Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®
Emily Ford, Morgan Milzow & Ford, Realtors®Phone: (248) 722-4239
Email: [email protected]

Insurance on your house: A basic guide to homeowners insurance policies

by Emily Ford 10/30/2024

Photo of colorful umbrellas

Homeowners insurance is more than just insurance on a house. While policies offer financial protection for damage to your home's structure, it's important to understand the other facets of this type of insurance.

Is it necessary to buy home insurance?

Homeowners insurance is typically required by mortgage lenders. Many banks or lending institutions won't approve you for financing unless you have homeowners insurance coverage, so it's important to find a policy that works for you.

What are the three main types of homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies offer three main types of coverage: actual cash value, replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost. Actual cash value coverage covers the cost of your home and the value of your belongings after depreciation. Replacement cost covers the value without depreciation.

Guaranteed replacement cost is a form of coverage that protects you against inflation by covering costs over your normal coverage limits.

What are the six categories typically covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies usually have six distinct components. These individual components are:



  • Dwelling
  • Other structures
  • Personal property
  • Loss of use
  • Personal liability
  • Medical payments

The first three categories protect you financially from property damage and the costs to repair or replace. Loss of use coverage helps pay for expenses incurred while you're waiting for repairs or replacements to your home.

Liability coverage is there in case you accidentally cause damage to another person's property, while the medical bills portion can reimburse other people who incur minor injuries on your own property.

What is commonly excluded from a homeowners insurance policy?

While this is a basic overview of what your homeowners insurance might cover, the details are different with every insurance company. There are certain types of property damage, such as flood or earthquake damage, which require a separate policy.

Knowing the exclusions and special conditions of your own homeowners insurance policy is crucial for making informed decisions about other types of insurance you might need. In addition to protection from natural disasters, this might include umbrella policies or additional personal liability protection.

Discuss the details of your policy with your insurance provider for a better understanding of your coverage limits and any applicable exclusions. Not only will you be better protected financially, you'll also have more peace of mind if property damage occurs.

About the Author
Author

Emily Ford

My experience dates back to 2002 when I obtained my degree in Economics from Kalamazoo College and then immediately went to work as a sales manager for a 72 unit, new home development in Clarkston. I am in my 22nd year of full time residential real estate sales and real estate is my number one passion!

· I earned the "Top Producer" award at Morgan Milzow & Ford Realtors from 2007-2023

· My career accomplishments to date include over 1,000 homes sold and in excess of $315M in closed transactions

· I've been voted an Hour Magazine All-Star 2013-2023, an honor only given to the top 5% of Metro Detroit Real Estate Agents

· I'm a lifelong Clarkston resident & service all of Oakland County, parts of Genesee, Livingston and Macomb Counties, and my area knowledge, professionalism and real estate expertise is unparalleled

· As a top-producing & seasoned Realtor I have a strong support staff that handles all facets of your transaction and thus creates a concierge-like real estate process that is as seamless and hands on as it can be, delivering the service you deserve! “Stress free, worry free” is our mission & mantra

· We offer an unmatched marketing plan with preferred positioning on all major Internet outlets and social media, the best in professional photography, staging, handyman services, top-notch negotiating skills, excellent communication & much more!

· In 2022 I was awarded the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce Independence Women of the Year award for excellence in business and for my community contributions. In 2019 I received the Clarkston Community Businessperson of the Year Award. I’m also proud to have served my community as the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2018 & 2019. I'm a past recipient of the NOCBOR (North Oakland County Board of Realtors) Distinguished Service Award, nominated by my peers

· I consistently contribute to other, local charitable causes that are close to my heart including Tree of Dreams, benefitting Neighbor for Neighbor, SCAMP and Clarkston Schools

· My resume also includes being an investment property owner, landlord, land developer and home flipper. With my experience and expertise plus my valuable connections I can also offer temporary housing to clients ensuring the most harmonious moving transition possible!