7 Surprising Things Your Homeowners Insurance Might Cover

When people think about homeowners insurance, they often picture big events like a fire, severe storm, or break-in. And while those are certainly important, they’re only part of the story.

Many policies also include lesser-known protections that can come in handy in everyday situations. From helping cover unexpected expenses to offering tools that can prevent problems altogether, your coverage may do more for you than you realize. Of course, what’s included will vary depending on your specific policy and any additional endorsements you’ve selected. 

In this newly updated article, we’ll walk through several lesser-known benefits of homeowners insurance, including often overlooked coverages that are worth knowing about.

1. Spoiled Food After a Power Outage

A power outage can do more than leave you in the dark — it can also leave you with a fridge full of spoiled food. In some cases, homeowners insurance may cover spoiled food from a power outage if it’s caused by a covered event, like a severe storm.

While this type of coverage typically has limits, it can help offset the cost of replacing groceries.

2. Temporary Housing

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, like a fire or severe storm, your homeowners insurance may help cover temporary living expenses while repairs are being made. This type of coverage is often referred to as “loss of use,” or “additional living expenses.”

In many cases, homeowners insurance can cover hotel stays, along with other necessary costs like meals, for a limited time.

3. Detached Structures

One important fact about homeowners insurance is that it doesn’t just apply to the house itself — coverage may also extend to other structures on your property. This can include detached buildings like sheds, garages, or even fences.

These structures are typically covered under a separate portion of your policy, though what’s included or excluded can depend on how the structures are used and where they’re located.

4. Locksmith Services

After a break-in, repairing or replacing damaged locks is an important step in restoring your sense of security. Some homeowners insurance policies may include coverage for lock repair or replacement when it’s tied to a covered loss.

5. Trees, Plants, and Landscaping

Among the more surprising things homeowners insurance often covers is damage to trees, shrubs, and other landscaping caused by certain covered events, like fire, lightning, or vandalism.

In some cases, coverage may also help with the cost of removing damaged trees, especially if they pose a risk to your home or other structures on your property. If a fallen tree causes structural damage to your home, your policy may also cover the cost of removal.

6. Identity Theft Services

The benefits of homeowners insurance can sometimes extend to supporting you through personal financial risks like identity theft. You may have coverage for legal fees, credit monitoring services, document replacement, and other expenses associated with recovering your identity.

This type of protection is often added as an endorsement, though some policies, such as Westfield’s WesPak Estate^® home and auto package, include it as part of their base coverage.

7. Access to Loss Prevention Tools

Some insurance providers offer customers access to tools designed to help prevent problems before they start.

One example is the Ting^® electrical fire safety sensor and service, which helps homeowners detect and address electrical hazards that could lead to fires. Through Westfield’s program, Ting is available to eligible customers at no cost for three years.¹

These types of tools reflect a more proactive approach to protecting your home, helping identify potential risks before they turn into costly claims.

The Added Value of Combining Home and Auto Coverage

Combining home and auto insurance — whether through bundling or a package policy — can simplify how your coverage is managed, from billing to claims. It may also provide access to additional features, such as safe driving programs like MissionSafe^®, as well as coverages like roadside assistance.

Westfield’s WesPak^® and WesPak Estate package policies bring your home and auto insurance together under one coordinated policy, designed to streamline coverage while providing a broader set of protections.

Make the Most of Your Coverage

From everyday protections to added features and services, homeowners insurance can offer more than you might expect. Taking a closer look at your policy can help you better understand what’s included and how it fits your needs.

If you have questions about your current policy or want to make sure you’re not missing out on available features, contact an agent. They can walk you through your options and identify ways to make the most of your coverage.

Coverage varies by policy, state, and individual selections, and some features may require enrollment. Always check your policy or talk with your agent to understand what’s included.