Whether you’re under contract to buy a home or you’re reviewing your current policy, it’s important to understand what’s covered—and what is not.

What Is Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

1. Your home’s structure. In the event of damage due to fire, hurricanes, or other covered disasters, your insurer will pay to repair or even completely rebuild your home. Most policies cover detached structures such as garages or gazebos, generally for about 10% of the coverage on your house.
2. Your personal belongings. Clothing, furniture, appliances, and most of the other contents of your home are covered if they’re destroyed or stolen. However, there may be a limit on the amount your insurer will reimburse you for personal belongings, usually 50% of the insurance you have on the structure of your home.  If you own high-priced art, antiques, or fine jewelry, you may need to add a rider to cover the full value.
3. Personal liability.Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you, your family members, and even your pets cause other people. So if your son—or your dog—accidentally injures a neighbor or destroys her property—either at your home or hers—you’re covered.
4. Loss of use. Your homeowners insurance may cover your living expenses if you must temporarily relocate due to an insured disaster. It can cover hotels, meals, laundry services, and even transportation costs.

A standard homeowners insurance policy typically provides coverage in these areas, but keep in mind that coverage can vary depending on the specific policy and carrier.²

What Is Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

1. Flooding or earthquake damage. Homeowners insurance typically does not cover flooding from outside your home or damage resulting from an earthquake. To get coverage for flood or earthquake damage, you may need to purchase a separate policy or add-on to your current policy.
2. Negligence. If your home is damaged and the insurer determines the damage resulted from poor maintenance, your claim may be denied. For example, damage from mold and pests are rarely covered, as they are often considered preventable through upkeep.
3. Intentional loss. Any damage caused intentionally to your house or belongings by you or a household member is not covered.
4. Normal wear and tear. Your homeowners policy will not cover normal wear and tear. Nor will it cover appliance or system breakdown (such as your washing machines or air conditioning).

In addition to understanding the basics, check out our tips on ways to maximize your homeowners benefits.

¹Do You Know What Standard Home Insurance Covers? Survey Finds Most Homeowners Don’t. Guardian Service. guardianservice.com/home-insurance/homeowners-insurance-knowledge-survey, July 14, 2025.

²What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover? US News. www.usnews.com/insurance/homeowners-insurance/what-does-homeowners-insurance-cover, October 2, 2025.