Your home provides a safe space to live. What happens in the case of an emergency that compromises your home? Financially protecting your home can safeguard your space if perils arise.
Dwelling insurance is the part of your homeowners insurance policy offering protection for the structure of the home. This article provides a basic guide to understanding dwelling coverage, policy scope and requirements.
What is dwelling coverage?
If your home structure is damaged, dwelling coverage provides financial compensation. Your insurance policy would offer an estimate of the damages and provide funding for the cost of repairs.
Your home structure includes walls, flooring, roof, foundation and windows. Sometimes dwelling insurance also covers attachments to the home, like a porch, garage, or deck.
How much dwelling coverage do you need if you own a rental property?
Rental property owners need a specific type of dwelling insurance for landlords. These policies generally include:
- Liability coverage if the tenant is injured on the premises.
- Financial compensation for standard damages to property structure.
- Coverage for personal items being used by the tenant.
Tenants should have renter’s insurance as well, as landlord's dwelling insurance won’t cover their personal items.
Is dwelling coverage required?
Dwelling coverage isn’t a requirement. However, most mortgage lenders do require dwelling insurance if you’re financing your home through them. Not only does it protect homeowners, it protects the lender’s investment.
About the Author
Marsha Charles
Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018.
I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.
Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022.
Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.
