What does homeowners insurance actually cover?

A standard HO-3 homeowners policy — the most common in the U.S. — combines several types of coverage into one. Here's what each one does.

Coverage A — Dwelling

Pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure (walls, roof, attached structures) after a covered loss like fire, wind, or hail.

Coverage B — Other structures

Detached garages, sheds, fences. Usually set as a percentage of dwelling coverage.

Coverage C — Personal property

Your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing. Some items (jewelry, firearms) have sub-limits.

Coverage D — Loss of use

Pays for hotel, food, and other added expenses if you have to live somewhere else while your home is being repaired.

Coverage E — Personal liability

If someone is injured on your property or you damage someone else's property, this helps with legal and medical costs.

Coverage F — Medical payments to others

Smaller, no-fault coverage for medical bills if a guest is hurt at your home.

What's usually not covered

• Flood (you need a separate flood policy — see our flood insurance guide)
• Earthquake (separate endorsement or policy)
• Routine wear and tear or maintenance issues
• Some types of water damage (sewer backup, slow leaks)

Your policy declarations page lists your exact coverages and limits. If you can't find yours, your agent or carrier can send you a copy.