Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or savvy real estate investor, understanding the protections offered by your homeowners insurance can prove difficult.

Lengthy policies filled with legal jargon and technical terms can be quite scary, causing you to overlook situations you might not expect to be covered.

Most homeowners insurance policies reimburse the policy holder for property damage caused by events such as fire or a pipe bursting, but did you know some policies will cover the costs associated with scenarios such as identity theft or defamation? Of course, you’ll want to check with your insurance agency to know what your exact coverage is.

Here, we’re going to cover 7 things you might not have known your homeowner’s insurance covers.

1. Slander or Libel

Sometimes we may speak out of turn due to anger or misinformation, saying something that is hyperbole or simply isn’t true. Unfortunately, the offended party can sue you for oral defamation (slander) or written defamation (libel). For example, a business can sue you for a negative online review. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover the legal fees associated with your defense up to a certain amount.

2. Dog (or Kid) Bite

Many homeowners insurance policies will cover the medical costs associated with a dog bite. So, if your dog bites the postal worker, your neighbor, or anyone else, your policy will help pay the victim’s medical bills up to a certain amount. However, be certain your dog’s breed is covered, as many policies often exclude certain types, such as Rottweilers and Pit bulls.

Your homeowners insurance plan may also financially protect you in cases where your child bit another person at preschool, for instance, or anywhere else.

3. Food and Lodging Costs

When your home becomes unlivable due to fire, a fallen tree, or another disaster, or you were forced to evacuate, your homeowners insurance will likely cover food and lodging, such as hotel and restaurant bills. Just be sure to check the maximum allowable amount, before you go booking that luxury suite. Just a word of caution: use sparingly. Please don’t file for small, affordable claims, as your insurance premiums generally spike for the next five years.

4. Fire Department Bills

Some local fire departments will send you an invoice for putting out a fire at your home. Homeowners insurance may help you cover the bill, depending on the cause of the blaze. Accidental causes, such as faulty wiring or something left in the oven are usually covered, but intentional causation is not.

5. Identity Theft

If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you may have to hire a lawyer to help you get your credit back in good standing. Your homeowners policy can help with the financial burden of legal fees, with reimbursements usually up to $30,000. Your plan may also cover lost wages while dealing with the issue.

6. Mandatory Property Upgrades

In California, homeowners are now required by law to have ordinance coverage of at least 10 percent of the dwelling protection. Ordinance coverage may financially assist you if you are required to update your property to meet current building code guidelines in the course of repairing your home due to a covered claim

7. Liability Coverage for Household Members and Employees

Your home liability covers you and any named household members wherever you are. If, for example, you’re at a golf course and hit a stray ball that injures someone, your insurance agent can file a liability claim on your behalf.

You can also extend coverage to regular household employees, such as a housekeeper, nanny, or landscaper. You’ll just want to make sure these individuals are listed on the policy so your liability protection can extend to cover anyone you regularly employ on your property.

Call the Weiser Agency for All Your Insurance Solutions

If you need assistance with homeowners insurance, please reach out to our Weiser Agency team. We’re a family-owned insurance company serving Santa Barbara, Channel Islands Harbor, and the surrounding areas. Let’s have a conversation: 805-984-3777.