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Understanding the Limits of Your Policy
Below are some of the common points of misunderstanding homeowners have regarding what isn’t covered in their policy.
What's Not Covered
Your Loss Must Be Sudden and Accidental
A homeowners insurance policy is for sudden and accidental losses: events that people cannot prevent. If your loss is something that’s developed slowly over time, it is not considered sudden and accidental. For example, a pipe or appliance leaking over a long period of time would NOT be considered sudden and accidental, while a burst pipe or the sudden failure of a water heater is.
Be Aware of Wear & Tear
Normal expected wear & tear is inevitable and not covered under your policy. Insurance is designed to protect you from unforeseen losses. If you have a roof that is 25 years old and needs to be replaced because of its age, it is not covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
It’s the same concept as car insurance. If you owned an automobile that had old tires and they were going bald, you would need to purchase new ones. It wouldn’t be covered under your car insurance.
Don’t Neglect Maintenance
If you notice something is wrong and don’t take corrective action to prevent further damage, the loss is not covered by your homeowners insurance policy. For example, if you notice a small water stain developing on your ceiling or wall, you can attempt to stop the area of the leak with calk, a waterproof filler and sealant. If you decided to do nothing and the water damage continues, it would not be covered.
Sub-Limits on Personal Property
A sub-limit is a cap that restricts how much an insurer will pay for specific categories of items, even though your overall coverage limit may be higher. For example: you may have coverage of up to $100,000 on personal property overall, but a sub-limit of $5,000 for the jewelry category.
Most homeowners insurance companies have sub limits on personal property depending on the peril. It’s important to understand what those limits are so you can decide how you want to manage that risk.
To continue the earlier example, if your valuable diamond necklace is stolen from your home, the insurance company would only reimburse you $5,000 for the loss, which may not be enough to cover the cost of the jewelry. It might be in your best interest to consider purchasing personal articles floater policy from another insurer for specific items that may exceed your sub-limit.
Removal of Trees that Fell Due to Wind
If a tree falls in your yard as a result of a windstorm, but does not hit the house or another covered structure, your insurance policy will not pay to remove the tree. However, if your tree falls and damages even a portion of a covered structure, there may be limited coverage to remove the tree from the property.
Vacant Homes
A standard homeowners policy (HO-3) is designed for owner-occupied homes only. If your property is vacant, used as an investment, or rented out, you’ll need a different policy type. Vacant homes carry higher risks – like theft, vandalism, or small losses that become major without someone there – and claims may be denied if you don’t have the correct coverage. HO-3 policies are only for owner-occupied homes and not intended for vacant homes or rental properties.
Surface Water Runoff
After heavy rains, some lawns collect or pool water in one location. If too much water accumulates in an area around your home, it may seep into the foundation and cause damage to your home. The damage would not be covered under your homeowners policy. So, if you notice your lawn has a tendency to pool in one location. It would be wise to contact a landscaping company for possible solutions.
Failure to Take Action After a Loss
If you experience a loss and fail to take reasonable actions to prevent further damage, your loss might not be covered. For example, if a tree falling creates a hole in your roof, it would be reasonable to expect you cover the hole with a tarp until it is repaired. If you left the damaged roof exposed, it would likely create a much larger interior loss and your failure to prevent the additional damage may not be covered.
Repairing or Discarding the Damage Before Your Inspection
While it is important that you take immediate steps to protect your property from further damage once you are aware of a loss, if you discard the part that caused the damage, gut the area, remove the damage, or make repairs before your inspection, this may prevent your insurance carrier from determining the cause and extent of your loss and could result in a denial of your loss.
Failure to Report a Claim in a Timely Manner
It is important to submit claims in a timely manner. The more time that passes, the more difficult it is for the adjuster to determine the cause of the loss, which is essential in determining if the loss is covered under your policy.
Material Misrepresentation
If you provide inaccurate information on your insurance application, your policy may be voided as soon as the company finds out – which is often while researching a claim. If the misrepresentation is material to the acceptance of the policy, the policy may be voided and any claims denied. This includes not admitting to prior losses, providing the incorrect occupancy type, and not disclosing existing damage to your home.
It might seem harmless not to be forthright about this information to get a better rate up front, but it’s definitely not worth it in the long run. Not only will your policy be voided and any claims be denied, it may impact your ability to find coverage with another insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
We get it, the details of insurance policies are complex. These answers to some of our most commonly asked questions should help make it a little easier.
See All FAQs
American Integrity offers a wide range of insurance policies to meet your individual needs. From maximum coverage to protection against essential risks, full-time residences to vacant properties, you can customize your insurance policy to best suit your home. Click here to learn about all the various coverage American Integrity has to offer.
Check your policy documents (you can view these online by logging into our Customer Portal for specific coverage details). You can also contact your agent to clarify what types of damage are covered under your policy. Typically, your policy covers damage from perils like fire, windstorms, and theft, but may exclude others like flooding unless you have additional coverage.
Yes! As your needs change, you can adjust your coverage to make sure you’re always fully protected. You can also add additional insureds, like a co-owner or spouse, who have a financial interest in your property. Talk to your agent to update your policy.
Click here to use our Agent Locator Tool! All we need is your zip code and we’ll give you a list of nearby agents to choose from.
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Demystifying Your Home Insurance: A Breakdown of the Declarations Page
Learn how to read your homeowners insurance declarations page. Understand coverage limits, deductibles, and liability protection with help from American Integrity Insurance.
6/11/2025 1:43:09 PM
Home insurance can be confusing - but understanding it starts with one key document: the declarations page. This summary page outlines your coverage, limits, deductibles, and other essential policy details. Knowing how to read it ensures you’re fully informed about your protection and can make confident decisions about your coverage.
Understanding Your Homeowners’ Insurance
Here is a breakdown to help you better understand your home insurance and what each section of your declarations page contains:
Here’s a simple breakdown of what you’ll find on your declarations page and why each section matters:
Coverage Period: Lists when your policy begins and ends - found at the top of the page.
Homeowner Information: Displays your name and property address.
Coverages, Property, and Liability Limits: Details your covered property and liability protections, including limits and premiums.
Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket before coverage applies. Make sure you can comfortably afford it.
Policy Premium: The total cost of your insurance, often payable monthly, semiannually, or annually.
Discounts: Many carriers, like American Integrity, offer discounts for bundling policies (e.g., homeowners and watercraft).
Options and Endorsements: Additional coverages that expand or limit protection based on your needs.
Key Coverage Sections Explained
Section I Coverage A: Primary Dwelling
Protects the physical structure of your home and attached features, like garages, from perils such as fire, windstorm, or vandalism. Coverage may be based on replacement cost or actual cash value, depending on your policy.
Section I Coverage B: Other Structures
Applies to detached buildings or features like sheds, fences, or detached garages. Limits are typically around 10% of your Coverage A amount.
Section I Coverage C: Personal Property
Covers belongings like furniture, clothing, and electronics against covered perils or theft. Consider documenting your possessions to ensure adequate coverage.
Section I Coverage D: Loss of Use
Provides funds for temporary living expenses, such as hotels if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
Section II: Liability Coverage
Protects you if you’re legally responsible for someone’s injury or property damage. It generally includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
Get Help Understanding Your Policy
Your declarations page is a roadmap to your home insurance coverage. If anything seems unclear, reach out to your American Integrity agent or a member of our Client Services Team.
We’re happy to review your policy, answer questions, and ensure your coverage fits your needs - so you can rest easy knowing your home is properly protected.
Pull back the curtain on homeowners insurance
Browse our video gallery for more information on available insurance coverage types.
