Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against disasters. A standard policy insures the home itself and the things you keep in it.

Because everyone's needs are not the same, it is best to consult your agent to help assess your needs and find the insurance policy that is right for you.

Homeowners insurance is a package policy. This means that it covers both damage to your property and your liability or legal responsibility for any injuries and property damage you or members of your family cause to other people.

Damage caused by most disasters is covered but there are exceptions. The most significant are damage caused by floods, earthquakes and poor maintenance. You must buy two separate policies for flood and earthquake coverage. Maintenance-related problems are the homeowners' responsibility.

Are you currently renting?

If you are currently renting, you need coverage too!  Renters insurance is a necessity for anyone renting or subletting a home or apartment. Whether you live in a single family home, duplex, townhome, condo, loft, studio or apartment, you need to have renters insurance to protect your belongings and your liability.  Take a good look around your home. If everything you own was stolen or destroyed by a natural disaster or a neighbor, would you be able to afford to replace it all? If any of your valuable personal property were stolen or vandalized, would you be able to afford to replace everything out of your own pocket? Do you have the cash on hand to replace your computer, laptop, iPod, dvd player, tv, stereo, jewelry, clothing, furniture, or appliances?

If there was a fire and all your items inside the property were destroyed your landlord is not responsible for your personal belongings.  If you have a renter's insurance policy, your valuables will be replaced by the replacement contents coverage. It's unfortunate for not planning in the case of loss, but if a renter does not have renter's insurance, their belongings will have to be replaced out of their own pocket!