The first thing you should know about home insurance is that it’s a lot simpler than it appears. The truth is, most people avoid reading their home insurance policy because of the densely written clauses. If you feel your policy is about as understandable as an astrophysics textbook, you're not alone.
The insurance industry is evolving and slowly adopting clearer language. Since we’re not there quite yet, here are a few definitions that should help you better understand your coverage and limits.
1. Actual cash value (ACV)
ACV is replacement cost (see below) minus depreciation. Because depreciation is factored in, ACV is usually not enough to cover the full cost of replacing an item.
2. Appraisal
An appraisal is a professional assessment of the value of your property. It can be done for your dwelling itself, or for certain valuables like paintings, jewelry or furs. Have your appraisal done by a recognized and certified expert. Many homes need to be appraised before being eligible for coverage.
3. Depreciation
Depreciation is used in accounting and insurance a great deal. It’s the estimated loss in value of your property. Think of that computer or large TV you purchased three years ago and what it’s worth today. In most cases, it's worth less than what you paid due to age, wear and tear, and so on. Insurers use this during a claim to establish the amount they will pay if the property is insured at its actual cash value.
4. Endorsement
An endorsement is a clause or contract added to your master policy to extend (or limit) your coverage. It's also called a rider.
Home insurance already bundles dwelling, other structures, loss of use, and liability coverage, but you may want to consider extending that with flood or sewer backup coverage.
5. Exclusion
Several situations, items or conditions may be excluded from a policy. As a rule, insurers won’t cover anything that falls outside of the purpose of insurance, which is to provide coverage for certain unpredictable events in exchange for a set premium. Wear and tear is not covered, but coverage is also limited for floods, sewer backups, pollution, earthquakes and a lot more. In some instances, you can get an endorsement to cover these perils.
6. Liability
Liability is at the very core of insurance. The liability portion of your homeowners policy covers you against lawsuits for any injuries or property damage you or your family cause to other people. It also covers any related legal or medical expenses. You can purchase umbrella insurance to extend your liability coverage.
7. Limit
The limit of coverage is the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered event. Most homeowners policies set the limits for other structures and personal property as a percentage of your dwelling coverage. Your personal property might be limited to certain categories of goods, such as valuables and collectibles, sports items, and computers. Read your policy to make sure the amount of coverage in each instance is adequate.
8. Loss of use
This type of coverage is also known as additional living expenses. Both names accurately describe its meaning: coverage that kicks in when you cannot remain in your home while repairs are underway. The provider covers a per diem for expenses that go above and beyond your normal ones. Don’t expect it to cover your stay at the Waldorf Astoria, though. Expenses must be reasonable and in line with your current standard of living.
9. Peril
Perils, or risks, are specific events covered by your insurance policy. Policies vary, so check yours for a complete list of perils included and excluded. Speak with your insurance professional if you need additional coverage.
10. Replacement value
Replacement cost (or value) is what it will cost for the insurer to purchase a new item of comparable quality if something you own is stolen or damaged beyond repair. Your personal property will often be covered for its replacement value rather than its ACV.
Once you master insurance vocabulary, you can begin to understand how insurance works. These 10 terms are only the beginning, yet they should help you make more informed choices when selecting coverage. Call your insurance professional if you have any questions about your policy or want to reevaluate your coverage.