Types of Home Insurance Policies You Can Buy and What They Cover

There are several types of insurance polices you can purchase. Please remember that the wording and what is covered may vary within these general categories from one insurance company to another. Trade names may also be used.

Comprehensive

This is the most inclusive home insurance policy; it covers both the building and its contents for all risks, except for those specifically excluded. There are two types of insurance risks that are not normally included in any home insurance policy – those for which you can buy insurance (“optional coverage”) and those for which insurance is not available (“uninsurable peril").

Basic/Named Perils

If you are looking to save money by carrying the financial risk of some losses yourself, you may wish to consider a named perils policy that covers only those perils that are specifically stated in the policy.

Broad

If the comprehensive policy costs more than you want to pay and the named perils policy seems too risky, a mid-priced compromise is the broad insurance policy. This policy provides comprehensive coverage on the big-ticket items like the building and named perils coverage on the contents.

No Frills

Some insurers offer very basic or “No Frills” coverage for properties that don’t meet their normal standards. If there are physical problems with your home that keep it from meeting insurers' standards, you may save money in the long run by correcting these problems in order to qualify for better coverage.