The standard homeowners insurance policy, also known as an HO-3, covers your home for multiple perils, but there are some important exclusions. Knowing what's covered and what isn't can save you a lot of money and heartache down the line.
Earthquake and water damage
Earthquakes, sinkholes and other earth movements are not covered by your standard policy. Earthquake insurance can be purchased as an endorsement (an addendum) for an additional fee in all states except California. Flood insurance, which also includes mudflow, must be purchased as a separate policy and is available only through the government-run National Flood Insurance Program.
Other types of water damage are also excluded. If you have overflows or backups from your sump pump, sewer system or drains, your standard policy will not cover the damage. Coverage is available, however, by adding a separate endorsement.
Maintenance issues
Taking proper care of your home can keep you from having to pay for costly repairs your homeowners insurance won't cover.
Many things that aren't covered under your standard policy typically result from neglect and a failure to properly maintain the property. Termites and insect damage, bird or rodent damage, rust, rot, mold, and general wear and tear are not covered. Damage caused by smog or smoke from industrial or agricultural operations is also not covered.
If something is poorly made or has a hidden defect, this falls under the inherent vice exclusion and won't be covered. The same applies to any mechanical breakdown.
Additionally, if your home should suffer a power outage, things like food spoilage are not covered under a standard policy.
Personal injury liability
Personal injury liability, which is designed to protect the policy owner from lawsuits resulting from nonphysical injury like defamation of character or slander, is not included in a standard homeowners insurance policy, but can be purchased separately.
Other exclusions
While it's not something anyone wants to contemplate, damage caused by war or nuclear hazard is not covered by your homeowners insurance. Expenses incurred due to identity theft are also not included, but you can purchase coverage as an endorsement.
If you own a watercraft, typically your policy will provide up to $1,000 of coverage if it's stolen from your home, but will not cover theft from another location. Additionally, most policies will provide liability coverage for crafts with less than 25 horsepower.
Minimal coverage
Minimal coverage is provided for the following. For additional coverage, endorsements can be added to your policy.