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What's covered under a typical homeowners policy:
- Your home and any detached structures on the property.
- Most furniture, appliances, electronics and tools.
- Liability and medical expenses for injuries and property damage for which you are responsible, up to your policy limits.
- Limited living expenses if you are forced to vacate your home because of a loss.
What may not be covered:
- The replacement cost of your home and personal property, vs. its actual cash value.
- Jewelry, collectibles, firearms and other expensive items in excess of certain limits, typically $1,000 to $2,500.
- Business equipment, including computers used for work, in excess of certain limits, typically $2,500.
- Sewer or drain backups.
- Liability coverage for pools, trampolines and other high-risk items.
- Mold.
What's not covered:
- Cracks or settling in the foundation.
- Neglect, wear and tear or intentional damage.
- Flood or earthquake damage. Coverage for either is available separately.
- Landslide or other earth movement.
- War or nuclear explosion.
- Pest damage.
- Pet damage
.
10 discounts to ask for:
- Multi-policy (home, car or more with the same company).
- Smoke detectors.
- Fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems.
- Burglar and fire alarms that ring at an outside service.
- Deadbolt locks and fire-safe window grates.
- 55 years old and retired.
- Longtime policyholder.
- Upgrades to plumbing, heating and electrical systems.
- Earthquake retrofitting.
- Wind-resistant shutters.
