Understanding your home insurance coverage

Understanding your home insurance coverage

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection in the event that your home or its contents are damaged. It also provides protection if you or a family member are held legally responsible (liable) for the injuries to others or damage to their property. It's also required by most mortgage lenders.

There are different types of insurance policies that cover your home. They range from a basic policy, to those that will provide a much broader ranger of protection. Not all policies and coverages are available in all states.
What's covered; what's not

Most homeowners insurance policies will cover damage caused by such perils as fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, theft or vandalism. There are other homeowners policies that cover additional perils as well. Typically, floods and earthquakes are excluded. It's important to talk to your agent or Travelers representative to learn what your policy may and may not cover. And for those perils that are not covered, there may be supplemental insurance you can purchase.
What most standard homeowners policies provide

    Dwelling coverage

. Pays to repair or rebuild your home - including electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning - if damaged by a covered cause of loss. It's important to buy enough dwelling coverage to cover the cost to rebuild. Learn more about cost to rebuild.

    Other structures coverage. Pays for damages to detached structures like garages, sheds, fences and cottages on your property.

    Personal property coverage. Reimburses you for the personal items in your home that may be damaged or destroyed by a covered cause of loss, which could include your furniture, clothes, sporting goods and electronics. Learn more about Travelers Personal Property insurance.

    Loss of use coverage. Pays your additional housing and living expenses if you must move out of your home temporarily while it's being restored. Learn more about Travelers Loss of Use insurance.

    Liability insurance. Helps protect your assets and cover your defense costs in the event of a lawsuit because you or your family members are responsible for causing injuries or damage to other people or their property. Learn more about Travelers Liability insurance.

    Additional home coverages. There are a number of additional coverages you can add on to your homeowners policy to help you meet your insurance needs.

HOME OWNERS INSURANCE

Protect your home with homeowners insurance

Home. It's your safe haven. It's where you raise your family and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're buying insurance for your first home, or the high-value home of your dreams, Travelers can help you protect this prized possession with homeowners insurance that fits your priorities and your budget.

Get comprehensive coverage with Travelers homeowners insurance

Travelers policies can provide coverage for:

     1.Damage to your home's physical structure (Dwelling coverage)

     2.Damage to other structures like a garage or shed (Other Structures coverage)

     3.Your personal belongings - whether in your home or elsewhere (Personal Property coverage)

    4. Additional living expenses if necessary in the event of a covered loss (Loss of Use coverage)

    5. Your personal liability in the event someone is injured or their property is damaged by you or a family member (Liability coverage)

    6.Extra coverage for valuable items

Travelers offers you way to save and protect your home

Travelers offers many ways to save on your homeowners insurance, one being a discount if you buy other Travelers policies, such as auto insurance, personal liability umbrella insurance and more.

We also can provide home maintenance tips which can help decrease your chances of having a loss in the first place.

Travelers will be there when you need us

In the event of a loss, we know you want it resolved quickly. With Travelers, you get:

   1. Fast, efficient claim service and 24/7 claim reporting

    2.More than 12,000 claim professionals located across the country and more than 100 points of service to respond quickly to routine and catastrophic claims

    3.Employees, expertly trained at Travelers Claim University, to inspect your property/auto in the event of a loss

    4.Catastrophe response teams and vans that mobilize fast in the event of a severe weather event or disaster

We've been providing trusted service for more than a hundred years, and we'll be there for you.

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your agent or Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop a homeowners insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget

AUTO INSURANCE IN ACTION

See how your auto insurance performs

Scenario #1

A tree falls on your car during a thunderstorm causing major damage.

Here's where your comprehensive coverage proves its value.

You'll pay your deductible – say $1,000 – and then your comprehensive coverage pays the rest of the bill. If your car is considered a total loss, your insurance will cover the actual cash value of the car or what it's worth today, minus that $1,000 deductible.

Scenario #2 

Your car collides with a stopped car at an intersection. Both cars are damaged but no one is hurt.

Your collision coverage covers the repairs on your vehicle, minus the deductible. If your car is considered a total loss, you'll get the actual cash value of the car, minus the deductible. If you're liable for damage to the other vehicle, your property damage liability coverage provides coverage up to the limit.

Scenario #3

You're driving alone when your vehicle collides with a car carrying three people. Everyone sustains injuries

As in scenario #2, your collision coverage covers the damage to your car and your property damage liability covers damage to the other car up to your property damage liability coverage limit.

Where it's available, PIP – personal injury protection – may pay covered medical expenses up to the limit of the policy, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

If the other driver is liable, but has no insurance, youruninsured/underinsured motorist coverage could provide protection up to the limits of your uninsured/underinsured motorist liability limit.

If an injured person sues you, your bodily injury liability provides your defense and, if you're found responsible, that same coverage pays damages up to your bodily injury liability limit.

Understand your insurance deductible and limitsA of liability

Understand your insurance deductible and limits

of liability

Car insurance coverage should fit your needs – and your budget

To create the auto insurance policy that's right for you, think about what you'd like covered, what you can afford to pay for that coverage and how much you can pay out of pocket if an accident occurs.

Deductibles

Your car insurance deductible is the amount you'll pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. The lower the deductible, the less you'll pay out of pocket if an accident occurs. Selecting a higher deductible may lower your auto insurance premium.

