Homeowners have a duty to understand the protection and coverage they’re provided with their traditional homeowners’ insurance. Unfortunately, typical homeowners policies include common exclusions, and it’s essential to identify gaps while considering additional coverage whenever appropriate. At Bogden Insurance Agency, we assist clients in Berlin, CT, with finding home insurance options that properly protect their entire investment.

Common Home Insurance Exclusions

Anytime you’re investing in a home, it’s important to know which exclusions you’re likely to face while choosing your home insurance policy. Common home insurance exclusions in the region include:

• Flood damage: Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover any damage that may have been caused by floods, storm surges, or even rising water. Separate flood insurance is often recommended, though it is not always required by law.
• Earthquake damage: Earthquake-related damage is often excluded from traditional home insurance and requires a separate policy.
• Wear and tear: Insurance is designed for accidents and sudden losses, not wear and tear, aging, and maintenance issues.
• Pest damage: If you have damage from rodents, termites, insects, and other pests, it’s important to consider additional policies as pest damage is often excluded.
• Sewer and/or drain backups: Your coverage in this area may be limited or even excluded from a traditional policy without a specific water-backup add-on.
• Intentional damage: Intentional damage to your property is not typically covered.
• Business activities: Standard home insurance policies offer limited protection for home-based businesses, which may require separate policies of their own.

Knowing what home insurance doesn’t cover in Berlin, CT, is essential, whether you’ve lived in the region your entire life, or if you’re a new homeowner. The right policy add-ons can reduce risk and offer peace of mind. To learn more about your options when it comes to home insurance solutions, contact Bogden Insurance Agency today.

Your property extends to valuable landscaping, mature trees, and outdoor structures that enhance its beauty and functionality. Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, helps homeowners understand how their insurance policies protect these important outdoor investments.

Landscaping and Tree Coverage Basics

Most homeowners’ insurance policies provide limited coverage for trees, shrubs, and plants, but only under specific circumstances. Typically, your policy covers landscaping damage caused by covered perils such as fire, lightning, explosion, or vandalism. However, coverage is often capped at a percentage of your dwelling coverage, typically 5%-10%, with per-item limits for individual trees or plants.

Protection for Outdoor Structures

Detached structures like sheds, gazebos, fences, and pool houses are generally covered under your policy’s "other structures" provision. This coverage typically equals 10% of your dwelling coverage amount and protects against the same covered perils as your main home. Items such as swing sets, decorations, and outdoor furniture may fall under personal property coverage if damaged by covered events.

Understanding Coverage Limitations

It’s important to note the exclusions for outdoor property coverage. Damage to trees and landscaping caused by wind, hail, or ice is usually not covered unless a fallen tree damages a covered structure. Additionally, disease, insect damage, and normal wear and tear are not covered. Plants grown for commercial purposes or certain high-value specimen trees may also be excluded unless specifically scheduled in your policy.

Protecting Your Outdoor Investment

Understanding your policy’s outdoor coverage can help you make informed decisions about protecting your landscape investments. Bogden Insurance Agency in Berlin, CT, can review your current coverage and discuss options for scheduling high-value outdoor items that exceed standard policy limits.