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 Virginia, 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 often 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 usually part of a standard policy. Additionally, loss of use coverage is common, which helps with living expenses if the home is uninhabitable during repairs. For high-value items like expensive jewelry, homeowners may need to purchase an endorsement to ensure adequate coverage. It's important to review the specific terms and limits of a policy, as coverage can vary. An attorney or insurance agent can provide more detailed information tailored to individual circumstances.