What Is General Insurance for Homes?
General insurance for homes refers to non-life insurance policies that protect your house and its contents from damage, loss, or liability. Unlike life insurance, which covers people, general insurance covers property and assets.
It ensures that if the unexpected happens, you won’t bear the full financial burden of repairs, replacements, or legal liabilities.
Types of Home General Insurance
1. House owner Insurance
This policy covers the physical structure of your home, including:
Walls, roof, and flooring
Built-in fixtures (cabinets, plumbing, wiring)
Gates, fences, garages (depending on policy)
Common risks covered:
- Fire, lightning, explosion
- Floods and storms
- Burst pipes and water damage
- Burglary with forced entry
- Vehicle impact
- Falling trees or objects
- Riot or vandalism
2. Householder Insurance
This policy covers the contents inside your home, such as:
- Furniture and appliances
- Personal belongings and home electronics
- Clothing and valuables
Typical cover includes:
- Burglary and theft
- Fire and water damage
- Accidental damage (depending on policy)
3. Home All-Risk / Contents All-Risk Insurance
An optional upgrade for wider coverage that may include:
- Accidental breakage (e.g., cracked TV screen)
- Damage to portable items (laptops, phones)
- Coverage inside and sometimes outside the home
4. Landlord Insurance
Designed for property owners renting out their homes, this policy may cover:
- Loss of rental income due to insured events
- Tenant damage
- Liability protection
What General Insurance Does NOT Cover
While policies are broad, they commonly exclude:
- Wear and tear
- Termite or pest infestation
- Structural defects or poor maintenance
- Intentional damage
- Losses not declared or outside coverage terms
Always ensure you:
Always read your policy to understand limitations and add-ons available.
It’s a small price to pay for long-term security.