Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage?
What standard homeowners policies usually cover after a fire, including smoke, firefighting water and living expenses, and what to confirm with your insurer.
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Tell the operator your city, what happened and whether the fire department has cleared the building. You will be connected with a local provider that covers your area.
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- Give your city and ZIP code
- Say what happened and whether the fire is out
- Ask the company about its license and insurance
Quick answer
Most standard homeowners policies cover fire and smoke damage to the home and belongings, and many also pay for extra living expenses while the home is unlivable. Limits, deductibles and exclusions vary, so read your policy and ask your insurer.
What is usually covered
- The dwelling and attached structures damaged by fire or smoke
- Other structures such as detached garages and sheds, up to a limit
- Personal property inside the home, often on a replacement cost or actual cash value basis depending on your policy
- Loss of use, sometimes called additional living expenses, for lodging and added costs when you cannot live in the home
- Firefighting water damage as part of the same fire loss
Replacement cost and actual cash value
Replacement cost pays to replace items with new ones, while actual cash value subtracts depreciation. Check which applies to your dwelling and your belongings because it changes how much you receive.
Things that can limit coverage
- Deductibles and coverage limits, including special limits on jewelry and similar items
- Vacant home clauses if a property has been empty for a long time
- Intentional acts and some neglect
- Limits on certain types of smoke damage from outside sources
- Business use of the home
Renters and condo owners
Renters insurance usually covers your belongings and living expenses, but not the building, which is the landlord's responsibility. Condo owners often need both an association policy and their own unit coverage. See our guide for renters and landlords.
What to do now
Read your declarations page, note your deductible and limits, and call the insurer promptly after a loss. Your state insurance department can answer questions about how claims should be handled.
Sources and further reading
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