Whether you're purchasing your first home, reviewing your current policy, or protecting a coastal property, our goal is to answer the questions we hear every day.
We've gathered some of the most common homeowners insurance questions from our clients and answered them in clear, practical language.
We've gathered some of the most common homeowners insurance questions from our clients and answered them in clear, practical language.
Last Updated: August 2026
What happens if building costs increase after I buy my home?
Construction costs can change over time due to labor shortages, material prices, and local building requirements. As rebuilding costs increase, it's important that your insurance continues to reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild your home after a covered loss.
Regular policy reviews help ensure your dwelling coverage keeps pace with these changes. We'll review your policy with you and discuss whether any updates may be appropriate.
Regular policy reviews help ensure your dwelling coverage keeps pace with these changes. We'll review your policy with you and discuss whether any updates may be appropriate.
Can I insure a newly built home?
Yes. Newly constructed homes need homeowners insurance just like existing homes, and your lender will usually require proof of insurance before closing.
We'll help you determine the appropriate coverage based on your home's construction, features, and replacement cost so your policy is ready when you receive the keys.
We'll help you determine the appropriate coverage based on your home's construction, features, and replacement cost so your policy is ready when you receive the keys.
Does homeowners insurance cover power surges?
It depends on what caused the power surge and what was damaged. Some power surge losses may be covered if they're the result of a covered event, while others may not be included under a standard homeowners policy.
If you have expensive electronics or appliances, it's worth reviewing your coverage before a loss occurs. We'll help you understand how your policy applies and discuss any additional protection that may be available.
If you have expensive electronics or appliances, it's worth reviewing your coverage before a loss occurs. We'll help you understand how your policy applies and discuss any additional protection that may be available.
What happens if my neighbor's property damages my home?
If a neighbor's tree, fence, or another part of their property damages your home, your homeowners insurance may respond first, depending on the circumstances of the loss. The details of what caused the damage can also affect how the claim is handled.
Situations like these can sometimes be confusing, especially when more than one property is involved. We'll help explain the claims process and answer any questions you have along the way.
Situations like these can sometimes be confusing, especially when more than one property is involved. We'll help explain the claims process and answer any questions you have along the way.
Can I switch homeowners insurance in the middle of my policy?
Yes. You don't have to wait until your renewal date to change insurance companies.
Before switching, it's important to make sure your new policy begins before your current one ends to avoid a lapse in coverage.
Before switching, it's important to make sure your new policy begins before your current one ends to avoid a lapse in coverage.
If my neighbor's tree falls on my house, whose insurance pays?
The answer depends on why the tree fell and whether negligence was involved. In many cases, your own homeowners insurance will cover damage to your home, regardless of where the tree came from.
Every situation is different, and we'll help explain how coverage applies.
Every situation is different, and we'll help explain how coverage applies.
I bought an expensive engagement ring. Do I need to tell my insurance company?
Probably. Standard homeowners policies often have limits for jewelry and other valuables.
Scheduling valuable items may provide broader protection against theft, loss, or damage.
Scheduling valuable items may provide broader protection against theft, loss, or damage.
My child is leaving for college. Are their belongings still covered?
In many cases, a homeowners policy may provide limited coverage for a student's belongings while they're living in a college dormitory.
Coverage may differ if they live off campus.
Coverage may differ if they live off campus.
If my power goes out and my food spoils, is that covered?
Some homeowners policies provide limited coverage for food spoilage caused by a covered power outage, while others offer it as optional coverage.
Coverage varies by insurance company.
Coverage varies by insurance company.
Does working from home change my homeowners insurance?
It can. If you work remotely or operate a business from home, your insurance needs may differ from a standard homeowners policy.
We'll help determine whether additional coverage is appropriate.
We'll help determine whether additional coverage is appropriate.
Will installing a pool affect my insurance?
Yes. A swimming pool may increase your liability exposure and could require additional coverage or higher liability limits.
Safety features such as fences, gates, and alarms may also affect underwriting.
Safety features such as fences, gates, and alarms may also affect underwriting.
What happens if I forget to tell my insurance company about renovations?
Major renovations can affect your home's rebuilding cost and risk profile. Failing to report significant updates could result in inadequate coverage or underwriting issues.
Keeping your policy updated helps ensure you're properly protected.
Keeping your policy updated helps ensure you're properly protected.
