Ignite FB Tracking PixelDwelling coverage: What it is & why you need it - Lana Harris
Keller Williams Realty Park City
Lana Harris, Keller Williams Realty Park CityPhone: (435) 640-8717
Email: [email protected]

Dwelling coverage: What it is & why you need it

by Lana Harris 09/16/2024

Dwelling coverage is a crucial part of every standard homeowners insurance policy. Dwelling coverage can help you in the event the physical structure of your home incurs serious damage. However, it’s important to understand what types of damage are covered.

Here is a basic guide to the types of damage covered by your dwelling insurance:

Why you need dwelling coverage

You can use dwelling coverage to pay for damage sustained from natural hazards, also called perils. You may be eligible for financial compensation if the main structure of your home is damaged by any of the following:

  • Fire/smoke
  • Windstorms
  • Lightning strikes
  • Hail
  • Snow, sleet or ice

Other than natural or weather related hazards, there are more types of damage covered under dwelling insurance. These hazards include:

  • Vandalism
  • Theft
  • Falling objects
  • Damage from motor vehicles
  • Damage from aircraft

If any of these perils cause damage to the structure of your home, your dwelling coverage is there to help you.

Important exceptions

Not all natural hazards are covered by dwelling insurance. For example, windstorms do not include tornadoes. If you live in a region prone to tornadoes, you will need to purchase a tornado-specific insurance policy.

Other major natural perils like earthquakes, mudslides and floods typically require their own specific policy. Other non-natural hazards might be covered by auto insurance or personal liability insurance.

Hopefully, you’ll never need to make a claim to your homeowners insurance for one of these issues. However, the more you know about what hazards are included in your dwelling coverage can give you greater peace of mind as a homeowner.

About the Author
Author

Lana Harris

Lana Harris is a Chicago native who is a second-generation real estate professional. She was introduced to  real estate  at a very young age while attending open houses with her mother who is a broker.  She honed her skills assisting in property searches (back in the thick, Multiple Listing Service book days,) and using map reading skills to help plan property tour sequencing. Lana’s love of working with people and delivering strong customer service led her to the retail sector, where she developed her management skills at  MC Sports, Ann Taylor, and Adidas.  She and her husband moved to Utah in 2008 to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, and she began her real estate career here in 2015.  Most recently, she was a VP of sales for a large team; she thrives on challenges and is determined to overcome obstacles to achieve results for her clients.  Lana and her husband enjoy their three large dogs, skiing, camping and paddleboarding.