What is an HO3?

Asked by: Jordan Boyer  |  Last update: July 22, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (58 votes)

A homeowners insurance (HO-3) policy is a coverage plan that covers your home's structure, your personal belongings and liability in the event of damage or injury. Typically, an HO-3 policy will also cover additional living expenses and protection for other structures on your property.

What does HO3 stand for?

Homeowners Policy Special Form 3 (HO 3) — part of the Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), homeowners forms portfolio, the HO 3 insures the described owner-occupied dwelling, private structures in connection with the dwelling, unscheduled personal property on and away from the premises, and loss of use.

What is HO3 vs ho6?

HO-3 and HO-6 insurance cater to different home owners. HO-3 insurance is designed for standalone homes, and HO-6 insurance is used to cover condos. There are some similarities—they both cover personal property, liability, medical payments and loss of use coverage.

Is an HO 3 policy an all risk?

An HO-3 policy is the most widely used form of homeowners insurance. It protects against all risks to your dwelling (and other structures) except those specifically excluded. However, your personal property is insured on a named-perils basis—that is, against damage or loss caused by perils listed in an HO-2 policy.

What is difference between HO3 and ho5?

An HO-3 policy only covers personal property for named perils, while an HO-5 policy covers personal property for open perils. In simple terms, this means an HO-5 insurance policy is more comprehensive and covers damage to your personal property in all cases, except damage specifically excluded from your policy.

What Is an HO 3 Homeowners Insurance Policy

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Why is HO5 better than HO3?

The HO3 and HO5 policies both cover a policyholder's house on an open peril basis. The difference is in how it protects personal property. HO5 comes with better coverage, meaning it also comes with a higher price. The value is based on whether the additional cost is worth the benefit.

Is an HO5 policy worth it?

H05 policies do tend to be more expensive than the more standard H03. If you have fantastic credit and the difference in price is relatively small, the investment may be worth it though.

What perils are not covered in Ho-3?

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 HO3 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.

What are the named perils on an HO-3 policy?

Although HO-3 policies cover your dwelling on an open perils basis, its personal property coverage is typically provided on a named perils basis. This means that your personal belongings — clothes, furniture, appliances and more — are only covered by dangers specifically cited in your HO-3 policy.

What does HO3 exclude?

Typically, the following are excluded on an open peril policy: Freezing pipes and systems in vacant dwellings. Damage to foundations or pavements from ice and water weight. Theft from a dwelling under construction.

What perils are covered by the HO 2 and HO 3?

With HO2 coverage, your dwelling coverage is written as named perils which means that your home structure is only covered by perils included in your policy. On the flipside, with HO3 coverage, your dwelling coverage is written as open perils which means that unless a peril is specifically excluded, it is covered.

What is the difference between an HO 1 and an HO 2 policy?

An HO2 policy is another basic homeowners insurance policy. It covers the 10 perils listed on an HO1 policy, and some additional perils, including falling objects, and weight of snow, sleet, or ice. In total, it covers 16 perils. The HO2 provides more protection than the HO1, but not as much as an HO3.

What is an HO5 policy?

Sometimes called the comprehensive form, an HO5 policy is a type of home insurance written on an open-perils basis. This means your insurer covers damage to your home and personal property when it's caused by an event, or peril, as long as it's not listed as an exclusion in the policy.

Which of the following is true regarding the Ho-3 special form )?

Which of the following is true regarding the HO-3 (Special Form)? The dwelling and other structures (Coverages A and B) are written on an open perils basis -- The HO-3 (Special Form) provides the broadest coverage available on structures: open perils (or all-risk) coverage.

What is the difference between hob and HO3?

The main difference between the HO3 and HOB boils down to water damage protection. HOB provides this point of coverage, while HO-3 does not. The 16 perils included for protection are: Fire or Smoke.

What are the three types of coverages for homeowners insurance?

Key Takeaways. Homeowners insurance policies generally cover destruction and damage to a residence's interior and exterior, the loss or theft of possessions, and personal liability for harm to others. Three basic levels of coverage exist: actual cash value, replacement cost, and extended replacement cost/value.

Does ho3 cover earthquake?

Earthquakes are not covered by homeowners insurance policies, including HO-3 policies. If your home is damaged or destroyed by an earthquake, you won't receive any compensation from your insurance company if you have an HO-3 policy. However, fire damage resulting from an earthquake may be covered by some policies.

What area is not protected by most homeowners insurance?

The main areas that are not covered by homeowners insurance include:
  • Damage caused by earth movements such as sinkholes and earthquakes.
  • Issues caused by neglect or improper maintenance of the property.
  • Damage caused by termites and other insects.

What are the 16 perils?

The 16 named perils covered in insurance
  • Fire or lightning.
  • Windstorm or hail.
  • Explosion.
  • Riots.
  • Aircraft.
  • Vehicles.
  • Smoke.
  • Vandalism.

What can invalidate house insurance?

What can invalidate your home insurance?
  • Leaving your home unoccupied. ...
  • Not getting in touch when something changes. ...
  • Keeping quiet about an incident (even the really small ones) ...
  • Using your home for business. ...
  • Getting a lodger. ...
  • Having your home renovated. ...
  • Inflating the value of your contents.

What are the six categories typically covered by homeowners insurance?

Generally, a homeowners insurance policy includes at least six different coverage parts. The names of the parts may vary by insurance company, but they typically are referred to as Dwelling, Other Structures, Personal Property, Loss of Use, Personal Liability and Medical Payments coverages.

What is HO6 coverage?

Sometimes referred to as “HO6 insurance,” condo insurance can cover liability claims, damage to your condo unit and belongings, and additional living expenses if you're unable to stay in your residence due to a covered incident.

What does an HO 2 policy cover?

HO-2 is the technical term for a particular homeowners policy tier. An HO-2 home insurance policy covers only your home and personal property against threats specifically named on the policy's declarations page. An HO-2 policy is often called a named peril policy — the covered threats are specifically listed.

Does an HO 2 cover water damage?

For instance, HO2 includes sudden and accidental discharge of water and steam but usually omits sewer backup and slow leaks. HO-2 also excludes coverage for: Floods. Earthquakes.

What is an HOH homeowners policy?

HO-1 (basic form)

HO-1 polices are the most basic type of home insurance, offering limited coverage, and not available in most states. Your home's structure will be protected against eleven specified perils, such as fire, lightning, windstorms and hail, but you won't have liability or personal property coverage.