Why you need dwelling coverage

by Anna M Woods 05/16/2022

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

Anna M Woods

Hi, I'm Anna Woods and I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.

I am a full-service Realtor® since 2010. I serve the High Desert in Southern California. 

Prior to earning my real estate license, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting at California State University, San Bernardino in 2002. I found myself not satisfied in my work life, so I sought out a new career. I found happiness in helping families obtain their dream homes. In 2019 I became an Associate Broker.

I moved to the High Desert in 2003, in search of peace and quiet away from the city lights. I found the rural lifestyle in the High Desert. I now have several farm animals and love to garden.