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 Michigan, homeowners insurance is designed to provide financial protection for your home and personal belongings against a variety of risks. Standard policies typically cover damage from fire, smoke, windstorms, hail, theft, falling objects, frozen plumbing, and water damage from internal sources like plumbing and appliances. Additionally, homeowners insurance in Michigan often includes liability coverage, which can protect you if you're found responsible for someone else's injuries or property damage, both on and off your property, such as dog bites. Coverage for other structures on your property, such as garages and sheds, is also commonly part of a homeowners policy. If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, loss of use coverage can help pay for additional living expenses during repairs. For high-value items like expensive jewelry, specific endorsements may be necessary to ensure adequate coverage. It's important to review your policy and consult with an attorney or insurance agent to understand the specifics of your coverage and any additional endorsements you may need.