With all the different types of homeowners insurance, the process of choosing a policy can be confusing.
To help, here’s a basic guide to some major types of insurance policies.
What is an HO-1 home insurance policy?
HO-1 insurance is the simplest of policies offered. It only covers your home structure and a few home features.
It also covers attached structures such as garages and patios. This policy offers funding in the case of storms, fire, wind damage, theft and a few other peril categories.
HO-1 insurance doesn’t cover personal belongings, however. So if your computer or furniture is damaged during a storm, replacement cost would need to be covered by another policy.
What is an HO-2 home insurance policy?
An HO-2 insurance policy offers a wider range of coverage. It provides financial security to home structure and personal property.
What are HO-3 home insurance policies?
An HO-3 home insurance policy is the most common homeowners insurance type. In addition to coverages seen with HO-1 and HO-2 policies, it covers additional items. These include liability, payments for medical bills and living expense stipends.
What is HO-4 Renters Insurance?
HO-4 is a policy offering protection to the personal property of individuals renting a space. It is not technically a homeowners insurance policy, but important for renters to have.
Consider your home needs when purchasing homeowners insurance. Protect your property and belongings with the right insurance.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
