What are the two types of homeowners insurance?

Asked by: Asia Bartoletti DVM  |  Last update: June 13, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

Understanding the Types of Homeowner Insurance Policies for Your Dwelling
  • HO-1 Basic Form Policy: The HO-1 policy is the most basic and limited homeowner insurance option. ...
  • HO-2 Broad Form Policy: The HO-2 policy offers broader coverage than the HO-1 policy.

What are the two main types of homeowners insurance?

What are the different types of homeowners insurance?
  • Dwelling coverage is the basis for all homeowners insurance policies. ...
  • Contents coverage protects items including furniture and clothing in your home.

What is the difference between HO1 and HO3?

Key Points. For regular homeowners, HO-1 and HO-2 are named-peril policies, while the HO-3 is the all-perils policy. The HO-4 covers apartment renters, but condo owners are best served by an HO-6. Mobile homes are covered under the HO-7, but only when they're stationary; motor homes aren't covered.

What are the two main types of insurance?

Although there are many insurance policy types, some of the most common are life, health, homeowners, and auto.

What is the main difference between an HO-4 and an HO-6?

An HO-4 policy would not. In short, renters insurance is primarily for your personal belongings, while HO-6 coverage has a bit more reach. Perils covered by HO-6 typically include dwelling coverage for materials like flooring, personal liability coverage, personal property coverage and loss of use coverage.

Homeowners Insurance Exam: Policy Types Overview

23 related questions found

How much does a ho4 insurance policy cost?

HO-4 policies will not cover damage to the structure of the place you're renting or damage to your belongings from excluded perils. HO-4 insurance policies cost an average of $174 per year, depending on how much coverage you have, where you're located, and any add-ons you put on your policy.

Who is covered by an HO4 policy?

HO-4 (tenant's form)

HO-4 insurance is designed for renters only, with coverage for loss of use (if the renter is unable to live in their rented house or apartment), personal property, and liability.

What are the three most common kinds of property insurance?

Property insurance can include homeowners insurance, renters insurance, flood insurance, and earthquake insurance. The three types of property insurance coverage are replacement cost, actual cash value, and extended replacement costs.

What are the two insurances?

Primary insurance: the insurance that pays first is your “primary” insurance, and this plan will pay up to coverage limits. You may owe cost sharing. Secondary insurance: once your primary insurance has paid its share, the remaining bill goes to your “secondary” insurance, if you have more than one health plan.

What happens if you have a $1000 deductible and your total damages amount to $7000?

Your vehicle is damaged in an accident and it will cost $7,000 to fix it. Your claim is covered by your collision insurance and you have a collision deductible of $1,000. You pay your $1,000 deductible and your insurance company pays the remaining $6,000.

What insurance is the most commonly purchased homeowners insurance?

HO-3. The HO-3, also known as a "special form," is the most common homeowners insurance policy form, says the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. An HO-3 offers "open peril" coverage for the structure of your home.

What does an HO3 not cover?

That means your insurance company can pay for damage to your home unless it's caused by an event listed in the policy as an exclusion. Some common HO-3 policy exclusions are: Earth movement, such as an earthquake, sinkhole, and mudflow. Water damage from flood, sewer backup, or water seeping in through the foundation.

How can you reduce your premium for insurance on your home?

5. Make home improvements
  1. upgrading your roof.
  2. updating old wiring and other electrical systems to reduce fire risk.
  3. adding storm shutters and/or storm-resistant windows and shingles.
  4. installing an indoor sprinkler system.
  5. removing items that can increase your insurance such as pools or woodburning fireplaces.

What does Dave Ramsey say about homeowners insurance?

Homeowners Insurance

Dave recommends selecting a higher deductible for your homeowner's insurance to help keep your premiums low. It is also important to consider a policy offering guaranteed or extended replacement cost policy to help you to rebuild after a significant loss.

Can a homeowner have two homeowners insurance policies?

While it might not be against the law to have two home insurance policies, it's not a practical or cost-effective choice for homeowners. Buying multiple policies means paying multiple premiums, which can significantly raise insurance expenses.

What does basic peril cover?

Basic form covers these 11 “perils” or causes of loss: Fire or Lightning, Smoke, Windstorm or Hail, Explosion, Riot or Civil Commotion, Aircraft (striking the property), Vehicles (striking the property), Glass Breakage, Vandalism & Malicious Mischief, Theft, and Volcanic Eruption.

What are the two parts of homeowners insurance?

What Is Covered By Homeowners Insurance? The homeowners policy contains two sections. Section I provides property coverages (A, B, C and D) while Section II provides liability coverages (E and F).

How do you determine which insurance is primary and which is secondary?

The insurance that pays first is called the primary payer. The primary payer pays up to the limits of its coverage. The insurance that pays second is called the secondary payer. The secondary payer only pays if there are costs the primary insurer didn't cover.

Do I need homeowners insurance if my house is paid for?

While mortgage insurance protects the lender, homeowners insurance protects your home, the contents of your home and you as the homeowner. Once your mortgage is paid off, you have 100% equity in your home, so homeowners insurance may become even more crucial to your financial well-being.

What is the most common type of home insurance claim?

Water damage comprises 56.90% of California's homeowners insurance claims, making it the most common type of covered loss in the state. Interior plumbing leaks within walls or shower pans make up 17.44% of these water-related claims.

What are the two basic forms of property insurance?

Homeowners insurance provides two basic types of coverages: Dwelling Coverage, which pays for repair or rebuilding costs if your house is damaged or destroyed by an insured event, and Personal Property Coverage, which pays for the repair or replacement of your personal belongings if they are damaged or stolen.

What does HO 5 cover?

Personal Property Coverage

Common covered perils include fire, theft, vandalism, and certain types of water damage. In contrast, the HO5 policy offers open-perils coverage for personal property, meaning it covers all risks except those specifically excluded from the policy.

What does an HO8 homeowners policy cover?

An HO-8 policy is a basic home insurance policy, meaning it includes coverage for the standard things like dwelling, personal property, and liability, without any add-ons built in. If those with this policy wish to have add-ons included with their policy, they'll have to purchase them separately.

What is another name for the homeowners form HO 4?

4. HO-4: Contents Broad Form. What it is: HO-4 is more commonly known as renter's insurance. As such, HO-4 policies are specifically designed for those who are renting or leasing an apartment, home, or condo.