Insurance

What you're covered for, what you aren't, and being ready before you need it.

Meridian Mutual

Homeowners · HO-4471932

Premium: $2,340/yr
Deductible: $2,500
Wind (2%): $9,300
Renews: Apr 14, 2027

Your wind and hail deductible is a percentage, not a number. On a storm claim you'd pay $9,300 before this policy pays anything — not the $2,500 most people have in mind.

What isn't covered

Nobody is surprised by what a policy pays for. This is the list people find out about at the worst possible time.

Wind and hail

Capped

Separate deductible of 2% of the dwelling limit — that's $9,300 out of pocket before this pays anything, not your $2,500.

To fix it: Worth asking what a flat-dollar wind deductible would cost at renewal.

Flood

Not covered

Not covered, and it never is on a standard policy. Rising water from outside the house is a separate policy entirely.

To fix it: A separate NFIP or private flood policy. Typically $400–$1,200 a year outside a high-risk zone.

Earth movement

Not covered

Earthquake, sinkhole, and soil shifting under the foundation are all excluded. Foundation repair from expansive clay is the common one, and it's expensive.

To fix it: A foundation or earth-movement endorsement, where your carrier writes one.

Sewer and drain backup

Not covered

Backup through your own drains isn't covered by default on most policies.

To fix it: An endorsement, usually $50–$150 a year for $10,000–$25,000 of cover. One of the cheapest worthwhile add-ons.

Jewellery, art, collections

Capped

Capped at around $1,500 total for theft regardless of what it's worth, which surprises almost everyone.

To fix it: A scheduled personal property rider, itemised and appraised.

Mould

Capped

Usually capped, and only when it results from a covered loss. Mould from humidity is yours.

Home business equipment

Not covered

Standard policies exclude business property beyond a token amount.

Wear, rot, and pests

Not covered

Deterioration, rot, termites and rodent damage are all maintenance in the eyes of a policy. This is the single most common reason a claim is denied.

What is covered

Fire and smoke

Covered

Dwelling and contents, replacement cost.

Burst pipes and sudden water damage

Covered

Covered when it's sudden. A slow leak you could have noticed is treated as maintenance and denied.

If you had to claim tomorrow

50% ready

A claim is won or lost on documentation gathered before the loss. Whatever's in here now is what you'll have — after the event, nobody is calmly photographing a ceiling.

6 jobs verified by a contractor or a permit
An inspection report on file
5 documented events with photos in the last year