The dwelling
May address damage to the home and attached structures when the cause of loss is covered.
Homeowners insurance
California Homeowners Insurance
Explore the topics that can shape a homeowners policy, understand what to review, and submit a simple quote request.
Submit the guided form to send your quote request to the agency for review. Requesting a quote does not purchase insurance, bind coverage, guarantee coverage, or guarantee a quote.
Read before deciding
Start with the policy in front of you
A homeowners policy can bring several kinds of property and liability protection into one contract. The sections below explain common topics, not what any one policy includes.
Policies can differ in coverage, limits, deductibles, conditions, and exclusions. Endorsements can change the terms. Use the policy and declarations to determine what applies.
Read the California Department of Insurance consumer guideCommon policy sections
Topics a homeowners policy may address
These categories are a starting point for reading and discussing a policy—not confirmation of what a particular policy includes.
Other structures
May address structures on the residence premises that are separate from the dwelling.
Personal belongings
May address belongings in the home, although certain categories can have special limits.
Loss of use
May address additional living expenses if a covered loss makes the residence uninhabitable.
Personal liability
May address certain claims when an insured or household resident is legally responsible for injury to someone else.
Medical payments to others
May address certain medical expenses when another person is accidentally injured on the property.
Actual coverage, limits, deductibles, conditions, and exclusions depend on the policy.
Look beyond the headline
Important choices to review
These prompts can help organize an informed discussion without prescribing a limit, deductible, product, or endorsement.
How was the dwelling estimate developed?
Estimated rebuilding cost is not necessarily the same as purchase price or market value. Ask what property details and building costs informed the estimate and how it relates to the dwelling limit.
How is covered property valued?
Replacement cost and actual cash value treat depreciation differently. Ask which valuation method applies to the dwelling and belongings, and when.
What deductible applies?
Review the deductible shown in the declarations and ask how it would apply to a covered loss. This page does not recommend a deductible amount.
Do any belongings have special limits?
Some categories of personal property can be subject to special limits. Ask how the policy treats the belongings that matter to the discussion.
What is excluded or changed?
Exclusions restrict or deny coverage in stated situations. Endorsements can add to or subtract from policy terms, so read them with the rest of the policy.
Has the home changed?
Updates, renovations, or improvements can be relevant when reviewing an estimated rebuilding cost and dwelling limit.
A useful checklist
Questions worth asking during a coverage discussion
Use these as general conversation prompts. They are not a recommendation about the insurance or amounts you personally need.
- What limits are shown on the declarations page?
- What deductible would apply to a covered loss?
- Which causes of loss does the policy exclude?
- How would covered property be valued?
- Are any belongings subject to special limits?
- Could renovations affect the rebuilding estimate or dwelling limit?
Explore the next step
Start a homeowners quote request.
Submit the guided form so the agency can review your request and follow up. Requesting a quote does not purchase insurance, bind coverage, guarantee coverage, or guarantee a quote.