Can my insurance be canceled even if I've never filed a claim?
Yes. Homes under construction often require a specialized policy designed to protect the structure, building materials, and liability exposures during construction.
We'll help determine the right coverage based on your project.
We'll help determine the right coverage based on your project.
What happens if my home is vacant for several months?
Many homeowners policies limit coverage if a home remains vacant for an extended period of time, often around 30 to 60 days, depending on the policy.
If your home will be unoccupied, let us know so we can discuss coverage options.
If your home will be unoccupied, let us know so we can discuss coverage options.
I inherited a home. Is it automatically insured?
No. Insurance doesn't automatically transfer when ownership changes. If you've inherited a home, it's important to arrange the appropriate coverage as soon as possible to avoid gaps in protection.
We'll help you determine the right policy based on how the home will be used.
We'll help you determine the right policy based on how the home will be used.
My home value went up. Does that mean I need more insurance?
Not necessarily. Homeowners insurance is generally based on the cost to rebuild your home—not its real estate market value.
If you've made renovations or building costs have increased, however, it may be time to review your coverage.
If you've made renovations or building costs have increased, however, it may be time to review your coverage.
I just paid off my mortgage. Do I still need homeowners insurance?
Yes. Even after your mortgage is paid off, your home remains one of your biggest financial investments. Homeowners insurance helps protect you from unexpected losses such as fire, theft, storms, and liability claims.
Without insurance, you'd be responsible for repairing or rebuilding your home on your own.
Without insurance, you'd be responsible for repairing or rebuilding your home on your own.
Will my homeowners insurance still protect me if I move out and rent my home?
Maybe—but not always. Once your home becomes a rental property, your homeowners policy may no longer provide the right type of coverage. You may need a landlord or dwelling policy instead.
If your living situation changes, it's important to let your insurance agent know before tenants move in.
If your living situation changes, it's important to let your insurance agent know before tenants move in.
Why did my homeowners insurance premium increase even though I didn't file a claim?
This is one of the most common questions we receive each year. Even if you haven't filed a claim, your premium can still increase because insurance rates are influenced by more than your personal claims history. Rising construction costs, inflation, severe weather losses, and overall claim activity can all impact premiums in your area.
When we review a renewal, we don't just focus on the price—we look at your coverage to make sure it still matches your home's rebuilding cost and identify any discounts or policy adjustments that may help. If your premium increased and you're unsure why, we'd be happy to review it with you and explain what changed.
When we review a renewal, we don't just focus on the price—we look at your coverage to make sure it still matches your home's rebuilding cost and identify any discounts or policy adjustments that may help. If your premium increased and you're unsure why, we'd be happy to review it with you and explain what changed.
Should I insure my home for its market value or rebuilding cost?
In most cases, your homeowners insurance should be based on what it would cost to rebuild your home—not what you paid for it or what it's worth on the real estate market.
Market value includes the land, location, and local housing demand, while insurance focuses on rebuilding the structure after a covered loss. Especially in coastal communities and older homes, rebuilding costs can be very different from market value.
When we prepare a quote or review an existing policy, we use replacement cost estimates to help determine appropriate coverage so you're better protected if the unexpected happens.
Market value includes the land, location, and local housing demand, while insurance focuses on rebuilding the structure after a covered loss. Especially in coastal communities and older homes, rebuilding costs can be very different from market value.
When we prepare a quote or review an existing policy, we use replacement cost estimates to help determine appropriate coverage so you're better protected if the unexpected happens.
Do I need flood insurance if I'm not in a FEMA flood zone?
Possibly. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that flood damage isn't covered under a standard homeowners insurance policy, and flooding can happen outside designated high-risk flood zones.
We've helped many homeowners understand that flood risk depends on more than a FEMA map. Heavy rain, poor drainage, storm surge, and changing weather patterns can all contribute to flooding.
Every property is different, so we recommend reviewing your home's location and risk before deciding whether flood insurance makes sense. We're always happy to walk through those options with you.
We've helped many homeowners understand that flood risk depends on more than a FEMA map. Heavy rain, poor drainage, storm surge, and changing weather patterns can all contribute to flooding.
Every property is different, so we recommend reviewing your home's location and risk before deciding whether flood insurance makes sense. We're always happy to walk through those options with you.
What's the biggest coverage gap you find during homeowners policy reviews?
