 TITLE: Do You Have to Have Homeowners Insurance? CONTENT: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?\n-------------------------------------\nWhat homeowners insurance does and doesn't cover depends on the policy, but in general, it will offer the following types of coverage:\n*   **Home structure**: To pay repairs and replacement costs if the property is damaged or destroyed by fire and smoke, wind, hail or lightning, water, vandalism or theft.\n*   **Liability protection**: To protect you legally and financially if someone is hurt on your property.\n*   **Personal belongings**: For items that are stolen or damaged (up to a certain value limit).\n*   **Alternative living expenses**: To pay for the cost of living somewhere other than your home if your property has been damaged by an insured event.\nThere are plenty of exclusions to what most homeowners insurance policies will cover. These frequently include:\n*   **Damage caused by floods and earthquakes**: If you want those covered, you'll usually need a separate policy.\n*   **Routine wear and tear**: Homeowners insurance won't pay out for things like interior and exterior painting, electrical issues and broken appliances.\n*   **Losses due to certain other reasons**: Losses due to war, government seizure or destruction, infestation, pollution and any intentional damage is typically not covered. END