Homeowner Insurance

Whether you've just purchased your first home, have lived in the same place for decades, or are looking to explore other insurance options, understanding your homeowners coverage is an important part of protecting what you've worked hard for.

At Barrett Insurance Agency, we've been helping homeowners throughout Vermont and New Hampshire since 1989. As an independent insurance agency, we work with a variety of insurance companies to explore coverage options that fit your home, your needs, and your budget.

And because no two homes are quite alike, we believe your insurance deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

A homeowners policy generally combines protection for your home and belongings with personal liability coverage. While the specific coverages, limits, deductibles, and exclusions vary by policy, most homeowners insurance includes several important components.

Your Home (Dwelling Coverage)

Helps pay to repair or rebuild your home following covered damage, such as a fire, windstorm, or other insured event. The amount of coverage should reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home, which can be quite different from its market value.

Other Structures

Provides coverage for certain structures on your property that aren't attached to your home, such as a detached garage, shed, or fence. Coverage limits and eligibility can vary, especially for buildings used for business or agricultural purposes.

Personal Belongings

From furniture and clothing to electronics and everyday household items, personal property coverage helps protect your belongings against covered losses. Certain valuables, including jewelry, collectibles, and other expensive items, may have special limitations.

Personal Liability

Helps provide financial protection if you're legally responsible for certain injuries or property damage involving others. Depending on the circumstances and your policy, this may include legal defense costs and covered settlements or judgments, subject to applicable limits and exclusions.

Additional Living Expenses

If a covered loss makes your home temporarily uninhabitable, this coverage may help with the additional costs of staying somewhere else while repairs are being made, subject to policy terms and limits.

Winter Weather & Water Damage

Frozen pipes, ice dams, heavy snow, and water intrusion are familiar concerns for homeowners in our area. Not all types of water damage are treated the same under an insurance policy, making it important to understand what's covered and what isn't.

Flooding

One of the most common misunderstandings about homeowners insurance is that it covers flooding. Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood damage. Separate flood insurance may be available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers (we represent many), including for properties outside designated high-risk flood zones.

Wood Heat & Rural Properties

Woodstoves, pellet stoves, outbuildings, seasonal access, and the distance to the nearest fire department can all affect insurance eligibility and pricing. These are common considerations for many homes in the Northeast Kingdom and surrounding New Hampshire communities.

Understanding Your Coverage Matters

Insurance isn't always about finding the lowest premium. It's also about understanding what you're purchasing.

Two homeowners policies may look similar on the surface but differ in important ways, including deductibles, replacement cost provisions, exclusions, and optional coverages.

Some additional protections worth discussing include:

• Water backup and sump pump overflow coverage

• Increased or extended dwelling replacement cost provisions

• Service line coverage

• Equipment breakdown coverage

• Scheduled coverage for valuable personal belongings

• Personal umbrella liability coverage

Not every option is available from every insurance company, and coverage details can vary.

At Barrett Insurance Agency, we believe taking the time to explain these differences helps you make more informed decisions about your insurance.

You don't have to own a home to have property worth protecting.

Renters insurance can provide coverage for personal belongings, personal liability, and certain additional living expenses following a covered loss. Your landlord's insurance generally covers the building, not your personal belongings.

Whether you're renting an apartment, a house, or another type of residence, we're happy to discuss the coverage options that may be available.

Ready to Explore Your Home Insurance Options?

Whether you're buying a home, reviewing your current policy, or simply wondering what other options might be available, we're happy to help.

Insurance coverage is subject to eligibility, underwriting approval, policy terms, conditions, limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Not all coverage options are available from every insurer.