Review of Standard Coverages


Standard policy coverage refers to the basic protection provided by a homeowners insurance policy. This coverage typically includes essential elements such as dwelling coverage, personal liability protection, and personal property coverage. We advise a review of standard coverages on a routine basis to make sure you have proper coverage.

While the exact coverage and policy limits may vary between insurance companies and policies, standard coverage aims to safeguard homeowners against financial loss resulting from property damages, personal injuries, or certain unforeseen events.

Understanding the key components of standard coverage is crucial for homeowners to make informed decisions when it comes to protecting their valuable assets and ensuring peace of mind.

Dwelling Limit

Dwelling coverage limit is a crucial component of homeowners policies, providing financial protection for the structure of your home. Carriers design this coverage to safeguard not only the physical building but also its foundation and attached fixtures. In the event of a covered peril, such as fire, vandalism, or severe weather, dwelling coverage helps cover the costs of repairing or rebuilding your home.

Dwelling coverage typically includes the main structure of your home, such as walls, roof, and floors. It also covers the foundation, ensuring the addressing of any damages or structural issues. Additionally, attached fixtures like plumbing, electrical wiring, and heating systems typically get coverage.

Insurance carriers determine the policy limits for dwelling coverage by various factors, including the size and value of your home, the cost of labor and materials in your area, and any special features or upgrades. An appraisal or inspection of your property may be necessary to accurately assess these factors and determine the appropriate coverage amount.

Considering the significant investment your home represents, dwelling coverage is essential to protect yourself from the financial burden of repairing or rebuilding in the wake of a covered loss. It is important to carefully review your policy and consult with an insurance agent to ensure that your dwelling coverage adequately reflects the value of your property and its attached structures.

Personal Property

Personal Property Coverage is a significant aspect of home insurance that aims to protect the insured’s personal belongings against covered perils. This coverage extends to a wide range of items, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and even appliances. In the event of damage or loss caused by covered perils such as fire, theft, or vandalism, Personal Property Coverage ensures that the policyholder receives compensation for the value of their belongings.

The purpose of Personal Property Coverage is to provide financial assistance to homeowners in replacing or repairing their personal belongings in the event of unexpected incidents. Without this coverage, homeowners would have to bear the burden of replacing their belongings out of pocket. By having Personal Property Coverage in their home insurance policy, homeowners can be sure that their belongings will be protected and that they will receive the necessary financial support.

It is important to note that Personal Property Coverage does have its limits and exclusions. Coverage limits determine the maximum amount the insurance company will pay for personal property damage or loss. It’s crucial for homeowners to carefully review their policies to understand these limits and ensure they have sufficient coverage for their belongings. Additionally, certain high-value items like jewelry or artwork may require additional coverage to adequately protect them.

Overall, Personal Property Coverage is a vital component of a home insurance policy. It offers peace of mind to homeowners, allowing them to rest easy knowing that their personal belongings are covered in the event of covered perils.

Liability

Liability coverage is a crucial component of home insurance policies. It provides homeowners with financial protection in the event that someone is injured on their property or if they accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. Without liability coverage, homeowners would be at risk of facing significant financial loss and possible legal repercussions.

In the unfortunate event of an accident or injury on a homeowner’s property, liability coverage steps in to cover medical expenses, legal fees, and even potential settlement costs. This coverage not only protects homeowners from the financial burden of medical bills but also offers peace of mind knowing that legal costs will be taken care of.

There are different types of liability coverage available in home insurance policies. Personal liability coverage safeguards homeowners against claims made against them due to bodily injury or property damage caused to others. This coverage also extends beyond the home, protecting homeowners worldwide.

Medical payments coverage is another form of liability coverage, which covers medical expenses for individuals injured on the homeowner’s property. This coverage is particularly helpful in avoiding lawsuits and resolving smaller incident-related medical bills quickly.

Additional Living Expenses

When it comes to home insurance policies, one important concept to understand is additional living expenses (ALE). This coverage is designed to provide policyholders with reimbursement for expenses incurred due to temporary relocation following a covered loss.

In the unfortunate event that your home sustains significant damage, making it uninhabitable, ALE can help cover the costs of living elsewhere. This coverage allows you and your family to maintain a similar standard of living while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

Reimbursement for ALE typically includes expenses such as hotel bills, rental costs, and even meals at restaurants. The amount of coverage available for ALE will vary depending on the specifics of your policy and the insurance company you choose.

To be eligible for reimbursement, the expenses must be necessary and reasonable. While some policies have specific daily limits or overall coverage limits, it’s important to review your policy to understand the extent of your ALE coverage.

To ensure that you are properly reimbursed for your additional living expenses, it is essential to keep detailed records and receipts of all related costs. If you are unsure about the coverage or reimbursement process, it is advisable to consult with your insurance agent or company.

Additional living expenses can significantly mitigate the financial burden of temporary relocation following a covered loss. By having this coverage in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you and your family will be taken care of during such challenging times.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses coverage is an important component of home insurance policies. It provides protection in the event someone sustains an injury on your property and requires medical treatment.

Typically, medical expenses coverage in home insurance policies covers reasonable and necessary medical expenses, including ambulance services, hospital stays, surgical procedures, and doctor’s fees. No limits to this coverage apply to just residents of the insured property; it also extends to visitors, guests, or even passersby who may become injured on your premises.

However, it’s important to note that medical expenses coverage has its limits. Insurance companies often establish a specific maximum limit for medical expenses coverage, such as $1,000 or $5,000. This means that the policy will only pay up to the specified limit for medical expenses incurred due to an injury on your property.

There are also exclusions or special conditions related to medical expenses coverage. For example, injuries resulting from intentional acts or negligence on the part of the policyholder may not receive coverage. Additionally, insurance carriers may exclude injuries sustained during certain high-risk activities, such as trampoline use or certain sports.

To fully understand the coverage, limits, exclusions, and conditions regarding medical expenses in home insurance policies, it is advisable to review the specific terms and conditions of your insurance policy or consult with your insurance agent. See below!

Watley Insurance Group is Here to Help

At Watley Insurance Group, we understand the importance of protecting your most valuable asset – your home. As homeowners in the Ark-La-Tex region ourselves, based in Shreveport, Louisiana, we know the unique risks and challenges that residents face.

That’s why we commit to providing comprehensive home insurance coverage that meets your specific needs.

Our team of knowledgeable independent agents is here to review your current home insurance policy and ensure that you have the right coverage in place. We understand that insurance jargon can be confusing, so we take the time to explain the details and answer any questions you may have. Whether a first-time homeowner if you received coverage for years, we believe in empowering our clients to make informed decisions.

From standard coverage, such as dwelling and personal property coverage, to additional coverages like personal liability and medical expenses, we assess your individual situation and recommend the appropriate policy limits. We also offer optional coverages, such as flood insurance, earthquake coverage, and water backup coverage, to provide you with added peace of mind.

Our commitment to exceptional service extends beyond just reviewing your policy. In the event of a loss, our team will guide you through the homeowners insurance claims process and ensure that you receive the support you need from your insurance provider. We take pride in our ability to provide personalized solutions and advocate for our clients’ best interests.

Don’t wait until a crisis occurs to discover gaps in your coverage.

Contact Watley Insurance Group today and let us help you protect what matters most – your home.

Get an insurance quote or a review (or both) today.

Wayne F. Watley, Jr.

Agency Principal, proud husband & father, and jazz enthusiast.