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HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE Know How to Protect Your Home With the Right Coverage

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

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Page 1: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

HOMEOWNERSINSURANCE GUIDE

Know How to Protect Your Home With the Right Coverage

Page 2: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

5 Basics to Know When Buying Home Insurance ......................................1

Home Insurance Mistakes to Avoid ......................................................................3

Common Home Insurance Exclusions .................................................................6

Buying Insurance For Condos ...................................................................................8

Do You Know Your Insured Home Value? .....................................................10

Renting Out a Home? Get it Covered Properly .........................................12

Contact Us .........................................................................................................................15

CONTENTS

Page 3: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 1

1 WHAT IS HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE?

Homeowners insurance, also called home insurance or hazard insurance, is a type of insurance that covers private homes and the belongings of their owners. Like other insurance policies, it’s a contract between a policyholder and an insurance company that states the insurance company will cover certain financial costs in case of events named in the policy.

Homeowners insurance policies typically are packages or multi-line policies, meaning they include both property insurance (coverage for the damage to the home structure and the belonging of the homeowners) as well as liability insurance (coverage for injuries or damages to people who don’t live on the property, when their injuries or damages happen on your property, and you are deemed responsible for them). Liability coverage also includes things that don’t belong to the homeowner under certain circumstances.

2 WHAT DOESN’T HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COVER?

Although homeowners insurance covers many things, there are some risks that your home insurance policy won’t cover.For example, certain disasters, like floods, earthquakes, landslides and sinkholes aren’t covered by normal homeowners insurance in most cases. Coverage for those emergencies typically are offered by insurance companies as separate products. It’s important to know which risks your policy covers and to add coverages for noncovered situations if your home is in an area where those catastrophes often occur.

Some non-natural disasters also may require additional coverage. Damage from a sewer backup, for example, isn’t typically covered in standard homeowners policies. Damages caused by military conflict or nuclear hazard are likewise typically left off standard coverage despite being less common.

Damage that isn’t caused by disasters isn’t usually covered, either. That means your policy won’t pay for issues caused by routine wear and tear or for problems caused by neglect or improper maintenance. Things that fall under this umbrella include rust, mold, rot, rodent damage, termite damage, pest infestations, or damage caused by nearby smog or industrial smoke.

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5 BASICS TO KNOW WHEN BUYING HOME INSURANCEIf you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required

by mortgage lenders. But do you really know what homeowners insurance covers and how much it costs? If you

don’t know fully how home insurance works, your home may not be properly covered — a risk you certainly don’t

want to take on your investment. To ensure that your home is well-protected, review the basics of homeowners

insurance.

Page 4: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 2

3 HOW MUCH DOES HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE COST?

There’s not a straightforward answer to this question, because the cost of home insurance varies between states and even zip codes. States with more major cities or with more frequent natural disasters, for example, are more likely to have higher insurance premiums. Your premiums also depend on the rebuild value, condition and age of your home, as well as the limits on your policy’s coverages.

The average annual homeowners insurance premium in the United States, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, is $1,192. As of 2016, it was a little less expensive in Washington, where the average yearly premium is $822, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In Idaho, the average was $703.

4 HOW MUCH WILL HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PAY?Every homeowners insurance policy has coverage limits, which are how much the policy will pay in case of an unfortunate event. The insurance company won’t pay anything more than that amount, and the policyholder will have to foot the rest of the bill. Ideally, then, you want your policy’s limit on dwelling coverage to cover the cost of replacing your home if

it’s somehow destroyed. The limits of the other standard property coverages on your policy often are expressed as percentages of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your dwelling coverage has a limit of $400,000, your personal property limit might be 50 percent of dwelling, or $200,000.

Meanwhile, you can choose your liability coverage limits. Many home insurance policies provide a minimum of $100,000, although higher amounts are available. The Insurance Information Institute recommends having at least $300,000 to $500,000 of liability coverage.

Keep in mind, having higher coverage limits means higher insurance costs.

