A person who owns his or her home would have a different policy from someone who rents. Policies also differ on the amount of insurance coverage provided.
The different types of homeowners policies are fairly standard throughout the country. However, individual states and companies may offer policies that are slightly different or go by other names such as "standard" or "deluxe". The one exception is the state of Texas, where policies vary somewhat from policies in other states. The Texas Insurance Department ( http://www.tdi.state.tx.us ) has detailed information on its various homeowners policies.
If You Own Your Own Home
If you own the home you live in, you have several policies to choose from. The most popular policy is the HO-3, which provides the broadest coverage. Owners of multi-family homes generally purchase an HO-3 with an endorsement to cover the risks associated with having renters live in their homes.
HO-1: Limited coverage policy
This "bare bones" policy covers you against the first 10 disasters. It's no longer available in most states.
HO-2: Basic policy
A basic policy provides protection against all 16 disasters. There is a version of HO-2 designed for mobile homes.
HO-3: The most popular policy
This "special" policy protects your home from all perils except those specifically excluded.
HO-8: Older home
Designed for older homes, this policy usually reimburses you for damage on an actual cash value basis which means replacement cost less depreciation. Full replacement cost policies may not be available for some older homes.
If You Rent Your Home
HO4-Renter
Created specifically for those who rent the home they live in, this policy protects your possessions and any parts of the apartment that you own, such as new kitchen cabinets you install, against all 16 disasters.
If you own a co-op or a condo
H0-6: condo/co-op
A policy for those who own a condo or co-op, it provides coverage for your belongings and the structural parts of the building that you own. It protects you against all 16 disasters.
Your Level Of Coverage
Regardless of whether you are an owner or renter, you have the following three options:
- Actual cash value.
This type of policy pays to replace your home or possessions minus a deduction for depreciation.
- Replacement cost.
The policy pays the cost of rebuilding/repairing your home or replacing your possessions without a deduction for depreciation.
- Guaranteed or extended replacement cost.
This policy offers the highest level of protection. A guaranteed replacement cost policy pays whatever it costs to rebuild your home as it was before the fire or other disaster-even if it exceeds the policy limit. This gives you protection against sudden increases in construction costs due to a shortage of building materials after a widespread disaster or other unexpected situations. It generally won't cover the cost of upgrading the house to comply with current building codes. You can, however, get an endorsement (or an addition to) your policy called Ordinance or Law to help pay for these additional costs. A guaranteed replacement cost policy may not be available if you own an older home.
Some insurance companies offer an extended, rather than a guaranteed replacement cost policy. An extended policy pays a certain percentage over the limit to rebuild your home. Generally, it is 20 to 25 percent more than the limit of the policy. For example, if you took out a policy for $100,000, you could get up to an extra $20,000 or $25,000 of coverage.
Even though a guaranteed/extended replacement cost policy may be a bit more expensive, it offers the best financial protection against disasters for your home. These coverages, however, may not be available in all states or from all companies.
Source: http://www.iii.org/individuals/homei/hbasics/arethere/
ome policy won't cover home business mishap - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:00:00 -0700
Home workers are exposed to losses and lawsuits unless they get a special business policy.
ome Instead Senior Care franchise sol - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:00:35 -0700
The Lancaster County franchise of Home Instead Senior Care has been sold by Jeff and Susan Wise to John H. Gibbel and Joy M. Roy.The sale, for an undisclosed price, was announced Thursday.The franchisee, based at 255 Butler Ave., employs 10 administrative staff and about 125 caregivers, serving abou...
ocal insurance company buys former La-Z-Boy store near Briarwood Mal - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:26:26 -0700
The former La-Z-Boy Furniture Gallery near Briarwood Mall will become the new home of Kapnick Insurance Group’s Ann Arbor-based staff. The company, based in Adrian, bought the former retail building this week.......
lmwood Ave. home gutted by fire worries neighbor - Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:28:27 -0700
A Marietta home destroyed by fire two weeks ago is sitting empty and untouched now, but residents say that when school begins again just a feet away from the site, they fear it will quickly become a safety concern. The house at 120 Elmwood Ave.
he changes on FHA loans and how they will affect borrowers and seller - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 21:00:00 -0700
Upfront insurance premium What is it? A fee the Federal Housing Administration collects from borrowers that can be paid in cash at the closing table or rolled into the loan. Federal Housing Administration - Business - United States - Mortgage - Financial Services
reenwich Taxi insists it has proper insurance for senior ride - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:36:00 -0700
The owner of Greenwich Taxi says his company is fully insured and has provided proof of that coverage more than once to the town, which the cab operator has been partnering with for many years to give discounted rides to seniors but is at an impasse with concerning liability.
onoma County resists feds on home energy loan - Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:29:39 -0700
Renee Hyde, an insurance agent who lives in Sonoma County, could not afford to have solar panels installed on her home until a local program provided $30,000 and allowed her to repay the funds gradually through her property taxes. California and 21 other... California - Sonoma County California - Sonoma County - United States - Counties
armed-Over Insuranc - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 06:21:40 -0700
With the great debate swirling over the legitimacy of global warming theories, the value proposition for green insurance becomes part of the debate.
uspect in 2 Panama killings eluded police in U - Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:15:59 -0700
A North Carolina man accused of killing two Americans in Panama was married with three kids, living a successful life with a lucrative landscaping business and a beautiful mountain home.
C Home and Public Health offers safety tip - Sat, 31 Jul 2010 01:03:02 -0700
There’s still enough summer left and it’s important to remember some safety tips for a safe and fun summer. Be sure to call your doctor if you have any specific questions or needs regarding your health.