What Is Dwelling Coverage?

Here’s a closer look at what dwelling insurance covers, what it doesn’t and how coverage limits come into play if you ever need to file a claim.

What does dwelling coverage protect?

Covered structures

Dwelling coverage includes the parts of your home that are permanently attached to its structure, including:

Structural elements: The core framework of your home, including the roof, walls, floors, ceilings and foundation.

Built-in features: Items that are permanently installed, such as cabinetry, countertops, sinks, lights and fixtures in your kitchen and bathrooms. 

Attached structures: Any structures that are permanently connected to your home, like a garage, porch, deck or balcony, are also included under dwelling coverage.

Essential systems: Your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, along with plumbing and electrical wiring, are included in this coverage.

Covered events

Dwelling coverage typically protects against a wide range of sudden and accidental events, also known as perils in your policy, that can cause damage to your home. Common covered events include:

Fire, smoke or lightning: If your home is damaged or destroyed by fire or lightning, or impacted by smoke damage, your policy helps cover the cost to rebuild or repair.

Wind and hail: Storm-related damage, such as wind tearing off shingles or hail damaging your siding, is usually covered.

Vandalism and theft: If your home is broken into or intentionally damaged by someone else, dwelling coverage can help with repairs.

Weight of ice, snow or sleet: In colder climates, heavy snow or ice buildup can cause roof damge – this is typically covered.

Falling objects and more: If a tree falls on your home or debris causes damage during a storm, you may be covered.

Keep in mind that what’s covered may vary based on your specific policy and where you live. You may need extra coverage, called endorsements, to be fully protected in certain situations.

What is excluded under dwelling coverage

While dwelling insurance coverage protects your home from many risks, there are some circumstances it doesn’t cover. Here are a few common exclusions to keep in mind:

Maintenance-related damage: Issues that result from neglect or routine wear and tear, such as rot, rust or pest infestations, are usually not covered. These are considered preventable through regular maintenance and not sudden or accidental.

Sewer or drain backups: If water backs up through a drain or sewer line due to a blockage off of your property, repairs typically aren’t covered under standard dwelling insurance. You can add this protection with a water backup coverage endorsement.

Natural disasters: Dwelling coverage usually excludes damage from certain natural disasters, like floods and earthquakes. To protect against these risks, you’ll need to purchase flood insurance or an earthquake endorsement.

Dwelling coverage limits and adjustments

For full protection, your dwelling insurance coverage limit should reflect the cost to rebuild your home, not its market value. This helps ensure you’re adequately covered in the event of a total loss.

Several factors can impact how much coverage you need:

• Home size and materials: Square footage, number of stories and quality of construction all influence rebuild costs.
• Local rebuild costs: Construction expenses, including labor, materials and permits, can vary widely depending on your location.
• Home features: Custom finishes, historical architecture or outdated systems may require specialized repairs or materials.
• Geography: Building codes, weather risks and other local requirements can affect both coverage needs and pricing.
• Policy details: Your selected coverage limit, deductible and any added endorsements also play a role in your premium.

Your insurance company can work with you to tailor coverage that fits your home and gives you confidence you’re protected if the unexpected happens.

Get the right home insurance coverage for your needs

Dwelling coverage is a key part of your homeowners insurance, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. A standard homeowners policy also includes other important protections that help cover more than just your home’s structure:

Other structures coverage: Covers buildings that aren’t attached to your home, like a detached garage, shed or fence.

Personal property coverage: Protects the belongings inside your home, like furniture, electronics, clothing and more, if they’re damaged in a covered loss.

Loss of use coverage: Helps pay for temporary living expenses, like hotel stays or meals, when a covered loss makes your home unfit to live in.

Personal liability coverage: Provides coverage if you accidentally cause damage or injury to another person or their property.

It’s a good idea to review your policy regularly – especially after home improvements or major purchases – to make sure your coverage still fits your needs.