What does dwelling coverage mean

Sometimes the coverage included for detached structures may not be enough, so we offer optional coverage to better protect them. Property insurance dwelling coverage is the portion of your standard homeowners insurance policy that covers damages to the structure of your home.

Common risks covered by dwelling insurance include damage from:. For example will your damaged siding be replaced with matching siding? Or will you receive replacement cost or actual cash value for damage to your roof. But American Family offers the option to purchase flood insurance with the National Flood Insurance Program to keep your home and possessions protected. Earthquake coverage is an optional coverage you can add to your homeowners policy. Find out more about earthquake coverage with American Family.

As mentioned before, the included coverage for detached structures might not be high enough for your needs. The amount of dwelling insurance coverage you need depends on a number of factors, but a good rule of thumb is to have enough coverage to cover the cost to rebuild your home.

Numerous factors, like the style of your home, its square footage, whether parts of your home were custom-built, inflation, local construction costs and the demand for contractors all play a role in the cost to rebuild your home. For example: if a housefire totally destroys your home, you will need enough dwelling coverage to help pay for the reconstruction of your home.

That means you have to take into account things like the original materials used, any features like solar panels or additions like a new sunroom. Be sure to have your house professionally assessed by your insurance agent so you know just how much dwelling coverage you need — before you need it. To ensure you have the proper amount of coverage for your home and attached structures, speak with your agent, who can help you estimate your home or dwelling's replacement cost and select dwelling coverage levels for your home.

If your condo is damaged by a covered peril, building property protection helps pay for repairs to the walls of your condo unit and its interior. Your condo association's insurance policy may help cover other parts of the building, such as the roof, elevator, basement, courtyards or walkways.

Although a lot of people think of their dwelling as just the physical structure that they live in, dwelling coverage may help protect more than that. Dwelling insurance typically helps cover the home you live in plus attached structures. What this means is that a structure like your garage may also be covered by dwelling insurance, as long as the garage is attached to your house. If damage to an attached structure occurs as the result of a covered hazard, your homeowners insurance may help cover the costs to repair or rebuild it.

If it's attached to your home, a deck or front and back porch may also be considered a part of your dwelling, and therefore may be covered by the dwelling coverage in your homeowners insurance policy.

Instead, the other structures coverage on your homeowners insurance policy may help cover damage to these detached structures on your property.

Dwelling coverage is usually subject to limits and deductibles. Your limit is the maximum amount that your homeowners insurance policy will pay toward a covered loss.

Your deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. When you buy homeowners insurance, you choose your dwelling coverage limit. That limit should be based on the cost of rebuilding your home not necessarily the market value of the home.

Most home insurance policies come with replacement cost coverage for the structure of your home. Your dwelling coverage limit may influence other coverage limits within your home insurance policy.

Read your policy documents to learn what your limits and deductibles are. Your insurance agent can help you adjust them to fit your needs.

You probably don't expect your home to be damaged, but in the event that the unexpected occurs, dwelling coverage may help pay for repairs. Contact a local agent for more information about dwelling coverage and other ways homeowners insurance may help offer protection. Submit Question 1 of 5 You answered out of correct! Start over Have questions about homeowners insurance?

Ask an agent! Retrieve a saved quote. Skip to main content Explore Allstate. Popular Searches. Allstate We help customers realize their hopes and dreams by providing the best products and services to protect them from life's uncertainties and prepare them for the future. Skip to main content Toggle navigation Log in. John's College. By Margaret Wack. Key Takeaways. What Is Dwelling Coverage? Built-in appliances water heater, furnace, water filtration system, etc.

Attached garage Front or side porches Back deck In-ground swimming pool. State Florida. Credit Score Excellent.

Although they may be covered under other elements in your homeowners insurance policy such as personal property coverage, dwelling coverage does not cover these items: Detached garage Above-ground swimming pool Fencing Playsets or trampolines Tool sheds or tiny homes Treehouses. Dwelling coverage actually covers damage from the following hazards: Fire and smoke Wind, including hurricanes Hail Lightning Heavy snow, sleet or ice Tornadoes Sudden, unexpected water damage such as burst pipes Explosions Falling objects, which includes aircraft Car collision Theft Vandalism, including riot or protest damage.

These often include: Flooding Earthquakes Sinkholes Sewer backups Routine wear and tear Damage from falling trees with pest infestations Mudslides Damage by pests, such as termites However, it often is possible to purchase separate insurance policies that cover these particular hazards. Many specific factors could affect the cost of rebuilding your home, including the materials found in your home, such as: Exterior facade: wood, brick or veneer Number of bathrooms Type of roof and roof materials Interior features, including fireplaces, crown molding and custom cabinetry The current costs for new built-in appliances and household systems Also, ask about current building codes that could increase the cost to rebuild your home from its original construction.

Other Cheap Home Insurance Providers. When shopping for dwelling coverage for landlords, look for policies with the following: Coverage for damage to the structure caused by the same hazards as regular dwelling coverage.

Coverage for your own personal property used in the course of maintenance or for tenant use, such as appliances or lawn equipment. Liability coverage in the event a tenant or their guest is hurt on the property. Coverage to cover the loss of rental income if the property cannot be rented during repairs or reconstruction. About the Author. Read Full Bio ».