One of the biggest benefits of working with an independent insurance agency is having someone review your coverage before a claim happens. During policy reviews, one of the most common gaps we find is outdated replacement cost coverage.
We also regularly see homeowners who assume flood damage, sewer backup, or valuable jewelry is automatically covered when additional coverage may actually be needed.
Our goal isn't to sell more insurance—it's to make sure your policy still fits your home, your lifestyle, and your needs. A simple review today can help prevent surprises later.
We also regularly see homeowners who assume flood damage, sewer backup, or valuable jewelry is automatically covered when additional coverage may actually be needed.
Our goal isn't to sell more insurance—it's to make sure your policy still fits your home, your lifestyle, and your needs. A simple review today can help prevent surprises later.
Does my homeowners insurance cover Airbnb or short-term rentals?
It depends on how your home is being used. Many standard homeowners policies are designed for owner-occupied homes and may not provide the same coverage if you're regularly renting your property through Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.
If you're considering renting your home—even occasionally—we encourage you to let us know before accepting guests. We'll review your current policy, explain any limitations, and discuss whether additional coverage is recommended based on your situation.
Planning ahead is much easier than discovering a coverage issue after a claim.
If you're considering renting your home—even occasionally—we encourage you to let us know before accepting guests. We'll review your current policy, explain any limitations, and discuss whether additional coverage is recommended based on your situation.
Planning ahead is much easier than discovering a coverage issue after a claim.
What should I review before renewing my homeowners insurance?
Your annual renewal is the perfect time to make sure your coverage still reflects your home's current value and your family's needs.
We recommend reviewing any renovations you've completed, new valuables you've purchased, changes to your deductible, liability limits, and whether your policy still provides the protection you expect. It's also a good opportunity to ask about available discounts or additional coverage like flood or umbrella insurance.
We believe an annual policy review is one of the best ways to help homeowners stay properly protected as life changes.
We recommend reviewing any renovations you've completed, new valuables you've purchased, changes to your deductible, liability limits, and whether your policy still provides the protection you expect. It's also a good opportunity to ask about available discounts or additional coverage like flood or umbrella insurance.
We believe an annual policy review is one of the best ways to help homeowners stay properly protected as life changes.
If a tree falls during a storm, whose insurance pays?
The answer depends on what happened and where the tree landed. In many situations, if a healthy tree falls onto your home during a covered storm, your homeowners insurance will typically help cover the damage, subject to your policy's terms and deductible.
If a tree falls onto a neighbor's property—or vice versa—the claims process may vary depending on the circumstances.
Because every situation is unique, we recommend contacting us as soon as it's safe after the damage occurs. We'll help explain what to expect and guide you through the next steps.
If a tree falls onto a neighbor's property—or vice versa—the claims process may vary depending on the circumstances.
Because every situation is unique, we recommend contacting us as soon as it's safe after the damage occurs. We'll help explain what to expect and guide you through the next steps.
Is homeowners insurance enough, or should I consider umbrella insurance?
For many homeowners, a standard homeowners policy provides excellent protection. However, if you have significant assets, teenage drivers, a swimming pool, rental property, or other factors that increase liability risks, umbrella insurance may be worth considering.
An umbrella policy provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of your homeowners and auto insurance. It can offer extra peace of mind if you're faced with a serious lawsuit or claim.
During our policy reviews, we often discuss umbrella insurance as part of an overall protection strategy—not because everyone needs it, but because every homeowner's situation is different.
An umbrella policy provides additional liability protection beyond the limits of your homeowners and auto insurance. It can offer extra peace of mind if you're faced with a serious lawsuit or claim.
During our policy reviews, we often discuss umbrella insurance as part of an overall protection strategy—not because everyone needs it, but because every homeowner's situation is different.
Our FAQ is built from the questions our clients ask every day, and we're always adding new topics.
If you don't see the answer you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
If you don't see the answer you're looking for, we'd love to hear from you.
Every home is different, and so is every insurance policy. Whether you're buying your first home, reviewing your current coverage, or insuring a seasonal or coastal property, we're here to help you make informed decisions.
If you'd like personalized guidance, contact Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency.
We'll take the time to review your coverage, answer your questions, and help you find protection that's right for your home and your family.
If you'd like personalized guidance, contact Arthur D. Calfee Insurance Agency.
We'll take the time to review your coverage, answer your questions, and help you find protection that's right for your home and your family.
