Protect What Matters Most

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 With attic and basement renovations, primary concerns may be adding  insulation and extending HVAC and electrical systems. Like with any  major remodel, you should notify your home insurer to determine if you  need to update your dwelling coverage. They may require photos and  invoices to make the appropriate adjustments.

If your HVAC system breaks down due to normal wear and tear, it  generally won't be covered by your home insurance policy. However, your  homeowners policy may cover fire damage or damage from a tree falling on  your home. 

If you plan to modify your HVAC system with a major upgrade, such as  new ductwork, it's best to let your home insurance company know. You  might qualify for a home update discount. You shouldn't need to update  your dwelling coverage unless you're also changing your type of HVAC system (for example,  moving from an oil-forced-air furnace to a gas-forced-air furnace).

 Air conditioners may be eligible for a replacement if they're damaged or  destroyed by a covered loss, such as fire or hail. Your coverage can  depend on the type of AC system in your home. Central air systems are  part of your home's structure and therefore fall under dwelling  coverage. If you have window air conditioner units, they may fall under  your personal property coverage. Learn more about how home insurance covers HVAC and air conditioning units.  

Homeowners insurance may cover swimming pools or hot tub damage (usually under your dwelling, personal property, or  other structures coverage), as long as a covered loss causes the damage.

If installing a new swimming pool, the Insurance Information Institute recommends raising your home insurance liability limits to $300,000 – $500,000 or more. A separate umbrella policy can also provide protection in an accident or disaster.

Your homeowners insurance dwelling coverage may cover deck  replacements under if a covered peril necessitates the replacement.  Regardless of your reason for replacing your deck, talk to your  insurance company about updating your dwelling limit after the  renovation. Adding or replacing a deck can boost your home's value but  will require more funds to rebuild if damaged. Keep receipts for labor  and materials, note the material types and square footage, and take  plenty of photos to help your insurer calculate how much additional  coverage you need.

 Your policy might cover landscaping, which may help pay to remove  damaged trees and replace plants and shrubs if they're damaged by a  listed peril. If you plan to make significant improvements to your  home's land, talk to your insurer about what might be covered. Insurance  companies may limit landscaping coverage to a percentage of your home's  dwelling coverage.

Secondary structures such as sheds and detached garages fall under your home insurance policy's other structures coverage. While your insurance won't cover normal wear and tear, it may cover damage caused by a covered loss such as a storm.

If you add a new garage or shed to your property, your insurer might use home replacement cost estimates to calculate how much coverage you'll need. Provide details  about the anticipated size, materials, and amenities like electricity or  heating. The “other structures” portion of your insurance policy covers  most driveways. 

Your home insurer will only pay for a roof replacement if a covered  loss causes the damage. Keep in mind that replacing your roof after  decades of wear and tear isn't covered by insurance. Check your policy's  dwelling coverage to find out more.

When updating your home insurance policy due to a new roof, your  premium may decrease. A new roof offers better protection against  inclement weather, reducing the chance that you'll need to file a claim  related to water leaks. Keep the invoices from your qualified roofing  professional and take photos to share with your insurer.