Understanding What Disasters Are Likely Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance According to the Insurance Information Institute, there are certain hazards, or perils, that are covered by most standard homeowners insurance policies. While the coverage can vary from state to state or from one geographical region to another, homeowners policies typically offer coverage for the following: Fire/smoke Lightning strikes Windstorms Hail Explosion Vandalism Theft Damage caused by the weight of snow, sleet or ice Falling objects Aircraft damage Motor vehicle damage While these hazards are typically covered, you should always check your own homeowners insurance policy to determine what it covers. Not Every Type of Disaster is Covered The average homeowners insurance policy does not cover floods, earthquakes, sewer backups or damage that occurs from a lack of maintenance. Talk to your insurance agent to find out what your options are to help protect your home from these additional perils. What Is Your Dwelling? Although a lot of people think of their "dwelling" as just the portion of their property that they live in, dwelling coverage can protect more than that. The dwelling typically consists of the home you live in plus any attached structures. What this means is that as long as it's attached to your house, your garage may also be covered under the dwelling portion of your policy. If any damage comes to it as a result of a covered hazard, the insurance company may cover the costs to repair it or rebuild it. Likewise, things you might not have thought were covered—like your deck or your front and back porch—may also be considered a part of your dwelling, if attached , and therefore may also be covered by the dwelling portion of your policy.