Homeowner's insurance protects against damage to your home and belongings (furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry) from hazards such as:
• Fire and smoke
• Windstorm or hail
• Theft
• Falling objects (trees, power lines)
• Frozen plumbing
• Water damage caused by plumbing, water heater, appliances, and heating and cooling systems
• Vandalism
Your homeowner's policy may also protect you against claims you are liable for someone else's injuries or property damage—such as if your dog bites a guest at your home—and may cover you for claims that occur away from your home, such as if your dog bites someone at the dog park.
Some homeowner's policies may provide other structures coverage to repair or replace structures on your property that are not attached to your house—such as a garage, shed, or fence.
Your homeowner's policy may provide loss of use coverage and pay your additional living expenses (rent, food) if you have to move out of your house while it is being repaired, for example.
You may need a special provision in your homeowner's policy (an endorsement) to insure against the loss of expensive jewelry such as engagement and wedding rings, watches, diamond bracelets, etc.
In Arkansas, homeowner's insurance typically covers damage to the home and personal belongings due to a variety of hazards, including fire, smoke, windstorms, hail, theft, falling objects, frozen plumbing, and water damage from household systems. Liability coverage is also standard, protecting homeowners against claims for injuries or property damage that occur on their property, such as a dog bite incident. Additionally, coverage often extends to incidents that happen away from the home. Policies usually include 'other structures coverage' for detached buildings like garages or sheds. 'Loss of use coverage' is also common, which helps with living expenses if the home is uninhabitable during repairs. For high-value items like expensive jewelry, an endorsement to the homeowner's policy is typically required to provide adequate coverage. It's important to review the specific terms and limits of an insurance policy, as coverage can vary. An attorney can provide detailed advice on insurance matters and help ensure that a homeowner's policy meets their needs.