What does homeowners insurance typically cover?
Homeowners insurance helps you pay for repairs when something unexpected — like wind, lightning or a fire — damages your home or belongings. It also can help you pay costs if you’re responsible for accidental property damage or bodily injury to others. Exactly what homeowners insurance covers varies from policy to policy, depending on the coverage you choose.
Learn more about homeowners insurance.
Standard homeowners coverages






Optional coverages
Dozens of optional coverages allow you to add coverage where you want it most. These are just a few; a Farmers® agent can help you understand the coverages available for your home and your life.





Typically covered perils
A peril, in insurance language, is a cause of loss or damage to your home, your property or your belongings. Insurance policies typically cover damage caused by perils such as:
- Fire
- Vandalism and theft
- Lightning strikes
- Wind
What perils aren’t covered?
Flooding and earthquakes are not covered by standard homeowners policies. Beyond these events, what’s covered — or not covered — depends on your policy. Typically, policies will either list all perils that are covered (known as a “named perils” policy), or they will cover all perils except those specifically excluded (an “open perils” policy). Open perils means you're covered for a lot more causes of loss, but it also means you've got a much longer list of exclusions. Common excluded perils include wear and tear or neglect, pest infestations, mold (in many cases), intentional acts, war and governmental action.
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