.
What it covers
Personal property
Your belongings inside the home, known as personal property coverage. High-value items like jewelry, art, and collectibles often need scheduled coverage since standard limits may fall short, which is where jewelry insurance can fill the gap.
What it covers
Liability protection
Pays if someone is injured on your property or you cause damage to someone else's property. This liability coverage usually starts at $100,000, and many households carry $300,000 or more. Households with more assets to protect often add umbrella insurance on top. The right limit for a given household depends on assets and exposure, which a free coverage review sizes case by case.
What it covers
Loss of use
If a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable, this loss of use coverage pays for hotel costs, meals, and other living expenses while repairs happen. Limits are usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage.
Where policies have edges
What a standard homeowners policy does not cover.
Not covered
Flood damage
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage entirely. Flood insurance is a separate policy through the federal NFIP program or a private flood insurer.
Not covered
Earthquake damage
Earthquake damage is excluded from standard policies. Coverage is available as a separate endorsement or standalone policy in earthquake-prone regions.
Not covered
Wear, tear, and maintenance
Damage from gradual wear, deterioration, or lack of maintenance is not covered. A roof leaking for months is not a sudden loss.
Not covered
Business activities
Business equipment, inventory, and liability from home-based operations are excluded. A home business endorsement or separate commercial policy fills this gap.
Who needs this
Who needs Homeowners Insurance?
Every homeowner. Any party with a secured financial interest in your home may require coverage as a condition of that interest. Even without an outside requirement, your home is likely your largest asset and replacing it without coverage is not realistic for most people.
What it costs
What can you expect to pay?
Varies widely by state, property age and construction, claims history, and carrier appetite. Most homeowners pay between $1,200 and $5,000 per year for a typical single-family home with adequate coverage.
Requirements by state
How does this work in your state?
Homeowners Insurance rules, regulatory requirements, and available coverage vary by state. Send us your state and details through a free coverage review and we will confirm what applies to you.
If You Need to File a Claim
Claims tips
If you have a homeowners loss, the order of what you do in the first 48 hours matters more than most people realize.
- Make the property safe. Stop ongoing damage where you can without putting yourself at risk. Tarp a roof, shut off water, board a window. Most policies require you to mitigate further damage and reimburse reasonable costs to do so.
- Document everything before cleanup. Photos and video of every damaged item and area, in place, before you move or discard anything. Wide shots and close-ups. Capture serial numbers when you can.
- Notify your carrier promptly. Most policies require prompt notice. Get your claim number and the adjuster's contact in writing. Our claims page walks through what to expect next.
- Keep all receipts. Every emergency repair, every hotel night if you cannot stay in the home, every meal beyond your normal grocery spend. These are likely reimbursable under loss of use.
- Do not sign anything from contractors at your door. After a major weather event, contractors will appear quickly. Some are legitimate; some will sign you into an assignment of benefits that hands them control of your claim. Read everything before you sign.
- Get your own estimate. The carrier's adjuster represents the carrier. You are entitled to your own estimates. If the gap between estimates is meaningful, that is the time to push back, not after settlement.
OUR CARRIER PANEL
Carriers We Work With
The carriers we compare are licensed and regulated in your state. We shop these markets and present the options that match your situation; a licensed advisor reviews the fit with you in a free coverage review.
AIG
Private Client Group coverage for ultra-high-net-worth families in North Atlanta.
Learn moreBranch
Bundled home and auto insurance with fast digital quotes for Georgia families outside Atlanta city limits.
Learn moreChubb
Premier coverage for high-value homes, collectibles, and affluent families in North Atlanta.
Learn moreHippo Insurance
Hippo takes a prevention-first approach to homeowners insurance. An honest look at their approach, ratings, and who benefits most from their
Learn moreNational General Insurance
National General fills the gap for drivers and homeowners who do not qualify for preferred carriers. Auto, home, and umbrella from an admitt
Learn moreNationwide Insurance
Nationwide brings financial strength and a wide product range to personal and commercial clients. An honest review of their ratings, claims,
Learn moreOpenly Insurance
Broader Homeowners Coverage Backed by Berkshire Hathaway
Learn moreProgressive Insurance
Progressive is strong on auto and specialty vehicles. How they compare on ratings, claims, and who they suit best.
Learn moreStillwater Insurance
Coverage When Other Carriers Say No
Learn moreThe Hartford
The Hartford is one of the oldest carriers in America with deep expertise in small business coverage. An honest review of their ratings, str
Learn moreTravelers Insurance
Travelers is one of carriers reviewed by Olive Cover. An honest look at their ratings, strengths, weaknesses, and who they
Learn moreCommon Questions
Homeowners Insurance: frequently asked questions
Does homeowners insurance cover flood damage?
No. Standard homeowners policies exclude all flood damage regardless of cause.
How much dwelling coverage do I actually need?
Dwelling coverage is built to equal the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value.
What happens to my homeowners policy if I rent out my home?
The moment you rent your property to a paying tenant, your standard homeowners policy stops covering it.
Which settlement basis is on my homeowners policy?
Replacement cost (RCV) coverage pays to rebuild your home and replace belongings at today's prices without deducting depreciation.
Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipes versus flood damage?
Standard homeowners insurance generally covers sudden and accidental internal water damage, a burst pipe, appliance overflow, or accidental discharge from plumbing.