Owning a home in New Hampshire is a milestone worth protecting. Whether your house sits near the scenic Lakes Region, the White Mountains, or in a charming Seacoast town, having the right homeowners insurance policy can help provide peace of mind. But what does a standard home insurance policy generally cover?
At Cunningham Associates Insurance, we understand that each home is unique, and so are the coverage needs of New Hampshire homeowners. In this post, we’ll explore the typical features included in a standard homeowners insurance policy and answer some of the most common questions local homeowners ask.
What Is a Homeowners Insurance Policy?
A homeowners insurance policy is a package of protections designed to help shield you financially from certain risks tied to owning a home. Policies often combine several types of coverage into one, including protection for your dwelling, belongings, and liability exposure. While specific coverage can vary based on your provider and policy, most standard policies offer a foundational set of protections.
What Structures Are Usually Covered?
Most New Hampshire home insurance policies include coverage for your primary residence and certain other structures on your property. This may include garages, sheds, fences, or guest houses. The amount and type of coverage for these structures often depend on your policy’s details and any additional endorsements you choose.
Some policies also allow for customization based on the age of your home or the materials used in its construction, which is especially relevant in areas with older homes or historic districts.
Are My Personal Belongings Protected?
Yes, many policies include personal property coverage, which can help reimburse you if your belongings are damaged, destroyed, or stolen due to covered events; sometimes referred to as “named perils.” These might include fires, windstorms, vandalism, or theft.
Typical belongings covered may include:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Appliances
- Tools and outdoor equipment
Keep in mind that items like fine jewelry, artwork, or collectibles may have limited coverage under a standard policy. For higher-value items, scheduling personal property or adding a rider could be an option to consider.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Liability?
Many New Hampshire homeowners insurance policies include personal liability protection. This type of coverage may help protect you if someone is injured on your property and you are found legally responsible. It might also apply if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property.
Liability coverage can often help with:
- Legal defense costs
- Medical payments to others
- Settlement expenses
Limits vary by policy, and increasing your liability coverage or adding an umbrella policy might be worth discussing with your insurance agent, especially if you own a pool, have frequent guests, or rent part of your home.
What About Living Expenses If I Can’t Stay in My Home?
If a covered event, like a fire or major storm, renders your home temporarily uninhabitable, loss of use coverage (also known as additional living expenses or ALE coverage) may help with the cost of temporary housing, meals, and other living expenses.
The amount and duration of ALE coverage can vary between policies, so it’s a good idea to review these details, especially if you’re in a region where winter storms or flooding might increase the risk of displacement.
Are Natural Disasters Like Floods or Earthquakes Included?
This is a common question among New Hampshire homeowners insurance policyholders. Most standard home insurance policies do not include coverage for floods or earthquakes. These risks typically require separate policies or endorsements.
For homeowners living near rivers, lakes, or coastal areas, flood insurance may be essential. Similarly, if you live in an area that occasionally experiences seismic activity, you might consider asking about earthquake coverage.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Winter Weather Damage?
Given New Hampshire’s long, snowy winters, many residents ask about coverage for issues like ice dams, frozen pipes, or roof collapse. While many policies do offer protection for winter-related damage, coverage may depend on the cause of the damage and the steps you’ve taken to maintain your property.
Preventative maintenance, such as insulating pipes or clearing snow from roofs, can be a factor in whether a claim is accepted, so it’s important to speak with your agent about how your policy addresses cold-weather risks.
What Optional Coverages Might Be Worth Considering?
Every home and homeowner is different, and a standard policy may not cover everything you care about. Depending on your needs, you may want to explore additional options like:
- Sewer or sump pump backup coverage
- Identity theft protection
- Home business endorsements
- Equipment breakdown protection
At Cunningham Associates Insurance, we can walk you through these options and help identify potential coverage gaps based on your home’s features and your lifestyle.
How Do I Know If I Have Enough Coverage?
Determining the right amount of coverage isn’t always straightforward. You’ll want to consider the replacement cost of your home, not just its market value, as well as the value of your personal property and any unique risks you may face.
Scheduling a policy review is a great way to ensure your homeowners insurance aligns with your current situation, especially if you’ve renovated, purchased new valuables, or changed how you use your home.
Need Help With Homeowners Insurance in New Hampshire?
Navigating the ins and outs of New Hampshire homeowners insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Cunningham Associates Insurance, we specialize in helping local residents find coverage that fits their needs and budget. Whether you’re buying your first home, moving to a new neighborhood, or just want a second opinion on your existing policy, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a personalized consultation with one of our friendly agents. Let’s protect what matters most: your home, your family, and your peace of mind.
