6 suprising things your homeowners insurance covers

Q: Does homeowners insurance cover damage from a meteorite?

Yes, homeowners insurance covers meteorite damage. A meteorite or other object that falls from space is a falling object, a peril covered by standard homeowners insurance. Your deductible and policy terms still apply.

Surprising things homeowners insurance covers

Here are just a few of the things that are included in a standard home policy.

1. Rocks from outer space

It doesn't happen often, but it does happen; things from space fall to Earth and do some damage. In May of 2023, a meteorite fell through a roof in New Jersey. It's a strange thing to report to your insurance company, but the good news is that it's covered.

A standard homeowners policy covers falling objects, and there's no limit specified on how far the object falls.

2. Volcanic eruptions

Volcanic eruptions are covered by a standard home insurance policy; however, it's limited to any damage to your structure and possessions caused by lava or volcanic ash. That means you'll need a separate earthquake policy to be covered for any tremors and resulting damage connected to an eruption.

The volcano clause is especially important in a state like Hawaii, which also has a state-run volcano insurance program to provide even more coverage for residents in the highest-risk regions.

3. Reward money to catch a thief

If you're robbed or burglarized, your home insurance may cover up to $1,500 in reward money you offer for information, but only if it leads to a conviction.

The reward amount and payment requirements vary by policy. Check your policy before offering a reward, and follow its rules carefully.

4. Spoiled food

Food spoiled due to a power outage can be covered by your homeowners policy. With some policies, the power outage must be due to a covered loss, like a tree falling on your house and also knocking out electricity.

Many policies have a food-spoilage limit of about $500, but the amount varies. Your regular deductible may apply, although some insurers offer separate coverage with a different deductible.

Take photos or make a list of the spoiled food before throwing it away.

4. Damage to a grave marker

Headstones and other grave markers are often targeted by pranksters and are generally covered by homeowners insurance if they're cracked, crushed or defaced with paint.

They're seen as valuables, so they're generally protected in your policy, with reimbursement from $1,000 to $2,500. Homeowners can raise the limit by purchasing additional insurance.

5. First aid

If someone is injured on your property and first aid is required, your home insurance will pay reasonable expenses for that treatment. The coverage is only offered for someone else who is hurt and not you or members of your family.

6. Your legal defense (and not just your lawyer's fees)

If you're sued, your homeowners insurance will pay to defend you. And that means more than just paying your lawyer. It will also cover fees for any experts called in by your defense lawyer and even your missed pay if you have to leave work to appear in court.

What does homeowners insurance not cover?

Homeowners insurance does not cover damage from excluded events, such as flooding, earthquakes or normal wear and tear.

For example, insurance covers a tree falling on your roof during a windstorm, but it usually will not cover floodwater damaging your basement or an old roof leaking because of age.

Common exclusions include:

Flood damage: Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flooding. Separate flood insurance is available.
Earthquake damage: Earthquake damage is generally excluded from standard homeowners policies. Endorsements and separate policies are available.
Normal wear and tear: Insurance is designed for sudden, accidental losses, not routine maintenance or deterioration.
Intentional damage: A policy does not cover damage you intentionally cause.
Certain business losses: Home-based business property and liability have limited coverage or exclusions.

Exclusions vary by policy, so be sure to read all of the exclusions and limitations listed.

How do I know if a surprising loss is covered?

Check the cause of the damage, the coverage section that applies and the exclusions in your policy. An unusual loss is not automatically excluded just because it is uncommon.

When you review your policy, look at:

The cause of loss: What actually caused the damage?
The covered peril: Does your policy cover that cause?
The exclusion section: Is the cause or type of damage excluded?
The coverage limit: How much will the insurer pay?
Your deductible: How much do you pay before insurance contributes?
Special limits: Does the policy place a lower limit on that type of property?

If the wording is unclear, ask your insurance company or agent before assuming you have coverage.

FAQ: Homeowners insurance

Does homeowners insurance cover damage from a meteorite?

Yes, homeowners insurance covers meteorite damage. A meteorite or other object that falls from space is a falling object, a peril covered by standard homeowners insurance. Your deductible and policy terms still apply.

Does homeowners insurance cover a broken headstone?

Yes/ Homeowners insurance covers damage to a grave marker caused by a covered event. Special limits may apply, so your policy might not cover the full cost of replacing an expensive headstone.

Does homeowners insurance pay for a lawyer if someone sues me?

Yes. Liability coverage will pay your legal defense costs for a covered claim. This includes attorney fees and other defense expenses. The coverage is subject to your policy’s terms, conditions and liability limits.