5 AM I REQUIRED TO HAVE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE?

Well, yes and no. There’s no state law that mandates having home insurance in either Washington or Idaho. But if you’re buying a home with a mortgage, it’s very likely that your lender will require that you have homeowners insurance. This purpose of this requirement is to protect the lender’s investment if your home is destroyed by a disaster. In a way, this requirement also protects you, because without it, you’d be stuck paying off a loan on a home you can’t live in anymore.

–Written by Arnie Aurellano

Page 5: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 3

Your home may be the single most valuable asset you own, and you certainly want to protect it. To do so, it’s important to

balance your desire to have an affordable home insurance policy with getting the right coverage. To shop for homeowners

insurance with confidence, avoid the following common mistakes.

9 HOME INSURANCEMISTAKES TO AVOID

1 OVERLOOKING THE DETAILS

Homeowners policies can be complex, and many details can be overlooked. Do you know what your homeowners policy covers? What are the exclusions? Are you covered for your dwelling as well as personal property? In addition, have you researched the insurance company and found out how it handles claims? Be thorough in evaluating your policy, and don’t be afraid to ask your insurance agent questions, if there’s something you don’t understand.

2 FOCUSING ON THE PRICE

The instinct to pick based on price is understandable. After all, who doesn’t like to save a few dollars here and there? But it’s important to understand why a homeowners policy might be less expensive. Make sure that your policy isn’t cheaper because it doesn’t include important coverages. If you’re looking to lower your costs, it may be a better idea to get the coverage you need and reasonably increase your deductible instead. Skimping on coverage is a recipe for financial disaster when an actual disaster strikes.

Page 6: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 4

3 COVERING JUST THE MORTGAGE

Some people buy just enough insurance to cover their mortgage and no more. And that’s fine in theory, but remember that your lender is only concerned about protecting its asset — the house. Some lenders require only dwelling coverage, which only covers the physical structure of your home, while others add only minimum liability coverage. That won’t cover you in case your valuable personal property is stolen, and it may not be enough if medical bills or legal fees pile up.

4 OVERLOOKING EARTHQUAKES AND FLOODS

Floods and earthquakes may appear to be common calamities, but many homeowners policies typically don’t cover them. If your home is located in a flood zone or near fault lines, verify that your home is covered. Timing is important, too. Flood insurance policies, for example, typically don’t kick in until 30 days from the purchase date unless the policy is part of a loan, then it is effective as of the closing date. When buying policies to supplement your existing home insurance, ask your agent when the coverage will start.

5 FORGETTING ABOUT MOLD

It’s a common issue in the Pacific Northwest because of our humid weather, and like floods and earthquakes, it seems like it should be covered by home insurance. Unfortunately, it’s often a little more complicated than that. Sometimes, mold damage can be covered, like if your water heater ruptures. Sometimes — like if damage just develops over time, thanks to a small leak — it won’t. And often, mold damage is expensive to fix, and insurance companies will cap the limit on mold remediation. If it’s a concern (like in an older house, for example), make sure you know if you would be covered and for how much.

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Page 7: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 5

6 LEAVING VALUABLES UNCOVERED

If you have belongings that are particularly valuable, like jewelry, watches, antiques, art or collectibles, don’t assume that your standard policy will cover them completely. Most policies will limit the reimbursement on such expensive items, since they are high-value items that can be easily lost or stolen. If such items are worth more than what’s outlined in your policy, you can add additional endorsements to raise their coverage limits. This is also known as scheduled personal property coverage, and goes above and beyond to keep your expensive items financially covered.

7 CHOOSING ACTUAL CASH VALUE

Here’s one that relates to your personal property coverage. The term “actual cash value” refers to the value of an item at the time of its loss. For example, an old television, computer or sofa may be worth much less than what you originally paid for it, so its actual cash value wouldn’t be enough to replace it with a new one. When choosing a policy, opt for reimbursement at “replacement cost,” which covers the cost of replacing personal property without deducting for depreciation.

