The most common problem we find in home policies is simple: the dwelling limit is too low. Building costs have gone up a lot, and a rural rebuild often costs more than people expect.
We'll look at your square footage, construction, roof, heating and distance to the fire station, then compare policies on coverage first. We'll also talk about the two things that drive most claims in this part of Colorado: hail and wildfire.
What a policy can cover
Dwelling
Repairs or rebuilds the house itself after a covered loss like fire, wind, hail or a burst pipe.
Other structures
Detached garages, sheds, fences and shops. Usually a percentage of your dwelling limit.
Personal property
Furniture, clothes, tools and electronics. Choose replacement cost if you can.
Personal liability
Covers you if someone is hurt on your property or you accidentally damage someone else's property.
Loss of use
Pays extra living costs, like a rental, while your home is being repaired.
Endorsements
Water backup, scheduled jewelry and firearms, equipment breakdown, extended replacement cost.
| Policy form | Built for | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| HO-3 | Most owner-occupied homes | Broad coverage on the house, named perils on belongings |
| HO-5 | Newer or higher-value homes | Open-perils coverage on house and belongings |
| HO-4 | Renters | Belongings and liability, no building coverage |
| HO-6 | Condo owners | Interior, improvements, belongings and liability |
| DP-3 | Rentals you own | Dwelling fire policy for landlords |
Hail and wildfire, explained simply
Wind and hail deductibles. Many Colorado policies use a separate deductible for wind and hail, often 1% to 2% of your dwelling limit. On a $400,000 home, a 2% deductible is $8,000. Know your number.
Roof settlement. Some policies pay roofs on actual cash value or on a schedule once they reach a certain age. That can leave you paying a big share of a new roof. We'll show you exactly how your roof is covered.
Wildfire. Insurers look closely at defensible space, roofing material and access for fire trucks. Our wildfire guide covers what helps.
Renters insurance
If you rent a house or apartment, your landlord's insurance covers the building, not your stuff and not your liability. A renters policy covers your belongings, your liability if someone gets hurt, and extra living costs if you have to move out after a fire. It's one of the least expensive policies you can buy, and it bundles with auto.
Discounts worth asking about
- Bundling home and auto
- New or impact-resistant roof
- Monitored alarm systems
- Claim-free history
- Newer home
- Paid in full
- Fire-resistant construction
- Automatic payments
Discounts, coverages and limits vary by insurance company and are subject to eligibility and underwriting.
Questions people ask
How do I know if my dwelling limit is high enough?
We run a replacement cost estimate based on square footage, construction type and features. If your limit is well below that, we'll show you the gap.
Are wildfires covered?
Fire is a covered peril on standard home policies. The bigger question is whether an insurer will write your home, which depends on location, defensible space and construction.
Is my cabin covered like my main home?
Seasonal and secondary homes are often written on different forms, with rules about vacancy and winterization. Tell us how often it's occupied.
Does home insurance cover a well or septic system?
Sudden damage to a well pump or septic system from a covered peril may be covered. Wear and tear is not. Some insurers offer service line or equipment breakdown endorsements.