Standard coverages (HO-3 / HO-5)
Coverage A — Dwelling
The cost to rebuild your home. Should be set to current rebuild cost, not market value.
Coverage B — Other Structures
Detached garages, sheds, and fences. Usually 10% of Coverage A; can be increased.
Coverage C — Personal Property
Your belongings, anywhere in the world. Often 50–70% of A. Defaults to ACV unless RC is added.
Coverage D — Loss of Use
Hotel, rental, and additional living costs while your home is uninhabitable.
Coverage E — Personal Liability
Pays for injuries or damage you're legally responsible for. Recommend $500K minimum.
Coverage F — Medical Payments
Small no-fault medical for guests injured at your home. Typically $1,000–$5,000.
Endorsements worth knowing
- Water/sewer backup — Backups from drains and sewers. Critical for finished basements.
- Service line — Underground utility lines from the street to your home.
- Ordinance or law — Cost to rebuild to current code. Important for older homes.
- Equipment breakdown — HVAC, water heaters, and home systems failing mechanically.
- Identity theft — Restoration services after identity theft.
- Scheduled personal property — Itemized coverage for jewelry, firearms, art.
- Replacement cost on contents — Removes depreciation from Coverage C claims.
- Roof endorsement — Carrier-specific. Determines RC, ACV, or schedule treatment.
Common exclusions
- Flood (separate NFIP or private flood policy)
- Earth movement
- Long-term seepage and gradual damage
- Most mold (some sub-limits available)
- Wear and tear, maintenance issues
- Certain dog breeds and exotic animals