8 OVERLOOKING DISCLOSURES

When shopping for homeowners insurance, you should inform your insurance agent of anything that might impact your coverage. For example, you should disclose having trampolines, pools or even certain breeds of dogs. Why? Because insurance companies consider trampolines and pools “attractive nuisances” — i.e. fun-looking features that have an outsized risk of causing injury.

If you have one or more attractive nuisances on your property, let your insurance agent know because it will affect your coverage. Injuries caused by a pool or trampoline may be excluded, covered only if you install specific safety equipment, or fully covered — but will raise your premium costs.

Dogs technically are not considered attractive nuisances, but owning certain breeds that are more prone to causing injury (at least according to insurance companies) may affect your coverage in a similar way.

9 NOT SHOPPING AROUND AND BUNDLING

People comparison-shop when it comes to cereal, clothes and cars, so why wouldn’t you do the same with your insurance? Take the time to do your research, talk with your agent, and find the right plan for you. In addition, insurance companies often offer discounts if you bundle your homeowners policy with your auto. You even can bundle health or life insurance (if you’re not getting them through work in the latter two cases). It may not always be the right decision to bundle, but in some cases, buying in a bundle can save you up to 25 percent for each policy.

–Written by Arnie Aurellano, with additional input by Matt Forrest

Page 8: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 6

Imagine you’re remodeling your bedroom and you discover that a colony of termites is making a meal of your home. After

the initial shock wears off, you may wonder if your home insurance covers this problem. The answer to this question is

often, “it depends.”

There are two main reasons that a peril, like termites, may not be covered by your insurance. The first is that home

insurance is meant to protect against sudden, unexpected loss, so the damage caused by a chronic, long-term issue is

probably uncovered, or “excluded.” The second reason is that there are some types of perils that are simply too risky for

the insurance company to protect against — at least without having to charge astronomical premium costs.

The type of your homeowners policy dictates what is excluded. Without getting too technical, homeowners

insurance policies come in various types of protection, denoted as HO1, HO2, HO3 and so forth. HO3 is the most

common type because it usually offers a good combination of coverage and value. An HO1 policy is typically cheaper,

but it lacks coverage for many perils. HO4 and HO6 are for different types of living situations: HO4 policies are for

renters while HO6 policies are for condominium owners.

COMMON HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE EXCLUSIONS

Page 9: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 7

MOLD

Mold falls into the category of a chronic, long-term issue, and therefore it is usually excluded. You can purchase mold coverage with a special insurance add-on called a “rider,” but at best these riders are capped at a $5,000 maximum mold payout, which may not entirely cover the costs of remediation. And any type of rider must be added before a problem is discovered.

WATER DAMAGE

Again, this coverage depends on what causes the water damage. If it’s a pipe or roof that has been slowly leaking for months, that’s a chronic issue and it likely will be excluded. If a pipe suddenly bursts, the cleanup should be covered by your insurance, though the repair of the pipe may not be, depending on what caused it to burst. For water backup, a special rider is usually needed.

AC/HVAC SYSTEM

Whether your heating and cooling system is covered depends on what caused it to be damaged. Normal wear and tear typically is excluded, unless you purchase a separate mechanical breakdown endorsement (similar to a rider, or a home warranty). But if your HVAC unit is damaged as a result of another incident such as a garage fire, you should be covered.

FLOOD/EARTHQUAKE/LANDSLIDE

This type of coverage is almost always excluded, and adding a rider may be extremely expensive or even impossible. This is because, in areas prone to these natural disasters, the financial risk is far too great for the insurance company. FEMA will step in to help homeowners when a disaster is declared, but its assistance may be inadequate. Talk to your agent about your options.

TERMITES AND CRITTERS

Although the discovery of a termite infestation in your walls or a family of raccoons in your attic may be sudden, the damage caused by these critters is a long-term issue, so it’s almost always excluded. This type of coverage may be included in some policies or can be added by a rider. Ask your agent to know your options.

