What is not covered on a dwelling policy?

Standard dwelling insurance and Coverage A policies protect the physical structure of a home, but they explicitly exclude specific risks, maintenance issues, and certain types of water or ground damage.

Common Dwelling Policy Exclusions

• Floods and surface water: Damage from rising natural waters, heavy rains pooling against the foundation, or storm surges is excluded and requires a separate National Flood Insurance Program or private flood policy.
• Earth movement: Earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, and mudslides are not covered under standard policies.
• Wear and tear and aging: Gradual deterioration, structural settling, roof aging, and corrosion of plumbing systems are the homeowner's financial responsibility.
• Neglect and lack of maintenance: Damage that happens because a homeowner failed to make necessary repairs—such as ignoring a known roof leak or rotting wood—is excluded.
• Pests and infestations: Damage caused by termites, rodents, birds, or insects is not covered, nor is the cost of removing them.
• Sewer and drain backups: Water or sewage backing up through drains or overflowing from a sump pump is typically excluded unless a specific endorsement is purchased.
• Acts of war and government action: Destruction or confiscation of property by acts of war, nuclear hazard, or government demolition/seizure is excluded.
• Intentional damage: Any loss or destruction purposely caused or directed by the insured policyholder is not covered.

Farm properties, large residential buildings with more than four units, and commercial-use buildings are not eligible for a standard dwelling policy.

Ineligible Properties

• Farm dwellings and agricultural land: Farm property is strictly excluded from standard dwelling programs and requires specialized farmowners insurance.
• Large multi-family buildings: Properties with more than 4 residential units (such as large apartment complexes) do not qualify and need commercial property coverage.
• Commercial or heavy business properties: Buildings used primarily for non-residential or commercial business operations are ineligible, though minor incidental office occupancies may be allowed.
• Mobile homes (under broad/special forms): Mobile or manufactured homes are generally ineligible for broad (DP-2) or special (DP-3) dwelling forms unless permanently affixed to a foundation and specifically endorsed (though some may qualify for basic DP-1 forms).

General Policy Exclusions (What is Not Covered)

Even for eligible properties, standard dwelling policies exclude specific types of damage and perils:

• Earth movement and floods: Earthquakes, landslides, and surface floods require separate endorsements or standalone policies.
• Wear and tear: Gradual deterioration, lack of maintenance, and damage from insects or rodents are the owner's responsibility.
• Intentional losses: Damage deliberately caused or procured by the insured is never covered.

Standard homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover Floods, earthquakes, and general wear and tear.

Common Exclusions

• Floods: Water rising from the outside (like heavy rain or overflowing rivers) requires a separate flood policy.
• Earthquakes: Ground shaking and cracks from earthquakes require a separate policy or endorsement.
• Wear and Tear: Gradual damage, aging roofs, and regular maintenance issues are the responsibility of the homeowner.

A dwelling policy (often called a dwelling fire policy) covers the physical structure of a house and permanently attached fixtures against specific named or open perils. It is most commonly used for rental properties, vacant homes, or properties that do not qualify for standard homeowners insurance.

What Structural Elements Are Covered

• Foundation and framing: Concrete slabs, crawl spaces, and the wooden or steel skeletal structure.
• Roof, walls, and floors: Exterior siding, drywall, subflooring, and roofing materials.
• Attached structures: Garages, carports, decks, and porches connected directly to the house.
• Built-in systems and appliances: Permanently installed heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical systems, and built-in kitchen appliances.

Common Covered Perils

Depending on the policy form you choose (such as basic DP-1, broad DP-2, or special DP-3), coverage usually includes:

• Fire and smoke
• Lightning strikes and windstorms
• Hail and heavy snow or ice weight
• Vandalism and malicious mischief
• Falling objects (like tree branches)
• Damage from vehicles or aircraft

What Is Typically Excluded

• Detached structures: Separate sheds, fences, or detached guest houses usually require separate endorsements or coverage limits.
• Personal belongings: Standard dwelling policies focus on the structure; tenant or owner belongings are generally not covered unless added explicitly.
• Natural disasters: Standard policies exclude floods, earthquakes, and sewer or water backups, which require separate policies.
• General wear and tear: Damage caused by lack of maintenance, insect infestations, or aging materials is excluded.

Personal liability and medical payments are not automatically included in a basic dwelling fire policy.

Key Coverages Excluded by Default

• Personal Liability Coverage: Protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged on your property and you are found legally responsible.
• Medical Payments to Others: Pays for medical expenses if a guest is hurt on the property, regardless of fault.
• Personal Property (Contents) Coverage: While available as Coverage C, it is often optional or requires a specific limit to be selected and a premium charged, unlike standard homeowners insurance where it is automatically bundled.

How to Add Them

You can get these protections by purchasing an endorsement or a personal liability supplement attached to your base policy.