Question 1

What does homeowners insurance cover and what is excluded?

Accepted Answer

A standard homeowners policy covers your home's structure, personal belongings, liability for injuries on your property, and additional living expenses if your home is uninhabitable. Covered perils include fire, windstorm, hail, lightning, theft, and vandalism. Key exclusions include flood damage, earthquake damage, normal wear and tear, and pest infestations. Flood insurance requires a separate policy through the NFIP or a private flood carrier.

Question 2

What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?

Accepted Answer

Replacement cost pays to repair or replace your property with new, comparable materials without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value pays the replacement cost minus depreciation. For example, if your 10-year-old roof is destroyed, replacement cost pays for a brand-new roof, while actual cash value pays only a fraction after depreciation. We recommend replacement cost coverage for both dwelling and personal property.

Question 3

Do I need flood insurance if I do not live in a flood zone?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend flood insurance even outside designated high-risk zones. More than 25% of all flood claims come from properties outside high-risk areas. In the Mid-Atlantic region, heavy rainfall, aging stormwater systems, and proximity to rivers and streams create flood risk in unexpected areas. NFIP flood insurance starts at a few hundred dollars per year for moderate-risk zones.

Question 4

How much homeowners insurance coverage do I need?

Accepted Answer

Your dwelling coverage should equal the full replacement cost of your home — the cost to rebuild it from the ground up at current construction prices, not the market value or purchase price. We recommend at least $300,000 in liability coverage, and encourage homeowners with significant assets to add a personal umbrella policy for additional liability protection.