FENCES/SHEDS/LANDSCAPING

Landscaping is considered part of your land and is therefore excluded by most homeowners policies. Endorsements offering this coverage are usually available. On the other hand, fences, detached garages and sheds are structures, and are usually covered — including any contents. Be sure to let your agent know any time you upgrade a structure, such as turning an old shed into a fancy she-shed, because you may need extra coverage.

Home insurance indeed is a complex product, and many risks may not be automatically covered. This is why it’s vital to work with a knowledgeable, trusted agent who can tailor your coverage to match your specific needs.

–Written by Matt Forrest

Keep in mind that the following risks are often excluded in the typical HO3-level policy.

Page 10: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 8

BUYING INSURANCE FOR CONDOSWhether you choose to live in a condo or a house, you certainly want to protect the place you call home against damage or loss. Having a strong, customized homeowners insurance policy is a must, but if you are new to condo insurance, you should know how it is different from buying insurance for a house. To shop for condo insurance with confidence, keep in mind the following questions and answers, and discuss with your insurance agent.

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WHAT’S THE MAIN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INSURING A CONDO AND A HOUSE?

When insuring a house, you purchase coverage for the entire house — both the structure itself and the contents inside, plus liability insurance to protect against injury claims. Condos are different: you do not purchase coverage for the structure because the building is owned and insured by a separate entity, your homeowners association (HOA). Accordingly, condo insurance focuses on protecting the contents of your home, plus liability coverage.

HOW IS THE CONDO BUILDING ITSELF INSURED?

The HOA will have a “master” insurance policy that covers the building structure and all common spaces. The premium costs for this policy are shared among the condo owners, and in the event of a claim, the deductible also is paid by the condo owners. There are two main types of master policy — “walls-in” or “shell.” It’s critical that you know which your HOA has chosen; this will have a significant effect on how your agent customizes your homeowners policy.

Page 11: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 9

WHAT ARE SPECIAL COVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONDO HOMEOWNERs INSURANCE?

There are a number of coverage choices that should be considered differently when insuring a condo; discuss these options with your agent. • Coverage for loss assessment: When a condo building is damaged, the master policy covers the loss. The deductible on this policy may be extremely high, and each individual condo owner will be assessed a portion of the deductible that they are responsible for paying. Even divided among all the condo owners in an HOA, this could still amount to tens of thousands of dollars each. Adding loss-assessment coverage to your homeowners policy will cover your portion of the deductible. • Coverage for unit upgrades: Although a walls-in master policy covers your appliances, fixtures and finishes, it only considers the original, pre-sale state of the condo. If you have made significant upgrades to your unit, such as stainless appliances, granite countertops or hardwood floors, these improvements would not be covered. You’ll need to add additional coverage to your homeowners policy. • Coverage for loss of use: Loss-of-use coverage pays for the costs of renting a home while your home is being rebuilt or repaired after sustaining damage. When insuring a condo, the default amount of loss-of-use coverage on a homeowners policy may be too low, especially if you live in an area with sky-high rental costs, such as Seattle. In addition, keep in mind that repairing a heavily damaged (or destroyed) condo building can take months at least. Navigating the complexities of insuring a condo is no simple matter. Speak today with a knowledgeable agent who can guide you through the process and ensure that your homeowners coverage protects you from whatever may threaten your most prized possession: your home.

– Written by Matt Forrest

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN “WALLS-IN” AND “SHELL” MASTER POLICIES?

A walls-in policy offers the most protection. In the case of a fire that totally destroys your unit, this type of policy would restore your condo to a pre-sale condition. Flooring, wall finishes, fixtures, and oftentimes appliances will be totally replaced. A shell policy, on the other hand, offers much less protection. If a fire destroys your condo, it will be restored to a very basic state: bare walls and subfloor, no fixtures or appliances, and you may even be responsible for replacing plumbing and wiring. The details of your master policy should be outlined in the HOA contract you received when you purchased the condo.

