Does home insurance cover fire damage?

by MELODY UNGER 07/01/2024

Homeowners insurance and fire coverage featured image

Knowing what coverages your home insurance policy offers makes all the difference in securing your home. Emergencies such as house fires can happen fast, so having the right policy secures your property when disaster strikes. 

Does homeowners insurance cover fire?

Standard homeowners insurance offers coverage for fire damage. This coverage typically extends from the interior of the property all the way to detached structures such as barns, fences and sheds. 

If you’re misplaced from your home as repairs are made, standard policies also pay for temporary housing and food. 

Replacement cost versus fair value

It’s crucial to note when choosing a policy, some plans do not offer replacement costs for items. Instead, they may offer fair value price. Replacement cost is how much the item is originally worth, whereas value cost is the amount it would currently sell for in the market. 

Natural disaster coverage

Many damages caused by natural disasters are also covered under standard homeowners insurance. These perils include, but are not limited to: 

  • Hail storms.
  • High wind damage.
  • Hurricanes.
  • Lightning strikes.
  • Etc. 

Fire protection

It’s reported by the National Fire Protection Association over 300,000 house fires happen yearly. 

Dwelling coverage protects your home structure if fire damages occur. Personal property coverage financially compensates for personal belongings damaged by fire.

Having the right coverage and understanding compensation options is important to make an informed decision when choosing the best plan to protect your household.

About the Author
Author

MELODY UNGER

Melody brings over 39 years of experience in the real estate profession to each of her transactions and an additional six years background in the banking and mortgage industry. As a fifth generation metro Atlanta native, she offers a vast knowledge of the area and neighborhoods, inspectors and lenders. Her expertise and wealth of experience offers her clients insights well beyond any generic information that can be found on the internet. In addition to her own knowledge and expertise, havig her team of professionals insures a smooth pleasant experience, whether you are buying or selling.