Residential property coverages: dwelling, homeowners, and flood
Residential coverage map
Homeowners policies combine property and liability. Coverage A is the dwelling, B other structures, C personal property, D loss of use, E personal liability, and F medical payments. Dwelling fire forms may cover only the dwelling or add contents and liability by endorsement. Renters and condo owners need HO-4 or HO-6 forms that fit their insurable interest. Replacement cost, actual cash value, special limits, and deductibles change payment. Flood is usually excluded and needs a separate flood policy.
Traps
Rising surface water is flood, not a homeowners plumbing leak. A burst pipe inside the home may be covered, but long-term seepage and maintenance are often excluded. Special limits apply to categories such as cash, jewelry, silverware, and business property, but amounts are form specific. Ordinance or law, earth movement, backup of sewers, and business pursuits need careful reading. Do not assume a mortgagee is the insured; the mortgage clause protects the lender's interest.
Worked example
Water enters through a window during a storm and damages flooring. If the opening was created by a covered wind peril, the interior water damage may be covered. If water rose from a nearby river, flood coverage is the issue. Rule of thumb: trace the water's source and the first peril. The claimant's label, such as storm damage, does not control.