Homeowners 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 homeowners policy may also protect you against claims you are liable for someone else 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 homeowners 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 homeowners 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 homeowners policy (an endorsement) to insure against the loss of expensive jewelry such as engagement and wedding rings, watches, diamond bracelets, etc.

In South Dakota, homeowners insurance is designed to provide financial protection against a variety of risks that can cause damage to your home and personal belongings. This includes coverage for fire and smoke damage, windstorms or hail, theft, falling objects like trees or power lines, frozen plumbing, water damage from household systems, and vandalism. Additionally, liability coverage is typically included, which protects homeowners in the event that they are responsible for someone else's injuries or property damage, such as from a dog bite, whether the incident occurs at home or elsewhere. Homeowners insurance in SD also often includes coverage for other structures on the property that are not attached to the house, such as garages, sheds, or fences. Loss of use coverage is another feature that can help with living expenses if the home is uninhabitable due to covered damages. For high-value personal items like expensive jewelry, an endorsement to the policy may be necessary to ensure adequate coverage. It's important for homeowners to review their policy details and consult with an attorney or insurance agent to understand the specific protections provided and any additional endorsements that may be needed.