protects against:
• Fire and lightning • Damage from hail and windstorms • Theft and vandalism • Smoke or water damage • Falling objects, like tree branches • Damage from the weight of ice, snow, or sleet • Frozen plumbing, heating, AC, or other household systems • Vehicles (and even aircraft) — not the vehicle itself which is the object of auto insurance, but damage from vehicles — e.g., in the event a car runs into your home. • Explosions Homeowner’s insurance policies also generally include coverage for liability, personal belongings, other structures on your property like carports and fences, and additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily unlivable. Work closely with you insurance provider to understand what IS and IS NOT covered in your policy. There are advantages of paying homeowner’s insurance up front at closing, rather than escrowing the cost within your monthly mortgage. Paying your homeowner’s insurance premium all at once and before closing allows you to exclude that premium from your closing costs, which can include lender and other fees for which you’re responsible, in addition to your down payment. Closing costs are generally paid in one lump sum. You may also choose to set up an escrow account, depending on your mortgage agreement, to avoid paying large sums for homeownership costs. Essentially, an escrow is a savings account designed to help you pay your mortgage, property taxes, and
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