By Elise LoSasso
Whether you’re buying your first home or upgrading to a luxury property in Denver, insurance probably isn’t the most exciting part of the process—but it’s one of the most important. I get a lot of questions from clients about what homeowners insurance actually covers, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the fine print. That’s why I’ve created this simple, straightforward guide to help you feel more confident in your coverage.
Let’s take the guesswork out of it and walk through what homeowners insurance really protects—and what it doesn’t.
Key Takeaways
- Covers damage to your home, belongings, and liability
- Not all disasters are automatically included
- Some coverage types require separate policies
- Knowing your policy helps you avoid expensive surprises
What’s Typically Covered
Core Protections Found in Most Policies
Standard homeowners insurance policies usually include several categories of coverage designed to protect both your property and your financial well-being.
- Dwelling coverage for the physical structure of your home
- Other structures like garages, sheds, or fences
- Personal property such as furniture, clothing, electronics
- Liability protection if someone is injured on your property
- Loss of use coverage for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable
What’s Not Typically Covered
Common Gaps Homeowners Should Know
Just because you have insurance doesn’t mean everything is covered. Some events and property types are often excluded from basic policies.
- Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
- Earthquakes or land movement
- Sewer backups or sump pump failure
- Wear and tear or deferred maintenance issues
- High-value items beyond standard limits (art, jewelry, collectibles)
Special Considerations in Denver
Local Risks and Policy Add-Ons Worth Considering
Living in Denver comes with a few unique factors that can impact your insurance decisions.
- Hail damage is common in spring and summer—make sure your roof is covered appropriately
- Wildfire exposure in foothill-adjacent neighborhoods like Golden or Morrison
- Snow and ice damage from winter storms
- Luxury features like pools, home offices, or solar panels may need extra coverage
- HOA involvement if you're in a townhome or condo community
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
Making Sure You’re Properly Protected
It’s not just about having insurance—it’s about having the right amount of it.
- Choose replacement cost coverage instead of actual cash value
- Update your policy after major renovations or upgrades
- Increase personal property limits if you own luxury goods
- Ensure liability limits are high enough to protect your assets
- Reassess your needs annually, especially in a changing market like Denver’s
FAQs
Do I Really Need Homeowners Insurance If I Own My Home Outright?
Yes—without a lender involved, it's technically optional, but going without coverage puts your assets and property at serious risk.
Does My Policy Cover My Home Office or Business Equipment?
Not always. Some personal policies exclude business-related items. You may need an endorsement or separate business policy.
Will My Insurance Pay for a Roof Damaged by Hail?
It should—hail is one of the most common covered events in Denver. Just make sure your roof is properly documented and the deductible is manageable.
Contact Me Today for Smart Real Estate Guidance
Buying or owning a home in Denver comes with responsibilities—and making smart insurance choices is part of protecting your investment. I help my clients understand all the hidden layers of homeownership, from contract to coverage.
Reach out to me at Elise LoSasso, and I’ll make sure you have the resources and insights you need to feel confident in every part of your home journey.
Reach out to me at Elise LoSasso, and I’ll make sure you have the resources and insights you need to feel confident in every part of your home journey.