Page 12: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 1 0

DO YOU KNOW YOUR INSURED HOME VALUE?

When you buy homeowners insurance, you certainly want to protect your home at the right amount. But you may be surprised if your policy’s dwelling coverage amount is much different from the home price. If it is higher, you may think you are overpaying for insurance. If it is lower, you may wonder if you have adequate coverage.

The reason your coverage value may be different from your home price is that insurance companies typically cover homes at the replacement value, not the market value. So what’s the difference between a home’s market value and its replacement cost? The market value of a home is the price for which you could sell it. The replacement value is how much it would cost to rebuild the home with similar materials if it were destroyed.

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Page 13: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 1 1

REASONS FOR DIFFERENCES IN VALUESOne reason the replacement value may vary significantly from its market values is that a home’s market value includes the value of the underlying land, whereas the replacement value does not. If your home is destroyed, the new home can be built on the existing land. Most insurance policies therefore exclude the value of the land and consider only the cost of replacing the dwelling.

The location of the land also can have an outsize effect on the home’s market value. A small home with a fantastic water view, for example, could command a higher market value than a large home located in an undesirable neighborhood. The cost of rebuilding the smaller waterfront home, however, would be less than the cost of rebuilding the larger home.

Additionally, market values tend to be cyclical and can fluctuate significantly, whereas home construction costs tend to be stable and change more gradually.

Homeowners may be tempted to insure their home for less money if their home has lost value. But if the home were destroyed, and its market value at which the house is insured is less than the replacement value, insurance will not cover the full cost of replacing the home.

In fact, insurance companies would not fully cover the cost of damage to a home unless the home is insured for at least 80 percent of its replacement value. In this scenario, the homeowner must either come up with additional money or build a smaller home.

HOW IS THE REPLACEMENT VALUE CALCULATED?Insurance companies determine a home’s replacement value by using software called a Replacement Cost Estimator, or RCE. The tool considers such factors as square footage, the type of material the home is made of, and the home type, to estimate the cost of replacing the home based on the current cost of building materials, labor, permits, etc.

If you renovate or add on to your home, it’s important to notify your insurance company so it can update your policy. Otherwise, you may not be adequately covered if you lose your home. A replacement cost estimate is different from an appraisal, which considers additional factors, such as the neighborhood in which the home is located, the home’s condition, and comparable property sales in the area.

Insurance companies will sometimes send an inspector to evaluate a home in person. This is typically done for larger homes, or for homes with unusual characteristics. A historic home, for instance, may warrant a more careful valuation. Such homes may require special insurance or require special endorsements added onto an existing insurance policy at an additional cost.

For example, an “ordinance and law” endorsement covers homeowners if new ordinances or regulations have been passed since the home was built that would prevent it from being rebuilt on the same lot. Such an endorsement may cover the cost of purchasing land upon which to rebuild the home — something a typical homeowner’s insurance policy, which only covers the dwelling, wouldn’t cover.

In addition, you should ensure your home is sufficiently covered because most home insurance policies include a “coinsurance clause.” This clause specifies that the home must be insured at a certain percentage of its replacement value (typically at 80 percent or 90 percent) in order for the insurance company to provide full coverage for damages.

When in doubt, consult a knowledgeable insurance agent to ensure your home is adequately covered. Given the potential complexity of homeowners insurance policies, it’s a good idea to take the extra effort to consult an insurance expert so you can tailor the policy to your exact needs.

Page 14: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

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Many people recognize the potential of making some extra money by renting out a home — or some space in their

home. From short-term vacation rentals to long-term leases, rentals are getting a growing interest, even from

people who are not experienced in real estate investment.

If you have toyed with the idea, you certainly should consider the pros and cons of this investment as well as its

insurance implications. Insuring a home that will be rented out requires specific insurance coverage to protect you

from potentially significant loss. The coverage you need largely depends on whether the rental is on your primary

residence or in a separate location.

