Question 1

What happens if I do not tell my insurer the home is vacant?

Accepted Answer

Claims for vandalism, water damage, or theft may be denied if vacancy exceeded policy limits and was not disclosed. Notify the carrier early. See /guides/home-vacant-unoccupied-coverage-buying-guide.

Question 2

Does homeowners insurance cover a vacant house?

Accepted Answer

Standard policies often limit coverage after 30–60 days vacant or unoccupied. You may need a vacancy endorsement or separate policy. Guide: /guides/home-vacant-unoccupied-coverage-buying-guide.

Question 3

What items should be scheduled on a home policy?

Accepted Answer

High-value jewelry, art, collectibles, bikes, and cameras above special sub-limits are common candidates. Appraisals may be required. Guide: /guides/home-scheduled-personal-property-buying-guide.

Question 4

Do I need to schedule jewelry on homeowners insurance?

Accepted Answer

Often yes—standard policies cap theft of jewelry at low sub-limits (sometimes $1,500). Scheduling lists specific items for agreed values. Steps: /guides/home-scheduled-personal-property-buying-guide.

Question 5

What is the difference between service line and sewer backup coverage?

Accepted Answer

Service line covers repair of buried pipes you own; sewer backup pays for damage when wastewater enters through drains. You may need both. See /guides/home-service-line-sewer-endorsement-buying-guide.

Question 6

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line replacement in my yard?

Accepted Answer

Usually only with a service line endorsement—standard policies exclude buried pipes. Limits vary. Buying guide: /guides/home-service-line-sewer-endorsement-buying-guide.

Question 7

What is the difference between sewer backup and flood damage?

Accepted Answer

Backup is wastewater reversing through drains; flood is outside water entering at ground level. Coverage and policies differ—misclassification can deny payment. See /claims/guides/home-sewer-backup-claim-guide.

Question 8

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer backup in the basement?

Accepted Answer

Usually only with a water or sewer backup endorsement—standard policies often exclude it. Sub-limits may apply. Filing steps: /claims/guides/home-sewer-backup-claim-guide.

Question 9

Does homeowners insurance cover cosmetic hail damage to my roof?

Accepted Answer

Many policies exclude cosmetic-only hail dents if the roof still sheds water. ACV roof schedules can also reduce payment. Read endorsements and document with a roofer. See /guides/home-wind-hail-deductible-buying-guide.

Question 10

What is a percentage wind deductible on homeowners insurance?

Accepted Answer

It is a share of dwelling coverage (often 1–2%) due on wind or hail claims instead of a flat dollar deductible—on a $400,000 home, 2% is $8,000. Details: /guides/home-wind-hail-deductible-buying-guide.

Question 11

Is smoke damage covered the same as fire damage on homeowners insurance?

Accepted Answer

Sudden fire and related smoke/soot from a covered peril are typically part of the same claim—kitchen fires often include content cleaning and odor remediation. Neighbor smoke or wildfire ash may need different endorsements by region. Walkthrough: /claims/guides/home-fire-smoke-claim-guide.

Question 12

Does homeowners insurance cover a slow pipe leak behind a wall?

Accepted Answer

Usually not if the leak is gradual maintenance—carriers often deny long-term seepage. Sudden pipe bursts are typically covered. Document discovery time and get a plumber report stating the failure mode. See /claims/guides/home-water-damage-claim-guide.

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What happens if I do not tell my insurer the home is vacant?

Does homeowners insurance cover a vacant house?

What items should be scheduled on a home policy?

Do I need to schedule jewelry on homeowners insurance?

What is the difference between service line and sewer backup coverage?

Does homeowners insurance cover sewer line replacement in my yard?

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