Will Home Insurance Cover Personal Belongings?

Home insurance in Lynnwood, WA, is designed to protect you during emergencies. Unfortunately, emergencies can sometimes result in your belongings being stolen or damaged. It’s essential to determine whether your home insurance will cover the replacement of these items before an incident occurs.

Covered Perils

Many home insurance policies include personal property protection, which covers your belongings up to a certain limit. To determine your coverage limit, consult an agent at a reputable insurance company, such as Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc.

However, homeowners’ insurance only covers personal belongings if they are damaged or stolen due to a covered event. Your policy will list specific covered perils, which commonly include:

  • Lightning
  • Robberies
  • Wind damage
  • Fire

Some natural disasters may be covered, but many homeowners’ insurance policies require additional coverage for specific events, such as floods or earthquakes.

Common Exclusions

Home insurance policies often exclude certain types of damage or events. For example, flood damage, including water damage in the basement, is typically excluded and requires a separate flood insurance policy. Other common exclusions include:

  • Intentional damage
  • Damage caused by a roommate
  • Damage caused by pets
  • Hurricanes
  • Tornadoes
  • Power surges
  • Earth movement, including earthquakes
  • Volcanic eruptions
  • Wildfires

While these exclusions are common, many insurance companies offer additional coverage options for purchase. An agent can help you determine the type of insurance you need to ensure peace of mind.

At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., we understand the importance of having the right coverage before an emergency occurs. We recommend creating a detailed inventory of your personal property to ensure you have adequate coverage to replace your belongings in the event of a loss. Contact us today to learn more. We proudly serve the Lynnwood, WA, area.

Should I update my home insurance before or after remodeling?

Remodeling your home can be fun, especially when you complete the work. Despite the enjoyment, remodeling adds risk during the process and typically increases your home’s value, so protecting your investment during and after the remodeling project is critical. At Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc., serving the Lynnwood, WA, area, our team will work with you to structure insurance coverage that protects your family throughout the time in your home.

Updating Your Insurance Before Remodeling

Most home insurance policies offer basic protection while remodeling. However, accidents can happen, so you should consider supplementing your policy while the work is being done. Some home insurance policies require that you notify their agent before the work begins; the failure to do so can affect your coverage. Since remodeling increases certain hazards and the risk of injury, homeowners should update their home insurance policy or acquire umbrella insurance.

After the work is completed, your home may have more square footage, enhanced fixtures, or other improvements that increase its value, so updating your policy to reflect those changes is essential. Some additions, such as pools and hot tubs, increase risks and need to be identified, while modernizing your home’s plumbing, wiring, or HVAC can reduce risks and lead to lower premiums.

No matter the scope of the planned changes, talk with your agent in advance, so everyone fully understands how the changes may affect your home insurance coverage.

Working with Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc.

Your home is likely among your most significant investments and needs protection against unforeseen events. Our Sound Choice Insurance Agency Inc. team proudly serves the Lynnwood, WA, area. Let us assist with all your insurance needs. Call (425) 333-8033 or stop by today to discuss your options.