Home insurance typically covers damages to the structure of your home, personal property inside, liability for injuries or accidents, and additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable. However, some perils (like floods or earthquakes) may require additional coverage.

You need enough coverage to rebuild your home in case of a total loss, not just the market value. This may require an appraisal to assess rebuilding costs.

Replacement cost covers the cost of replacing property without depreciation, while actual cash value takes depreciation into account, meaning you would receive less compensation.

Most standard home insurance policies do not cover floods or earthquakes. Separate policies or riders may be required for these types of disasters.

Personal property is generally covered anywhere in the world, but there may be limits on high-value items such as jewelry, electronics, or artwork. Additional riders may be necessary for valuable items.

Home insurance typically does not cover pest-related damage, unless it's the result of a covered peril (like a fire). It’s essential to maintain your home to prevent pest infestations.

Start by documenting all the damages with photos, writing down details of the event, and contacting your insurance provider immediately to start the claims process.

Yes, most home insurance policies cover damages caused by vandalism and theft, but it may depend on the specific terms of your policy.

Common exclusions include floods, earthquakes, wear and tear, and neglect. Always read your policy's fine print to be aware of any specific exclusions.

Consider increasing your deductible, bundling policies, installing security systems, or making your home more disaster-resistant (e.g., fire-resistant materials or storm shutters).