If you are a homeowner, you are likely already familiar with the many ways that home insurance protects your structure. We promise you that it’s all worth it, as you will spend many memorable and rewarding years here. While your dwelling is where you find peace, safety, and sanctuary, the first few years can provide many newcomers with a fair amount of anxiety! Home insurance may also be a requirement if you are under the guise of any type of mortgage. 

The Powerful Potential For Massive Losses + Damage:

Missouri is situated on the northern edge of the Great Plains tornado belt and has been affected by some of the deadliest tornadoes in the history of the nation. In 2003, an incredibly unique and strong series of four tornadoes ripped through Kansas City and detrimentally cost $15 million in damage within minutes. In this guide, we will tell you more about the basics of home insurance, and how to locate the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs. As soon as you are affected by one of these fierce and disastrous events, you’ll want to know that you are primed for recovery and rebuilding.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Home insurance will provide coverage for risks that homeowners face from both Mother Nature and threats from humans. Most home insurance policies cover peril specifically by name, which is the term for losses that are clearly stated in your policy documents. Among these generally are:

• Fire and lightning
• Wind and hailstorms
• Ice, sleet, or snow
• Civil unrest
• Damage from airplanes or cars
• Smoke damage
• Results of vandalism
• Theft
• Falling objects
• Volcanic eruptions
• Water or steam’s accidental discharge
• Damage from an electrical current
• Accidental damage from freezing

Most homeowners policies will provide standard wind damage coverage, but your premium unfortunately may be higher if you’re situated in an area that is deemed at high risk of tornadoes. There are also “open perils policies” that will protect you against any losses that are not explicitly excluded. An open perils policy is a bit pricier to obtain but is there to provide you a bit more through protection for your personal items and structure if you do suffer an incident.

What Does Homeowners Insurance not Cover?

Here are some of the losses that can tend to be excluded from most homeowners insurance policies:

• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Mudslides
• Landslides
• Sinkholes
• Acts of war
• Nuclear occurrences
• Rust, mildew, and mold damage
• Pests and infestations
• Damage from animals or pets
• General wear and tear
• Routine maintenance

Flood protection is also very crucial for homeowners, as this type of damage can cost you so much money and distress. Flood insurance policies will usually need to be purchased separately, and if your mortgage is backed by an FHA loan, the federal government mandates that you possess it. FEMA’s interactive map is a good start while finding out whether you live in one of these zones. Even if you learn that your residence is outside of a very high-risk area, flood insurance could still be a very good idea. The national flood insurance program is managed by FEMA and boasts a competent network of more than 50 insurance providers. 

Guardians of the Hearth: Comparing the Many Types of Homeowners Insurance

While you are preparing to purchase the ideal home insurance for you, it comes with several policies that cover various types of losses. Here are the types of coverage that are all under the guise of a standard home insurance policy. 

Dwelling

This insurance portion of your home insurance policy thankfully protects the physical structure of your home from covered losses. Attached structures such as porches and garages are also covered, along with forces of nature such as a windstorm. Providing the ultimate level of peace of mind and protection, your dwelling insurance policy will fully reimburse you for the cost of rebuilding or repairing after the incident. 

Personal Property

Personal liability insurance includes coverage for bodily injuries along with property damage. If anyone gets injured at your home and claims you as a responsible party, the policy will pay for your needed legal fees and even a settlement demanded from the other person. It can also help with situations not even on your own property if you encounter a lawsuit for damages to someone else’s domain. 

Medical Payments

Medical payments insurance provides coverage for guests’ medical bills that happen to get injured while staying with you. One of the reasons why this is desirable for coverage is that it applies whether you are legally found responsible for said injuries or not. Medical payments insurance will cover essentials such as an ambulance ride, hospital stays, and even rehab from the injury. 

Loss of Use

Loss of use insurance is sometimes known as additional living expenses insurance. If your home is damaged or destroyed in a tornado’s wrath and you need to relocate during repairs, this policy will pay for those living expenses. This can be a very stressful time, and it provides Peace of Mind by covering hotel costs, eating out, and even doing laundry. Much like per diem in a performance rider, there’s usually a daily expenditure limit regarding this type of coverage.

Coming out Ahead in the Face of Tragedy:Tornadoes are particularly stressful events that leave many physical and economic scars on the landscape. Homeowners’ hopes and dreams can be dashed within a matter of seconds, and all of us here at the Alexander Agency of Saint Charles have been helping Missouri residents with securing ideal coverage every single day. We have consistently proven our longstanding commitment to safeguarding homes and the cherished belongings within them. When tornadoes strike, we’ve got you covered, and are happy to “prepare, protect, and prevail!”