Homeowners Coverage Description
The homeowners policy provides protection
against the financial consequences of personal
losses. A homeowners policy is a combination
of property and liability coverages. The
homeowners policy is tailored to meet the
needs of a homeowner. The following is a
basic outline of the homeowners (HO-3) policy
and the endorsements most widely used on
the HO-3 policy.
The HO-3 policy provides coverages for one
or two family dwellings that are owner occupied.
The HO-3 policy provides coverage against
risks of direct physical loss to real property,
except for those causes of loss that are
specifically excluded. Personal property
is covered against direct physical loss caused
by a specified peril. In addition to the
coverages stated under Section I, several
additional coverages are included. Some of
the coverages included are; debris removal,
fire department charges, reasonable repairs
charges, property removal charges, and coverage
for trees, shrubs and plants. Coverage is
also included for loss involving credit cards,
forgery, and counterfeit money. These additional
coverages are included to provide protection
for the insured following a covered property
loss. Each additional coverage has limitations
and is subject to certain conditions.
Dwelling
This amount of insurance applies to the dwelling
and attached structures. The limit of insurance
for the dwelling is based on the value of
the home and what it would cost to replace
the home.
Other Structures
This coverage limit applies to detached structures
such as a garage or storage shed. The limit
of coverage is set at 10% of the dwelling.
The insured can purchase a higher limit.
Personal Property
Coverage C provides worldwide coverage for
personal property of the insured. Special
limits apply to some types of property, and
some property is excluded from coverage.
The overall limit for coverage C is 50% of
the dwelling limit. Coverage C can be modified
in several ways with endorsements.
Loss of Use
This coverage applies in the
event of a loss
under Coverage A. If the insured
was to temporarily
lose use of the dwelling this
coverage would
apply. Payment would be made
for expenses
incurred to live elsewhere following
a loss
that makes the home unsuitable
for living.
Another method used to determine
payment
for loss of use is fair rental
value, which
is the amount of rent that could
reasonably
be charged for the premises,
less any expenses
that do not continue while the
premises are
unsuitable for living.
Personal Liability
Section II of the homeowners policy provides
liability coverage for personal loss exposures.
The insuring agreement under Coverage E provides
liability coverage if a claim is made or
suit is brought against an insured because
of bodily injury or property damage. Coverage
is provided for the residence premise as
well as any other premises used by the insured,
as a residence, permanently or temporarily.
Liability coverage is provided for the named
insured and members of the named insured's
household who are relatives. Personal liability
has a basic limit of $100,000 per occurrence,
which the insured may increase for an additional
premium. In addition to the basic limit,
Coverage E also provides additional coverages
for expenses such as defense cost, expenses
incurred providing first aid to others, damage
to property of others and loss assessment
charges. The additional coverages provided
under Section E are subject to limitations
and certain conditions.
Medical Payments
This coverage will pay the necessary medical
expenses for bodily injury of others. Coverage
applies to accidents that occur on the insured
premises or any location when caused by action
of the insured. The coverage has a basic
limit of $1,000 per person. The insured may
select higher limits.
Endorsements
Scheduled Personal Property
The scheduled personal property
endorsement
is used to provide coverage for
risk of direct
loss for such items as jewelry,
furs, cameras,
musical instruments, silverware,
golfer's
equipment, fine arts, postage
stamps and
rare coins. Scheduled property
can be insured
for any amount the insured requires.
Guaranteed Replacement Cost Dwelling
This coverage guarantees the home will be
rebuilt with like kind and quality materials
regardless of the limit of liability shown
on the declarations page. It is important
to remember that the damage must
|