Homeowners insurance : A guide to how much is needed

by Diana Hellman 09/10/2023

person thinking about homeowners insurance

After purchasing a property, protecting your space and personal belongings is important. Having the right coverage in the case of emergencies can offer financial peace of mind. This article provides a brief guide for choosing homeowners insurance to protect your space. 

How much basic coverage do I need?

Calculating the total cost of your home and assets helps in choosing the appropriate amount of coverage. The coverage limits should be enough to rebuild your home and replace personal items if needed. 

Insurance companies use a calculator to figure out the total worth of your home. From there, most offer around 50% of that amount to cover personal belongings. 

What types of homeowners insurance do you need?

There are many types of homeowners insurance. Some offer personal property coverage and liability coverage. Others are very limited and only offer enough coverage for the structure of a property. 

An HO-3 is the most common type of homeowners insurance. It offers liability insurance, dwellings coverage, funding for personal property and more. 

Do I need additional living expenses coverage?

Having additional living expenses coverage secures your well-being if you’re displaced from your home as it’s getting repaired. For example, if a fire damages your home, repairs may take a while. Additional living expenses coverage would pay for you to stay in a rental. 

The right insurance company will offer policies covering all of your property. Speaking with a local lender can help you explore different coverage options. 


About the Author
Author

Diana Hellman

 Diana Hellman's passion for Larchmont inspires her more than 20 year real estate practice. As a certified buyer's representative, "The development of a solid and trusting relationship with my buyers and sellers is what I strive for." This success, primarily built on client referrals and repeat business, comes from her knowledge of what makes Larchmont unique: it's school system, recreational facilities, services and the special qualities that pervade this village's atmosphere. A former educator with a background in psychology, Diana knows that people don't want a sales pitch, but rather reliable, timely information. She and her husband have been residents of Larchmont for over 40 years. Her 3 children have attended the Mamaroneck Public Schools. She can give you expert advice with the sale or purchase of your home. Awards/Distinctions Multi-million dollar club- Westchester Board of Realtors International Diamond Society (8 million plus in sales), 5-Star agent in 2024. Gold Award- WBR (5-8 million dollars in sales) Silver Award – WBR (3-5 million dollars in sales) Memberships National Association of Realtors New York State Association of Realtors Westchester Board of Realtors Westchester Multiple Listing Service Community Former executive board member of the Central School Former selection school delegate for election of school board candidates Former executive board member of the Friends of the Emelin Theatre Former executive board member of the League of Women Voters