Ignite FB Tracking PixelInsurance on your house: Understanding homeowners insurance policies - Kimberly Jokela
RE/MAX Hallmark Realty
Kimberly Jokela, RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Phone: (239) 595-8270
Email: [email protected]

Insurance on your house: Understanding homeowners insurance policies

by Kimberly Jokela 08/27/2023

Photo of colorful umbrellas

Homeowners insurance is more than just insurance on a house. While policies offer financial protection for damage to your home's structure, it's important to understand the other facets of this type of insurance.

Is it necessary to buy home insurance?

Homeowners insurance is typically required by mortgage lenders. Many banks or lending institutions won't approve you for financing unless you have homeowners insurance coverage, so it's important to find a policy that works for you.

What are the three main types of homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies offer three main types of coverage: actual cash value, replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost. Actual cash value coverage covers the cost of your home and the value of your belongings after depreciation. Replacement cost covers the value without depreciation.

Guaranteed replacement cost is a form of coverage that protects you against inflation by covering costs over your normal coverage limits.

What are the six categories typically covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies usually have six distinct components. These individual components are:



  • Dwelling
  • Other structures
  • Personal property
  • Loss of use
  • Personal liability
  • Medical payments

The first three categories protect you financially from property damage and the costs to repair or replace. Loss of use coverage helps pay for expenses incurred while you're waiting for repairs or replacements to your home.

Liability coverage is there in case you accidentally cause damage to another person's property, while the medical bills portion can reimburse other people who incur minor injuries on your own property.

What is commonly excluded from a homeowners insurance policy?

While this is a basic overview of what your homeowners insurance might cover, the details are different with every insurance company. There are certain types of property damage, such as flood or earthquake damage, which require a separate policy.

Knowing the exclusions and special conditions of your own homeowners insurance policy is crucial for making informed decisions about other types of insurance you might need. In addition to protection from natural disasters, this might include umbrella policies or additional personal liability protection.

Discuss the details of your policy with your insurance provider for a better understanding of your coverage limits and any applicable exclusions. Not only will you be better protected financially, you'll also have more peace of mind if property damage occurs.

About the Author
Author

Kimberly Jokela

Meet Kimberly Jokela:

With a genuine passion in people Kimberly loves helping her clients make their real estate dreams or needs come to life! Specializing in Luxury, Vacation, Retirement or Investment properties.

Born and raised in the midwest in a family with a strong work ethic, filled with creativity & dedication.

Her determination lead her to attend college at the "Philadelphia Performing Arts" where she had the opportunity to follow her passion in the Arts & to travel. Living in California with her husband Rick for 15 years together they built a successful business. After the birth of her beautiful daughter Brittany, seeking a "small town” coastal lifestyle, they took a trip to Naples Florida & fell in love with all it has to offer and made the jump!

With now over 17 years experience as a licensed Realtor serving Naples, Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Estero & Fort Myers.

A great listener, negotiator & connector, Kimberly is dedicated to helping her clients looking to BUY their ideal Florida property! 

Her warm & friendly personality is present in everything she does on her clients behalf!

Kimberly’s creativity & "out of the box" thinking gives her clients the extra leverage they need when SELLING a property.

Her well organized marketing includes professionally produced photography, video, drone imagery, media presentation in print, numerous online websites & social media!