When it comes to understanding what your homeowners insurance actually covers, built-in features often create the most confusion. Most homeowners assume everything attached to their house is automatically covered, but the reality is more complex than that simple assumption. Rich Insurance Agency LLC, serving Kansas City MO, helps homeowners understand exactly what’s covered and what might require additional protection for their built-in investments.

Understanding Standard Coverage for Built-Ins

Most homeowners insurance policies cover built-in cabinets, fixtures, and other permanently attached features as part of your dwelling coverage. This typically includes kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, built-in bookcases, and hardwired light fixtures. However, the coverage amount depends on your dwelling coverage limits and whether you have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. Custom or high-end built-ins may exceed standard coverage calculations, leaving you with potential gaps.

When Standard Coverage Falls Short

Expensive custom cabinetry, designer fixtures, or specialty built-ins often cost more to replace than standard insurance calculations account for. If you’ve invested significantly in custom kitchen cabinets, built-in entertainment centers, or luxury bathroom fixtures, your standard policy might not fully cover replacement costs. Additionally, some policies have specific limits for certain types of fixtures, particularly decorative or luxury items.

Protecting Your Investment

Consider scheduling high-value built-ins separately on your policy or increasing your dwelling coverage limits if you have extensive custom work. Document everything with photos and keep receipts for major installations. This documentation becomes invaluable when filing claims.

Get Proper Protection

Don’t assume your built-ins are fully covered without reviewing your policy details. Rich Insurance Agency LLC, serving Kansas City MO, can evaluate your current coverage and recommend adjustments to properly protect your home’s built-in features.

Obtaining and maintaining a homeowners insurance policy is imperative if you are a homeowner in or near Kansas City, MO. Due to potential weather and natural disaster risks, it’s also important to understand what your standard policy may not cover. At Rich Insurance Agency LLC, we’ll work with you to find home insurance solutions and add-ons that provide protection and peace of mind.

Flood Damage

One of the biggest exclusions of traditional home insurance policies includes flood damage. Flooding from rising water, storm surges, overflowing rivers, or even heavy rainfall is not covered with a standard home insurance policy. To protect your home from flooding, you’ll want to do so via a private insurer or via the NFIP, or National Flood Insurance Program, via FEMA.

Earthquakes

Both earthquakes and ground movement are not typically covered by standard policies. This includes sinkholes and in some cases, even landslides. If you believe your home is at risk, opting for earthquake insurance on top of existing homeowners insurance is highly recommended.

Wear and Tear

Neglect, aging roofs, deteriorating plumbing, and routine degradation are issues that are not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Sewer backup and sump pump overflows are also not covered unless you take out a special endorsement policy that covers your exact needs. An agency can help determine your exact needs.

Working with an agency is the best way to determine what level of protection you require for your home, especially if you live in a region that is high-risk. At Rich Insurance Agency LLC, serving Kansas City, MO, we’ll walk you through the process of finding a policy and add-ons that work for you. To learn more about your options and to compare additional policies that provide a sense of security and financial protection, contact us to schedule your consultation today.