Homeowners Insurance

Protect your house — and your possessions — with homeowners insurance.

For homeowners, insurance protection is an important aspect of homeownership. Buying homeowners insurance, also called home insurance, means buying protection for your home — both inside and out.

What is Home Insurance?

Home insurance compensates you for losses to your home and your possessions inside it, so purchasing a homeowners policy provides added security for your investment. Home insurance also protects you if you're legally liable for someone's injuries on your property, as well as from financial losses caused by storms, fire, theft and other events outlined in your policy.

Different companies offer different home insurance coverages, so choosing the right policy means finding the right mix of coverages to meet your needs.

Generally, a standard homeowners insurance policy protects the following:

• The physical structure of your home
• Structures on your property (storage sheds, pools, boathouses, etc.)
• Your personal property and belongings inside your home, up to specified limits
• Your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or your family members cause to other people
• Injuries to your household pets while inside your home
• Additional living expenses if a fire or other insured disaster leaves you temporarily unable to live in your home

Often, for an additional fee, you can select optional homeowners insurance coverages, including:

• Higher limits of liability for property damage or bodily injury
• Replacement cost for personal property
• Protection for valuables (jewelry, watches, fur, etc.)
• Additional coverage for electronics or computer equipment

To make shopping for the right homeowners policy easier, take an inventory of what you own to decide what level of coverage makes you comfortable.

What About Townhouses?

If you own a townhouse, you can insure it with a home insurance policy or an association master policy, depending on your situation. Some townhouse associations have master policies, in which case you should purchase a tenant homeowners policy to insure your personal property. Other townhouse associations do not have master policies, which is when you should purchase a home insurance policy for your unit. Check with your association to determine which type of policy you should purchase for your townhouse.

*Progressive Home Advantage is underwritten by Homesite Insurance. Starting a quote links you to the Homesite Web site. Progressive is not responsible for the content or operation of the Homesite Web site.