You already know that your home insurance policy covers necessary repairs after storms and replaces stolen valuables. It can also cover some surprising and unusual losses you might not expect.
Seven surprising things your home insurance may cover
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1. Spoiled food
When the power goes out and ruins food in your refrigerator or freezer, many homeowners policies reimburse you for the loss of groceries, often up to about $500 depending on your policy.
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2. Reward money
After a robbery or burglary, if you help identify the person responsible and a reward is paid, some policies will reimburse a portion of that reward—commonly up to around $1,500.
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3. Volcano eruptions
Many policies that include "open perils" cover volcanic action, typically damage from lava or ash. Review your policy carefully and consider a separate earthquake policy for tremor-related damage.
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4. Falling objects
Debris from space, such as satellite fragments, meteors and other falling objects, can damage a roof or belongings, and open-peril coverage usually pays to repair or replace those items.
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5. Tombstone damage
Some homeowners policies cover damage to grave markers and tombstones, including cracks or vandalism, when they are part of covered property in your care.
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6. Clean-up costs
Cleaning up after an unattended death, suicide or homicide often requires specialist remediation; certain policies may cover those cleaning and decontamination costs.
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7. Liability away from home
The liability portion of homeowners insurance can extend beyond your property. For example, if you accidentally collide with another cyclist at a park, your policy may help cover that person’s injuries.
Home insurance policies are diverse, so review your coverage and exclusions carefully. For guidance on coverage tailored to older properties, see Historic Homeowners Insurance.
If your home has been altered or has nonstandard features, you may want to compare options — consider Modified Homeowners Insurance for specialized situations.
And if you own a high-value property, specific coverage options can matter; review resources like High Value Homeowners Insurance. It’s also a good time to update your policy—talk to your agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my homeowners insurance cover food spoiled during a power outage?
Many policies offer limited coverage for spoiled food after a covered power outage, often with caps around a few hundred dollars; check your policy limits and exclusions.
Does homeowners insurance cover damage from volcanic ash?
Policies that include open-perils or specific volcanic action typically cover damage from lava and ash, but they may not cover earthquake-related damage from tremors.
Is liability covered if I injure someone while away from home?
Yes, the liability portion of many homeowners policies extends away from the residence and can cover accidental injuries you cause in other locations.
Will my policy pay for professional cleanup after an unattended death?
Some policies cover necessary remediation and cleanup costs for an unattended death, but coverage varies, so confirm with your insurer.