Over the years, home insurance has become more and more comprehensive. What started as a way to protect homes from damage in the event of a fire has turned into a policy that can help homeowners rebuild after almost any type of disaster.
When something tragic happens to your home, whether it’s a burst pipe, a fire, a storm, or even a riot, home insurance is indeed a great safety net to have. But what about the less common incidents in life? Like a piece of space junk falling on your roof, causing damage, or perhaps a wild animal getting into your house and causing a lot of destruction?
While home insurance covers many of the major, well-known events, believe it or not, it also covers a few lesser-known incidents too. Read on below to know some of the things your home insurance policy may cover:
Falling Objects or Space Debris
If falling meteors, satellites, aircraft, or other objects happen to crash through your roof or any other personal property, the damage caused will be covered under your typical home insurance policy. However, if it happens to hit your car that’s parked in your driveway or garage, the damage to the vehicle will not be covered. Instead, you’ll have to file a claim with your car insurance company.
Wild Animals
It’s important to note that the incidents covered by homeowners insurance when it comes to wild animals vary widely depending on your policy and provider. You generally aren’t covered for any damage to the building caused by rodents, birds, insects, or vermin. There’s also a good chance any nesting or infestation won’t be covered.
However, if a bear crashes through your window or if a bobcat gets into your crawlspace and damages your insulation, most homeowners’ policies will cover the damage. It’s best to check with your specific provider to see what kind of animal destruction is covered.
Identity Theft
Another surprising thing home insurance covers is identity theft. If your identity has been stolen, you may have to pay fees to fix the mess. You may even have to spend several hours and thousands of dollars to get your credit back on track.
Some insurers feature identity theft coverage as standard in their homeowner’s policies, but most offer it as an optional coverage that you may purchase for a fee. This coverage can help you with expenditures incurred as a result of your identity being stolen. Legal fees, lost wages, and notary fees for rebuilding your credit are reimbursed by identity theft coverage.
Wine Collection
If you have a valuable wine collection in your house, your homeowner’s insurance can protect it in certain circumstances and against certain risks. For example, if your wine collection overheats (or freezes) due to a power outage caused by one of the 16 disasters included in home insurance plans, you may be entitled to collect your losses under your policy’s food spoilage provision.
In the event of a robbery, a fire, or other covered risks, your wine collection can be insured as well. In any of these situations, filing a claim and attempting to collect some of your losses is well worth your effort.
Damaged Outbuildings
Another thing your home insurance may cover is damage to detached structures on your property, like a shed or garage. If a storm damages your detached garage, your other structures’ coverage found in your policy can pay the costs of repairs. Stables, wood sheds, security fences, and gazebos are examples of other structures that may be covered. However, since your deductible applies to this coverage, you can expect to pay a percentage of any claim out of pocket.
Graveyard Damages
If you have a burial vault, a headstone, or any other form of graveyard adornment on your property, your homeowner’s insurance policy may provide coverage if an incident occurs. Most insurance policies will cover damage to these objects up to a specific amount, which is usually $5,000 in most cases. If the damage to your tombstone or graveyard ornament is caused by fire, theft, or vandalism of a covered peril, you can file a claim and receive reimbursement.
Party Guests
It’s all fun and games until someone at your cocktail party gets a tad tipsy and smashes your expensive chinaware or accidentally jabs a hole in your drywall. Fortunately, if you’re a homeowner who finds yourself with a pricey clean-up after a wild night in, most homes insurance policies will cover the damages.
Takeaway
As you can see, there are many different things that can be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. While it’s important to read the fine print to make sure you are fully aware of what is and isn’t covered, having this kind of insurance can give you peace of mind in knowing that you’re covered in the event of an unforeseen incident.
Remember that home insurance policies vary greatly, so it’s essential to read your specific policy to make sure you know what is and isn’t covered.
About Blue Sky Insurance Agency
For over 20 years, family owned Blue Sky Insurance Agency has proudly specialized in insurance and tax services for Virginia residents. Our philosophy is simple: “If you can dream it, we can insure it.” We strive to provide value to our clients by establishing and building relationships and focusing on more than just rates. We are dedicated to providing holistic and strategically tailored solutions to protect all of your assets, and to provide peace of mind wherever life takes you. To get in touch with us, fill out a complimentary quote form, or call us at one of our two locations:
North Chesterfield
Phone: (804) 745-4044
PO Box 35674
North Chesterfield, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Richmond
Phone: (804) 404-2030
9932 Midlothian Turnpike
Richmond, VA, 23235
Hours of Operation: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm