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homeowners insurance is designed to bring your home and possessions back to the same condition they were in before a loss occurred and is required by mortgage companies to protect the property they are holding a mortgage on. However, it is much more than a requirement: it is peace of mind, security and protection for your property and possessions.

It is an insurance policy that provides coverage for the losses that can occur to your home, the contents of it, loss towards homeowners' personal possessions, loss of the use of the house and liability insurance for accidents that may occur at the house.

Mortgage Insurance Requirement

While homeowners insurance is not required by law, most mortgage lenders do require you to have it in order to borrow money from them. They will require that you purchase a homeowners insurance policy for the amount of the mortgage. It is not considered a mortgage cost, but lenders require that their "minimum insurance requirements" be met before they will fund a loan.

Confusion some times arises as to the actual amount of the insurance required. The insurance company will usually cover a home for the value of the structure only - not the land. If this amount is less than the mortgage, they will issue a policy for the higher amount if the lenders requires.

Coverage

A homeowners' insurance policy covers all aspects of your house including the structure and contents plus your legal responsibility concerning the daily use and coverage for injuries to your visitors. This liability coverage protects you against lawsuits when someone hurts himself or damages his property and you or your family is at fault. Personal belongings, unless of unusual value will also be covered. If you have jewelry, antiques or other items of unusual value, you will need to obtain a "rider" to cover them. Without a rider, in most cases an insurance company will only reimburse you $1000 to $2000 for jewelry or furs that are stolen or lost in a fire.

homeowners' insurance, will typically cover the market value of your property and insures against loss by:

• Fire, lightning and smoke damage
• Windstorm or hail
• Burglary or theft
• Explosion
• Breakage of glass which is part of the building
• Vehicle or aircraft damage
• Riot or civil commotion
• Vandalism and malicious mischief

The HO1 form, pretty much standard, also provides coverage for:

• Bodily injury liability
• Damage to property of others
• Cost of legal defense in liability cases
• Medical payments
• Personal property located at home
• Personal property while traveling
• Additional living expenses.

Liability

Liability protection is a key benefit for homeowners insurance that and should not be overlooked. Most policies provide up to $100,000 of liability insurance. If you have a large value of assets that may be at risk in a legal action and you want to protect them you can purchase more. Renters' and condo owners' policies provide similar liability is protection. And you may also consider an umbrella policy that would add extra liability coverage to your home and auto policy.

Deductible

The deductible is the loss amount that is the homeowners' responsibility. Consumer Reports suggests carrying a high deductible since simply raising your deductible from $250 to $500 can lower your premium up to 10 percent. However, you should be careful to make sure that you have the financial resources necessary to handle the larger deductible.

In Summary

homeowners insurance is the cornerstone of every homeowner's total financial plan. It is basically designed to bring your home and possessions back to the same condition they were in before a loss occurred. Whether you own a home, condominium or mobile home, rent an apartment, or live on a florida farm insurance, homeowners insurance is valuable protection that you should not be without. It is the one insurance a homeowner must have.

About The Author

More information on homeowners' insurance, as well as other types of insurance can be obtained from the Best Insurance Portal one of the financial websites of the author, Gerry Marsh.

# posted by wmbjzc : 11:36 PM