What home and renters insurance usually cover
Standard policies cover a lot, but not everything. Here's what's usually covered, what usually isn't, and what you can add. Your own policy is what counts, so check its declarations page and exclusions.
Usually covered Limited Add-on Usually not
| What happened | Renters | Homeowners | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire and smoke | Usually covered | Usually covered | A core covered event in standard policies. |
| Theft and break-ins | Usually covered | Usually covered | Valuables like jewelry often have low theft limits. |
| Windstorm and hail | Usually covered | Usually covered | Some areas have a separate, higher wind or hurricane deductible. |
| Sudden burst pipe | Usually covered | Usually covered | Sudden water damage is usually covered. Slow leaks usually aren't. |
| Flood | Usually not | Usually not | Needs separate flood insurance, such as from the NFIP. Often a 30-day wait. |
| Earthquake | Usually not | Usually not | Needs a separate policy or an endorsement. |
| Sewer or drain backup | Add-on | Add-on | Often available as an add-on (endorsement). |
| Mold | Limited | Limited | Often limited, and usually only if caused by a covered event. |
| Wear, tear and poor upkeep | Usually not | Usually not | Maintenance is the owner's job, not the insurer's. |
| Pests (termites, rodents) | Usually not | Usually not | Usually excluded as a maintenance issue. |
| Someone hurt in your home | Usually covered | Usually covered | Liability and medical payments coverage, up to your limits. |
| Living costs while home is unlivable | Usually covered | Usually covered | Called loss of use or additional living expenses, after a covered event. |
| The building itself | Usually not | Usually covered | For renters, the landlord's policy covers the building. |
General information about typical standard policies (like HO-3 for homeowners and HO-4 for renters). Coverage, limits and exclusions vary by insurer, policy and state. We aren't an insurer or agent. Read your policy, and ask your insurer or a licensed agent.
Filling the gaps
Check your risk at FloodSmart.gov. NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start.
Ask about a separate policy or endorsement if you live in a risk area.
Often a low-cost add-on. Ask your insurer.
Schedule jewelry, art or collectibles over your policy's limits.
Read what standard policies don't cover and flood insurance, or compare deductibles with the deductible calculator.