Home Insurance FAQ's

What can I do to lower the cost of my premium?
The cost of your insurance, or premium, partly depends on the coverages, deductibles and policy limits you choose. Here are a few tips that may help lower your premium:

Talk to your insurance representative about your insurance needs and eligibility for discounts
Invest in smoke detectors, interior sprinkler systems, home security and smart home technologies
Bundle or purchase multiple policies with Travelers, such as car, boat and umbrella insurance

What is a deductible, and how does it affect my home insurance premium? A deductible is the amount of a covered claim that is your responsibility. It can vary, and may be either a dollar amount or a percentage. Some policies even have multiple deductibles. So, if you have a deductible of $500, then you will pay the first $500 of a covered claim

Your premium is how much you pay for coverage. Typically, if you have a higher deductible, you may pay a lower premium, and vice versa. A lower premium may be nice for your wallet, but remember to choose a deductible you can actually afford in the event of a loss. Your insurance representative can help you with this.

How much dwelling coverage do I need?
Dwelling coverage (Coverage A) pays to repair or rebuild your home if it is damaged by a covered loss. The amount of dwelling coverage you need is determined not by the market value of your home, but the estimated cost to rebuild it.

What is other structures coverage, and do I need it?
Other structures coverage (Coverage B) covers the structures on your property that are not attached to your home, such as garages, sheds and fences.

How much personal property coverage do I need?
Personal property coverage (Coverage C) is required on all homeowners policies. It pays to repair or replace personal items in your home like furniture, clothing or electronics that may be damaged by a covered loss.

Other assets like cash, collectibles, jewelry, furs and silverware may have limited coverage, but additional coverage may be available with a valuable items endorsement or a separate policy. Think about what it would cost to repair or replace your personal belongings and valuable items, and if additional coverage would make sense for you.

What is loss of use coverage?
Loss of use coverage (Coverage D) helps you pay for temporary housing and living expenses if you and your family have to move out of your home during covered repairs.

Do I need liability coverage?
Liability insurance can help protect your assets and cover your defense costs if you or a household family member is found legally responsible for causing injury to other people or their property. It can provide coverage for bodily injury, property damage, medical payments and legal expenses.

Do you have a high level of risk or many assets to protect? You can always discuss your liability coverage needs, options, deductible and policy limits with your insurance representative.

Does my policy cover items in my home, or just the structure?
Dwelling coverage helps protect the home itself, personal property coverage can protect what's in it. Both coverages are required on most homeowners policies.

What are deductibles and policy limits?
A deductible is the amount of a covered claim that is your responsibility. And a policy limit (or limit of liability) is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered claim.

Some homeowners opt for higher deductibles in favor of a lower premium. But if the unexpected happens, you need to make sure the amount you choose as a deductible is one you can afford to pay out of pocket.

Does home insurance cover personal injury?
Most homeowners policies include liability insurance which can provide coverage for bodily injury and property damage of others for which you or your family member are legally responsible including legal defense costs. It also includes medical payments to guests who are accidentally injured on your property. It does not cover personal injury claims for you or any family members that live with you.

Does home insurance cover theft?
Damage or theft of personal belongings can be covered under personal property coverage of a homeowners policy. This coverage helps protect items like electronics, sporting equipment and furniture up to your policy limits. It also covers your personal items when they are outside of your home, like if your computer got stolen from your car or hotel room.