Your home is most likely one of your largest and most valuable investments, not to mention that it is where you and your family live. With this much importance, it is crucial that you obtain home owner’s insurance protection. This will protect both your home and your family in the event of an unfortunate event. However, it is equally important that you understand some insurance basics when looking for a policy.

1. Know What Is Covered

Most home owner’s insurance policies will cover the home structure and the contents within the home. In addition, it offers liability protection and will cover living expenses if you are displaced from your home. It is advised to cover your home’s structure 100%, while most policies will cap the value of your personal belongings at 50% the total home value.

2. What Is Not Typically Covered

In many cases, floods and earthquakes are not covered under a standard insurance policy. If you live in an area where these natural disasters are common, you will need to ask for a separate insurance rider to obtain the full protection. You may also need to obtain a separate rider for high-valued items, such as jewelry.

3. What Is the Deductible

Most insurance policies include a deductible, which is the amount you will need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance will cover the rest. You must look at your personal finances when determining how much of a deductible will best meet your needs. However, keep in mind that the lower the deductible, the higher the premium.

4. Are You Getting the Best Rates

Always shop around for the right policy and the best rates. You should also ask the insurance company directly what you can do to lower your insurance premiums. For example, many companies will give a discount if you have multiple policies with them or if you include various safety features on your home, like an alarm system.

The most important thing is that you take the time to understand your policy. You should always know what is and is not included and keep a detailed list of all your personal belongings. This will protect you if you ever need to file a claim. You should also annually evaluate your policy to determine if it is still meeting your needs, and to ensure you are still getting the best rates.