Homeowners' insurance policies are designed to protect your dwelling and personal property against losses, primarily paying for damages to your home and its contents. Homeowners insurance can also protect you from financial liability if someone is injured on your property.

Common areas of coverage are dwelling fire coverage, contents - personal property, loss of use, separate structures such as a detached garage or shed, premise medical and premise liability insurance. Specialized coverage is also available for jewelry, guns, stamp collections, china, and picture or paintings.

Insurance rates vary widely based on geographic location and other factors including how far you are from the fire hydrant and/or fire department, and the type of fire department. If you are in an area where there are hurricanes, floods, hail, earthquakes, and forest fires, you will generally have higher rates.