Dwelling coverage
Pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure — walls, roof, floors, built-in appliances — after a covered loss such as fire, windstorm, or lightning. Should reflect your home's replacement cost, not its market value.
Home Insurance That Actually Covers Your Home
Your home is likely your most valuable asset. Homeowners insurance protects the structure, your belongings, and your liability — so one fire, storm, or lawsuit doesn't undo everything you've built. Compare policies from top-rated carriers and make sure your coverage matches what it would actually cost to rebuild.
What's covered
What does homeowners insurance cover?
A standard homeowners policy (typically an HO-3 form) provides broad coverage for your home's structure, your personal belongings, your liability, and your living expenses if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable. Understanding each component helps you ensure your limits are adequate.
Other structures
Covers detached structures on your property such as fences, sheds, garages, and guest houses. Typically set as a percentage of your dwelling limit.
Personal property
Covers your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, appliances — if they are damaged, destroyed, or stolen. Coverage applies both at home and, in many cases, away from home.
Loss of use / additional living expenses
Pays for temporary housing, meals, and other increased living costs while your home is being repaired or rebuilt after a covered loss.
Personal liability
Covers legal costs and damages if someone is injured on your property or you unintentionally damage someone else's property.
Medical payments to others
Pays minor medical expenses for guests injured on your property regardless of fault — a goodwill coverage that can prevent small incidents from becoming lawsuits.
Eligibility
Who needs homeowners insurance?
Homeowners insurance is not required by law, but mortgage lenders require it as a condition of financing. Even homeowners without a mortgage benefit from coverage — replacing or rebuilding a home out of pocket is a financial risk most households cannot absorb.
- Homeowners with a mortgage — Virtually all lenders require homeowners insurance throughout the term of the loan and will force-place a policy (at your expense) if coverage lapses.
- Outright homeowners — Even without a lender requirement, an uninsured total loss would mean rebuilding entirely out of pocket. Coverage remains essential.
- Owners of older or high-value homes — Older homes may cost significantly more to rebuild due to materials, craftsmanship, or code upgrades — making adequate dwelling limits critical.
- Homes in disaster-prone areas — Properties in areas prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or severe storms need policies that reflect local risk and may need supplemental coverage.
- Recent renovators and improvers — Upgrades increase your home's replacement cost. After major renovations, review your dwelling limit to make sure it still reflects what rebuilding would actually cost.
Why Ashmont Insurance Agency
The smarter way to buy homeowners insurance
Compare options from top-rated carriers with the help of a licensed personal lines advisor — not a call center.
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Our platform compares personal lines options across top-rated carriers so you see the right combinations of coverage and price side by side — without hours on hold or a stack of paper applications.
Top-rated carriers
We work with highly rated personal lines carriers so you get the financial strength and claims-paying reliability that matters when you actually need to file a claim.
Licensed personal lines advisors
A licensed advisor reviews your coverage, explains your options, and helps you choose the right limits and deductibles — so you're not guessing when something goes wrong.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about homeowners insurance
Have more questions? Our licensed advisors are available by phone, email, or chat.
Does homeowners insurance cover flood or earthquake damage?
Standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage or earthquake damage — these are separate perils that require separate policies. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private market carriers. Earthquake coverage can be added as a standalone policy or endorsement. If you live in a flood-prone area, your lender may require flood insurance separately.
What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost coverage pays to repair or replace your home or belongings at current prices without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value (ACV) coverage deducts for depreciation, meaning a 10-year-old roof may only pay a fraction of its replacement cost. Replacement cost coverage carries a higher premium but is generally recommended — the difference in payout after a major loss can be substantial.
How much dwelling coverage do I need?
Your dwelling limit should reflect the cost to rebuild your home from the ground up — including materials, labor, debris removal, and any code-upgrade requirements — not the home's current market value or purchase price. Market value includes land, which doesn't need to be rebuilt. Many insurers offer guaranteed or extended replacement cost options that provide additional protection against construction cost increases.
What doesn't homeowners insurance cover?
Common exclusions include floods, earthquakes, normal wear and tear, intentional damage, business activity conducted from your home (which may require separate coverage), and certain high-value items like jewelry, art, and collectibles that exceed standard sublimits. High-value items can often be added via a scheduled personal property endorsement.
Can I bundle homeowners and auto insurance?
Yes — bundling your home and auto policies with the same carrier is one of the most common ways to reduce premium costs on both policies. Multi-policy discounts vary by carrier and state. Ashmont Insurance Agency compares options across carriers to find the right combination of coverage and value for your household.
Ready to protect your home the right way?
Compare homeowners insurance options from top-rated carriers. A licensed advisor will help you set the right dwelling limit, choose the right deductible, and make sure your most important asset is properly covered.