You put a lot of time and money into your home. Home insurance is one means to protect your investment. Understanding your personal needs, you bring together a package of different coverages to provide as much protection as you feel necessary. Home insurance can protect you from damages to your home, its contents or even from financial liability if someone outside of your household is injured and you are found to be responsible. Taking the time now to understand home insurance will help you to fend off potential financial misfortune in the future.

A basic home policy covers perils, which are specifically named risks such as lightning, flood, water damage, theft, fire, wind and explosion. One thing to remember with this type of policy; any risk that is not mentioned specifically in your policy is not covered. From some insurance companies you are able to purchase special policies that cover the house for all perils except those explicitly excluded by the policy though, as long as there is a stated, acceptable cause of the accident. The chart below illustrates typical coverage under a standard home policy.

COVERAGE	DESCRIPTION/ EXPLANATION	EXCLUSIONS

Dwelling Other Structures	Residence, attached/built-in garage Includes structures you own that are not attached to the house, such as storage sheds, fences and barns. There may be replacement clauses in some policies.	Some excluded perils: Earthquake, except by special endorsement Floods Pet Damage Damage by birds, rodents, and insects Pollution damage Water damage resulting from flood, bursting of pipes, however, this excludes the cost of repairing the pipe. Deliberate damage you do to your own or someone else's property Normal wear and tear War

Personal Property	Covers damage, theft (some items subject to special limits) or destruction of items such as televisions, stereos, furniture, jewellery, waches etc.	Generally excludes same perils as dwelling coverage.

Additional Living Expenses	Covers the additional costs of living in case you have to move out of your home and live in a hotel or rental while it is being repaired for a covered loss.

Basic Liability Insurance and Medical Payments to Others	Covers expenses in the event you are found to be legally responsible for damages or injuries to others, on or off your property.	Damage done intentionally Business liability

Exclusions and Additional Coverage

Read your home policy carefully to find out what is excluded from coverage. In addition to excluded perils, your coverage may exclude:

The claim procedure is always mentioned in the policy you buy. Always provide a clear picture of the scene of the claim as it is your duty to provide proof of the claim. If you have any questions, speak to our sales representatives.