Homeowners Coverage
EARTHQUAKE COVERAGE ENDORSEMENT:
Earthquake coverage is excluded under Section I of a homeowners policy. Adding this endorsement removes the exclusion and adds earthquake coverage, which is subject to a deductible for each coverage under Section I..
HOME DWELLING:
This amount of insurance applies to the dwelling and attached structures. The limit of insurance for the dwelling is based on the value of the home and what it would cost to replace the home.
HOMEOWNERS COVERAGE DESCRIPTION:
The homeowners policy provides protection against the financial consequences of personal losses. A homeowners policy is a combination of property and liability coverages. The homeowners policy is tailored to meet the needs of a homeowner. The following is a basic outline of the homeowners (HO-3) policy and the endorsements most widely used on the HO-3 policy:
The HO-3 policy provides coverages for one or two family dwellings that are owner occupied. The HO-3 policy provides coverage against risks of direct physical loss to real property, except for those causes of loss that are specifically excluded. Personal property is covered against direct physical loss caused by a specified peril. In addition to the coverages stated under Section I, several additional coverages are included. Some of the coverages included are: debris removal; fire department charges; reasonable repairs charges; property removal charges; and coverage for trees, shrubs, and plants. Coverage is also included for loss involving credit cards, forgery, and counterfeit money. These additional coverages are included to provide protection for the insured following a covered property loss. Each additional coverage has limitations and is subject to certain conditions.
INCREASE SPECIAL LIMITS:
Certain types of personal property under Coverage C have special limits of liability. Adding this endorsement increases the limit for those particular types of property.
INCREASE OTHER STRUCTURES LIMIT:
This endorsement increases the limit under Coverage B: Other Structures. The limit for unattached structures on the residence premise would be increased. The increase would be in addition to the limit already provided.
INFLATION GUARD ENDORSEMENT:
When this endorsement is added to the policy, it increases the limit of coverage for A, B, C, and D. The insured selects the percentage of increase for the year. The limits are automatically increased at certain dates throughout the year.
LOSS OF USE:
This coverage applies in the event of a loss under Coverage A. If the insured temporarily were to lose use of the dwelling, this coverage would apply. Payment would be made for expenses incurred to live elsewhere following a loss that makes the home unsuitable for living. Another method used to determine payment for loss of use is fair rental value, which is the amount of rent that could reasonably be charged for the premises less any expenses that do not continue while the premises are unsuitable for living.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS:
This coverage will pay the necessary medical expenses for bodily injury of others. Coverage applies to accidents that occur on the insured premises or any location when caused by action of the insured. The coverage has a basic limit of $1,000 per person. The insured may select higher limits.
OTHER STRUCTURES:
This coverage limit applies to detached structures such as a garage or storage shed. The limit of coverage is set at 10% of the dwelling. The insured can purchase a higher limit.
PERSONAL PROPERTY:
Coverage C provides worldwide coverage for personal property of the insured. Special limits apply to some types of property. Some property is excluded from coverage. The overall limit for Coverage C is 50% of the dwelling limit. Coverage C can be modified in several ways with endorsements.
PERSONAL PROPERTY REPLACEMENT:
Property loss settlements under the homeowners policy are made on an actual cash value basis. When the replacement cost endorsement is added, the loss settlement payment would be sufficient to replace the item for the cost at the time of loss without deductions for depreciation.
SCHEDULED PERSONAL PROPERTY:
The scheduled personal property endorsement is used to provide coverage for risk of direct loss for such items as jewelry, furs, cameras, musical instruments, silverware, golfer’s equipment, fine arts, postage stamps and rare coins. Scheduled property can be insured for any amount the insured requires.