Home Insurance Guide

Homeowners Insurance Coverage and Comparison Guide

Learn the major parts of a homeowners policy, common gaps to consider, and how to compare options more carefully.

Independent education: All Peoples Insurance does not sell homeowners insurance directly.

What homeowners insurance commonly covers

A homeowners policy commonly combines several kinds of protection. Exact coverage depends on the policy form, endorsements, exclusions, limits, deductibles and state rules.

DwellingProtection for covered damage to the structure of the home.
Personal PropertyCoverage for eligible belongings, subject to limits and policy terms.
LiabilityProtection for certain covered claims involving injury or property damage to others.

Other important parts of a homeowners policy

Other structures

Coverage may apply to eligible detached structures such as a garage, shed or fence, subject to policy terms and limits.

Loss of use or additional living expenses

If a covered loss makes the home uninhabitable, the policy may help with certain additional living expenses according to its limits and conditions.

Medical payments to others

Policies may include limited coverage for certain eligible medical expenses when someone is injured on the property, regardless of fault rules specified by the policy.

Replacement cost vs. actual cash value

How covered property is valued can materially affect a claim payment. Replacement-cost provisions and actual-cash-value provisions work differently, and policy-specific conditions apply.

What may require separate protection?

A standard homeowners policy does not cover every type of loss. Flood and earthquake losses commonly require separate coverage or endorsements. Sewer or drain backup, high-value property, home business activity and other risks may also require additional protection depending on the policy and property.

How to compare home insurance options

  1. Compare equivalent dwelling limits. Rebuilding cost and market value are different concepts.
  2. Compare liability limits. Make sure quotes use comparable protection.
  3. Review deductibles. Ask whether separate wind, hurricane or other deductibles can apply.
  4. Check property valuation. Understand replacement cost versus actual cash value.
  5. Review exclusions and endorsements. Look for important gaps rather than comparing price alone.
  6. Ask about eligible discounts. Bundling, protective devices and other discounts may be available.

Home Insurance Guide

What information should you have ready?

  • Home address and basic property characteristics
  • Approximate age and construction details
  • Roof and major-system information when requested
  • Estimated rebuilding considerations
  • Personal property and higher-value belongings
  • Desired liability protection
  • Preferred deductible
  • Current insurance information, if applicable

Compare Carefully, Not Just Cheaply

Use comparable limits, deductibles and valuation methods so premium differences are meaningful.

Read Home Coverage Guide

No live home insurance quote is provided on this page at this time.

Frequently asked questions

Does homeowners insurance cover flooding?

Standard homeowners policies generally do not cover flood damage. Separate flood coverage may be needed depending on the property and risk.

What is a homeowners insurance deductible?

It is generally the amount you are responsible for on an eligible covered claim before the insurer pays the remaining covered amount, subject to policy terms. Some losses may use different deductibles.

Is replacement cost the same as my home's market value?

No. Rebuilding cost focuses on the cost to repair or rebuild the structure after a covered loss, while market value reflects what the property may sell for and can include land and other market factors.

Should I choose the cheapest home insurance quote?

Not automatically. Compare dwelling limits, liability limits, deductibles, valuation methods, exclusions and endorsements before comparing the final premium.

Does All Peoples Insurance sell homeowners insurance?

No. We provide independent educational information and do not sell or bind homeowners insurance policies.

Policy forms and coverage rules vary. Review official policy documents and verify coverage with an insurer, licensed professional or appropriate state regulator.