Understanding the difference between hazard insurance & homeowners insurance

by Mike Flannagan 12/04/2022

With so many apparent similarities between the two, hazard insurance and homeowners insurance are often mistaken for the same thing. Standard homeowners insurance policies include hazard coverage, but what about standalone hazard insurance?

Here is a basic comparison of hazard insurance and homeowners insurance to help clarify the differences and similarities:

Hazard insurance

Hazard insurance protects you financially if your property is damaged by a specific natural disaster. Some examples of hazard policies include tornado insurance, earthquake insurance and flood insurance.

Hazard insurance is typically required in certain areas where hazards are not otherwise covered by the standard homeowners insurance policy.

Homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance includes basic hazard coverage for damage to your home from extreme weather, theft and other perils. It specifically includes dwelling coverage, which protects the physical structure of your home, and personal property coverage, which protects your belongings.

Homeowners insurance protects the contents of your home as well as the home itself. This is a major difference between homeowners and hazard insurance. Generally, home insurance covers a broader range of hazards, but won’t be able to help you if certain specific hazards, like tornadoes, occur.

Do you need hazard insurance?

Whether you require additional hazard insurance is dependent on your personal preference and where you live. In regions where tornadoes are common, for example, your mortgage lender might require you to get a tornado insurance policy before approving you for a loan.

Even if not required, having hazard insurance coverage can give you peace of mind. If you have an additional hazard policy, you’ll know you have financial coverage if your home and belongings are damaged by something otherwise excluded from your home insurance.

About the Author
Author

Mike Flannagan

Mike Flannagan, Principal Broker @FlannaganAssociates. Mr. Flannagan began his real estate career in 1991, Mike’s educational and professional experiences have provided a strong foundation in his real estate career. Such a background has been exceptionally useful in understanding, managing, problem-solving, and ultimately closing complex transactions. These talents, however, do not preclude equal success in navigating more traditional transactions, where Mike’s naturally strong work-ethic and contagiously kind personality complete the full circle of his effectiveness as a true and pleasant partner in the purchase and sale of a full range of real estate assets. Mike is also a Master Real Estate Developer and has worked on various communities right here in Loudoun County. Additionally, he also build’s luxury custom homes through his entity Virginia One Development priced from $3-million and up. Mike has passed $1 Billion in total life time achievement in transactions.