Homeowners Insurance 101: What’s Covered, How to Choose, and Why Liability Matters

Home Insurance 101

Your home is more than just a roof over your head—it’s where your life happens. Protecting it with the right homeowners insurance gives you peace of mind and financial security when the unexpected occurs. In this guide, we’ll break down what is covered under home insurance, tips for choosing the right homeowners policy, and why liability coverage in home insurance is one of the most important protections you can have.

What Is Covered Under Home Insurance?

A standard homeowners insurance policy protects both your property and your financial well-being. While every policy can differ, here are the core coverages most people can expect:

•Dwelling Coverage – Pays to repair or rebuild your home if it’s damaged by fire, hail, wind, or other covered perils.

•Other Structures – Includes coverage for detached garages, sheds, fences, or other structures not directly attached to your house.

•Personal Property – Protects belongings like furniture, clothing, and electronics if they are stolen or destroyed.

•Additional Living Expenses (ALE) – Covers hotel stays, meals, and other costs if your home is temporarily unlivable due to a covered loss.

•Liability Protection – Provides coverage if someone is injured on your property or if you’re responsible for damaging someone else’s property.

Keep in mind: standard home insurance typically doesn’t cover flooding or earthquakes. For those, you’ll need separate or add-on policies.

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Choosing the Right Homeowners Policy

No two households are alike, which is why choosing the right homeowners policy is so important. Here are some steps to make sure your policy fits your needs:

1. Assess Rebuild Costs – Ensure your dwelling coverage is high enough to rebuild your home at today’s construction rates, not just its market value.

2. Consider Your Belongings – If you own jewelry, art, or other high-value items, ask about additional scheduled coverage.

3. Balance Deductibles and Premiums – A higher deductible may lower your monthly premium, but you’ll want to make sure you can afford it in case of a claim.

4. Read the Fine Print – Understand exclusions and limits before signing so there are no surprises later.

5. Ask About Discounts – Bundling your home and auto insurance, installing security systems, or staying claim-free may help reduce your premium. Working with a trusted local insurance agent can make this process easier. They can guide you through the options and help you avoid costly gaps in protection.

Liability Coverage in Home Insurance

When people think about homeowners insurance, they often focus on protecting the house itself. But liability coverage home insurance is equally critical. This portion of your policy helps protect your financial future if someone sues you for injury or property damage.

Examples include:

• A guest slips on your icy driveway and requires medical treatment.

• Your child accidentally breaks a neighbor’s window.

• Your dog bites a visitor, leading to medical expenses.


Liability coverage pays for medical costs, legal fees, and settlements—costs that could otherwise come directly out of your pocket. Many homeowners opt for higher liability limits or even an umbrella policy to ensure they’re fully protected.

Final Thoughts Homeowners insurance does more than protect your house—it safeguards your lifestyle and financial future. By understanding what is covered under home insurance, carefully choosing the right homeowners policy, and ensuring you have adequate liability coverage in home insurance, you’ll be better prepared to handle life’s unexpected events with confidence.

Ready to Protect Your Home?

At Feld Insurance, we help homeowners like you find the right coverage at the right price. Contact us today for a free policy review and discover how we can protect your home, your belongings, and your peace of mind.

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