RENTING OUT A HOME?GET IT COVERED PROPERLY

Page 15: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 1 3

SAME PROPERTY

If you reside on the same property as your renter, you may be able to get the protection you need by tweaking your current homeowners coverage with a special add-on called an endorsement. This is especially true if you rent out your place very infrequently — for example, if you rent your home as a vacation rental when you’re out of town. In this case, the service you use to rent out your home also may offer its insurance free of charge. For example, Airbnb offers “host protection,” and VRBO offers $1 million in liability insurance, both of which work hand-in-hand with your homeowners insurance.

If you have a basement apartment, duplex or outbuilding on your property that you rent out more frequently — or full-time — it’s a bit more complicated, and you probably will need additional coverage. This is because your rental activity may be considered a business, and business-related losses typically are not covered by standard homeowners insurance. The definition of what qualifies as a business varies widely among insurance companies and policies. So if you’re planning on renting out your home — short- or long-term — definitely talk with your agent first.

SEPARATE LOCATION

If you do not reside on the same property as your renter, insuring this type of rental is a bit more involved. You should purchase a separate policy for your rental home, and a standard homeowners policy probably isn’t ideal. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you consider your coverage options:

1 Don’t extend your own homeowners policy liability to cover a rental.Although it is possible to modify your primary-residence homeowners policy to cover a separately located rental property, this is almost always a bad idea. Keep your rental home insurance totally separate. Otherwise, if a significant injury occurs on your rental property, the resulting liability claim could affect your ability to insure your primary residence in the future.

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Page 16: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection. See last page for store locations.

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 1 4

2 Personal-property coverage is less important.Personal property coverage is part of almost every homeowners policy, with the amount of coverage based on a percentage of the overall property value. For a full-time rental, you don’t need nearly as much coverage, as most of the personal property within the home will belong to your renters. Note: Personal property is defined differently on a rental policy. The only personal property typically included involves things that are meant to maintain the property.

Renting out a home may be a good source of income, but be smart about how you protect your investment. Meet with an experienced insurance agent and discuss your plans to rent to ensure you are covered no matter the situation.

– Written by Matt Forrest

3 You don’t need loss-of-use coverage. Loss-of-use coverage is a vital type of protection included in most homeowners policies, which pays for living costs incurred while your home is being repaired or rebuilt. This type of coverage isn’t necessary on a full-time rental property, because you don’t live in that home — your renters do. Instead, you’ll need loss-of-income coverage, to protect against the loss of rental income.

4 Premises liability coverage is key. Standard homeowners insurance includes two types of liability coverage: personal and premises. Personal liability protects against injuries caused by your actions; premises liability protects against injuries that occur on your property, even if you’re not present. It’s easy to see why premises liability coverage is much more important than personal liability coverage when insuring a rental. You need strong protection against injury claims by your renters, but you won’t personally be at the property very often. Plus, the personal liability insurance on your existing homeowners policy covers you no matter where you go.

6 Require your renters to purchase renters insurance. A renters policy offers benefits for both the renter and the landlord. The renter gains coverage for their personal property and liability; the landlord gains a “first line of defense” against many types of insurance claims. This is because the renters policy often is the primary policy used to pay out a claim, leaving your landlord policy — and your deductible payment — out of the equation.

5 A dwelling fire policy or landlord protector is a great option. Many insurance companies offer products that combine appropriate rental home coverages into one convenient package, called a dwelling fire or landlord protector policy. Because these policies are specific to rental properties, they offer strong coverage at a great value. Just be aware that every rental property presents its own unique set of risks and liabilities, so you still need to work with an experienced agent to customize a dwelling fire/landlord policy.

Page 17: HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE GUIDE · 2020-06-12 · If you’ve owned or shopped for a home, you may be familiar with homeowners insurance, which is typically required by mortgage lenders

H O M E I N S U R A N C E G U I D E > 1 5

AAA Washington Insurance agents are here to help. Call (844) 819-7211 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Visit Us: aaa.com/homeprotection.

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