Homeowners insurance protects against damage to your home and belongings (furniture, appliances, clothing, jewelry) from hazards such as:

• Fire and smoke

• Windstorm or hail

• Theft

• Falling objects (trees, power lines)

• Frozen plumbing

• Water damage caused by plumbing, water heater, appliances, and heating and cooling systems

• Vandalism

Your homeowners policy may also protect you against claims you are liable for someone else injuries or property damage—such as if your dog bites a guest at your home—and may cover you for claims that occur away from your home, such as if your dog bites someone at the dog park.

Some homeowners policies may provide other structures coverage to repair or replace structures on your property that are not attached to your house—such as a garage, shed, or fence.

Your homeowners policy may provide loss of use coverage and pay your additional living expenses (rent, food) if you have to move out of your house while it is being repaired, for example.

You may need a special provision in your homeowners policy (an endorsement) to insure against the loss of expensive jewelry such as engagement and wedding rings, watches, diamond bracelets, etc.

In Arkansas, homeowners insurance typically covers damage to the home and personal belongings due to a variety of hazards, including fire, smoke, windstorms, hail, theft, falling objects, frozen plumbing, and water damage from household systems. It also generally includes liability coverage for injuries or property damage that the homeowner may be responsible for, such as dog bites, whether these occur at home or elsewhere. Coverage for other structures on the property, like garages and sheds, is often part of the policy as well. Additionally, loss of use coverage is available to assist with living expenses if the home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damages. For high-value items like expensive jewelry, specific endorsements may be required to ensure adequate coverage. It's important for homeowners to review their policies and understand the specifics of their coverage, as well as any exclusions or limitations that may apply. Arkansas state statutes and federal law do not prescribe the exact terms of homeowners insurance policies, as these are contractual agreements between the insurer and the insured, but insurance providers must comply with state regulations overseen by the Arkansas Insurance Department.