5 Surprising Things Covered By Homeowners Insurance
Every home owner knows they have to have homeowners insurance, but most people don't know exactly what their policy covers. Some common sense things like water damage or items stolen during a burglary are of course covered by most homeowners insurance policies, but other items are much more surprising. Here are five surprising things covered by homeowners insurance:
Dog Bites
Hopefully your dog will never bite anyone, but should Fido do the unthinkable, any resulting medical bills and legal fees are probably covered. Most surprisingly, this is the case even if the dog bite occurs away from home, for example at the dog park.
Meteorites (and Other Falling Objects)
In the very unlikely event that a meteorite falls from the sky and crashes into your roof, your home will probably be protected by your insurance. Most homeowners policies include coverage for damage caused by falling objects. More common items in this category include trees or tree limbs, or construction debris.
Damage Caused by Riots
If your city is the location of riots, looting, vandalism, and other forms of civil unrest, you can take some consolation in knowing that your home and property are protected. Most standard homeowners insurance policies contain coverage for damage caused by riots, under the "sudden and accidental loss" provision.
Medical Bills for House Guests
If a guest falls and injures themselves on your property, their medical bills may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. While the amount of coverage and details depend on your specific policy, in most cases your insurance will cover $5000 or $10,000 toward your guest's bills under the medical payments portion of your policy.
This does not involve admitting any liability or your guest accusing you of causing their injuries. If your guest sues you or you are otherwise found negligent, however, the liability portion of your policy may be used instead so you will still most likely be covered.
Your College Student's Belongings
If you have kids away at college, their belongings may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Typical policies require the college student to be in school full-time and living on campus. This can be a lifesaver if your child's laptop or other expensive belongings are stolen from their dorm room.
If you aren't sure what your homeowners insurance policy covers, it's always a good idea to call an insurance broker, such as Harris Insurance Services, and go over the details of your policy.