What's Included in a Shelter Homeowners Policy

Your House

Our homeowners policy includes coverage for your home and any building structures attached to it. Here are some of the most common causes of loss. 

Covered Causes of Liability Loss:

When someone else’s property is damaged or someone is injured and it’s your fault, coverage may be available. Examples include:

See More Covered Losses

Types of Coverage

Other Structures

Other structures coverage applies to structures that are permanently affixed to your property, but not necessarily to your house itself. Examples include detached garages, fences, sheds and swimming pools. This coverage doesn't apply to structures that are used for business purposes.

Personal Property

Personal property coverage applies to the contents of your home and other structures. If your property is somewhere other than where you live–like a vacation home–it could still be covered, but likely at a lower limit.

For property that has a special value or is unique, we provide special coverage limits. Property that falls within this category includes:

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If personal property coverage isn't sufficient for your needs, it may make sense to insure these items with a personal articles insurance policy.

Additional Living Expenses

If your property may be unlivable due to a covered fire loss or another covered loss, additional living expenses coverage could help reimburse you for the increased cost of living away from home. If you use the property to earn rental income (such as from a rented room or basement), you could be reimbursed for the lost income for the time that part of the premises is unlivable.

Personal Liability

Liability coverage helps you pay for bodily injury and property damage that you are legally liable to pay. For example, if your child breaks the neighbor's window playing baseball, or if a visitor slips and falls on your icy sidewalk, your personal liability coverage can help protect you.

Medical Payments

Medical payments coverage could help you pay for reasonable medical payments if someone is accidentally hurt or injured while on your property or through some activity that involves you or your family members.

Debris Removal

Debris removal coverage may help pay the reasonable expenses to remove debris following a covered loss.

See More Types of Coverage

Discounts

Shelter offers several discounts on home insurance premiums. Please note, they may not be offered in all states, or may be offered under different terms.

Companion Policy Discount

You may be eligible for a discount on your premium if you own a qualifying Shelter Insurance^® auto insurance policy in addition to your home or renters policy.

Protective Devices Credit

Get a discount for having the following devices that help protect your property:

• An approved alarm system
• At least one fire or smoke alarm on each level of your home
• Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and all accessible doors and windows

Claim-Free Discount

If you have a homeowners policy with us for six consecutive years without a claim, you qualify for a discount on your premium. The discount will apply on all subsequent renewals.

New Home Discount

Homes under construction can receive a discount of up to 40 percent for one year. Homes completed and first occupied during the preceding calendar year are also eligible for a significant discount.

Heating System Discount

If you do NOT have a solid fuel heating device (wood, coal, etc.) you can receive a discount. (A conventional fireplace isn't considered a solid fuel heating device.)

What's Not Covered

Certain things are not covered by a homeowners policy. Some of these include:

• General home maintenance
• Damage to your home and roof due to normal wear and tear rather than a covered cause of loss
• Flooding (Since floods can happen anywhere, at any time, consider purchasing a federal flood insurance policy to protect your home or business.)
• Sewer or septic backup and sump overflow
• Sinkholes or similar types of ground movement

 For an additional premium these coverages may be added to Shelter’s Homeowners Policy:*

The product information contained on this website is informational only and not a statement of contract. All coverage options are subject to the provisions of the policy purchased and details of the policyholder's situation.