Home insurance basics
Homeowners insurance coverage, explained
A homeowners policy is six coverages in one: Coverage A (dwelling), B (other structures), C (personal property), D (loss of use), E (personal liability) and F (medical payments to others). Each has its own limit on your declarations page.
Coverages A through F
Short answer: A and B protect structures, C protects belongings, D pays living costs, E and F handle injuries and damage to others.
| Coverage | Typical limit approach |
|---|---|
| A — Dwelling | Full replacement cost of the house |
| B — Other structures | Often 10% of A |
| C — Personal property | Often 50–75% of A |
| D — Loss of use | A percentage of A or a set period |
| E — Personal liability | $300,000–$500,000 is common for homeowners |
| F — Medical payments | Often $1,000–$5,000 |
Percentages vary by policy. See home insurance for how to set each limit.
Endorsements worth knowing
Short answer: Water/sewer backup, earthquake, scheduled personal property, ordinance or law, and extended replacement cost.
- Water or sewer backup
- Earthquake
- Scheduled jewelry, art, instruments
- Ordinance or law (code upgrades)
- Extended or guaranteed replacement cost
Sources
Explanations on this page are general. Your policy documents control what is and isn't covered.
Keep exploring
- Home insuranceWhat Washington homeowners insurance covers — dwelling, belongings, liability, living costs — and what it doesn't. Get a home insurance quote from a Federal Way agent.
- How much homeowners insurance do I need?How to set each homeowners limit: dwelling to rebuild cost, belongings to replacement value, liability to protect your assets — plus when to add an umbrella.
- Home insurance deductibles, explainedHow home insurance deductibles work, flat vs. percentage deductibles, why earthquake deductibles are different, and how to choose the right deductible.
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