So, having understood the basic concept of homeowners insurance, it is time to consider the variation that is available. Not all policies are a one size fits all kind of insurance and depending on the type of home that you own, your ability to afford the policy and the risks that you want to cover determines the policy to be taken. It is categorized into different forms of policies that insurance companies give to homeowners the following are the most common ones; HO1, HO2, HO3, and many more. Union, in this case, comes in several forms, and below is an outline of the most popular types to assist you in identifying your choice.
HO1: Basic Coverage
Some of the basic features of the HO1 policy are the following: HO1 policy is the basic plan, stripped to the bone, so to speak. It provides insurance to both your home and its contents from a limited number of events, such as fire, theft or vandalism. It’s cheap, but it’s limited. If there is a flood or an earthquake one is doomed. This one is quite limited today and is typically for homeowners seeking the barest essentials required by a lender.
HO2: Broad Coverage
Moving up to an HO2 provides slightly more wiggle room. This policy is quite extensive — or more precisely, it includes a wider range of risks – such as falling objects, frozen pipes, or the weight of the snow that can bring down the roof. It is still affordable but does provide more protection to owners of houses located in areas with unpredictable weather or small accidents that can happen in and around the home. However, it is not comprehensive and therefore always read the terms and conditions of the particular company’s policy.
HO3: The Popular Choice
Most homeowners end up here, the HO3 policy. It’s the gold standard because it is the most detailed yet costeffective. The first type of cover offered by the homeowners policy is known as ‘open perils’ meaning that all causes of loss are covered except for those that have been specifically expressly excluded like floods or earthquake. For instance, you wake up to find that a storm has blown off the shingles on your roof and your HO3 pays for the damages which would run into thousands of dollars. It is general enough to be used in any suburban home or a countryside cabin.