For example, if you choose a $1,000 deductible and have an accident causing $2,000 in damage, you would pay the first $1,000 of a covered loss before insurance kicks in.

Limits of liability

Your car insurance coverage limits, also referred to as limit of liability, is the most your insurance will pay if you have a claim. Choosing a higher coverage amount provides you additional protection if an accident occurs.

The available coverage limits may vary by coverage type and state. It is important to choose limits that meet your needs.

Even more protection with a personal liability umbrella policy

You may want to consider additional liability coverage over and above the basic limits in your automobile policy. For example, if you're in a serious accident involving medical bills or litigation, umbrella insurance pays after you have used up the underlying auto insurance. Typical policies provide $1 million in additional coverage.

Weigh budget and risks

AS Travelers, we understand your need to obtain thorough coverage while keeping your premiums reasonable. That's why we recommend that you carefully weigh your budget considerations against your exposure to potential risks as you select your coverages and limits. You can consider different scenarios with our online Auto Coverage Guide or call us and a Travelers representative will help.

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your agent or Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.

OPTIONAL COVERAGES

Optional coverages, including gap insurance

As you build your Travelers auto policy, you may want to add one or more of the following coverage options. Please note that in some states, some of these coverages may already be included in your auto policy:

• Gap insurance – or loan/lease insurance – can protect you if your vehicle is financed or leased. If your vehicle is totaled, this coverage may pay the difference between the actual cash value of the vehicle and the unpaid balance of the loan or lease.
• Towing and labor pays for covered towing and labor costs if your vehicle is disabled, up to your policy limits.
• Rental reimbursement or extended transportation expenses coverage can pay for a rental car if your car is damaged in a covered accident and your car is out of commission for more than 24 hours.

See how your insurance performs

NO FAULT INSURANCE

Personal injury protection, or no-fault insurance

Personal injury protection – or PIP – is often referred to as no-fault insurance because covered claims are paid regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

Key points about PIP no-fault insurance:

• If you're in an accident, PIP covers you, your family and any passengers.
• PIP pays for covered medical and hospital expenses, and may pay for lost wages and expenses for childcare or household-related services while you're recovering.
• It may also pay for funeral expenses.

If you live in a state where PIP is required by law, your auto insurance policy should include this no-fault insurance. Contact a Travelers representative to learn what's required in your state.

Coverages vary by state. In some states medical payments are covered under medical payments coverage.

See how your insurance performs

Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage

It's scary to realize that some drivers on the road have no insurance or have insufficient coverage. But when you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you'll have protection even if you're in an accident with one of those drivers.

Key points about coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists:

• As long as you've chosen sufficient limits on the policy, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can cover your medical bills and bodily injury resulting from an accident with someone who does not have sufficient insurance.
• Coverage extends to you, your family and your passengers.
• As a pedestrian, if you are hit by an uninsured driver, you can be covered.

The requirement for uninsured motorist coverage varies by state. In most states, it applies only to bodily injury coverage, but you can usually add uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage to your policy as well. Ask your Travelers representative about the coverages available in your state.

See how your insurance performs

MEDICAL PAYMENTS

Medical payments coverage

The medical payments portion of your policy pays for covered medical expenses up to policy limits for this coverage for anyone injured in your vehicle – regardless of who's at fault. It also covers you and your family members who might be involved in an accident as a pedestrian.

Coverages vary by state. In some states, medical payments are covered under personal injury protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance.

Talk to your Travelers representative about the advantages of medical payments coverage.

See how your insurance performs

The information on this site is general in nature. Any description of coverage is necessarily simplified. Whether a particular loss is covered depends on the specific facts and the provisions, exclusions and limits of the actual policy. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any of our policies. You should read the policy for a complete description of coverage. Coverage options, limits, discounts, features, deductibles and repair options are subject to availability and to individuals meeting our underwriting criteria. Not all features available in all areas.

Comprehensive coverage

If your car is stolen or is damaged by something other than collision, you'll want to have comprehensive coverage to help pay for the loss. The maximum amount you'd receive is the actual cash value of your vehicle minus the deductible you chose for this coverage.

Key points about comprehensive insurance:

• Comprehensive typically covers damage from fire, vandalism, windstorm, hail, flood, vandalism or impact with an animal.
• If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, comprehensive is generally required; otherwise, it's optional.
• Choose a deductible with an out-of-pocket cost you're comfortable with should an accident occur.

See how your insurance performs

Collision coverage

If you're in an accident with another vehicle or object – or your vehicle overturns – your collision coverage will pay for the covered damage to your vehicle. The maximum amount you'd receive is the actual cash value of your vehicle minus the deductible you chose for this coverage.

Key points about collision insurance:

• In order to purchase collision coverage, you must also purchase comprehensive coverage.
• Both collision and comprehensive coverage are generally required if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.
• Choose a deductible with an out-of-pocket cost you're comfortable with should an accident occur.

Coverages and limits may vary by state. Check with a Travelers representative to find out what's available in your state.

See how your insurance performs

Liability coverage

If you cause an auto accident, you need protection for the damage you might do to another person and that person's property. That's what auto liability insurance is all about.

If you're in an accident in which you're at fault, your property damage liability pays for the covered damage you've caused to the other car and provides you with legal defense if the other party files a lawsuit against you. Your bodily injury liability covers the costs associated with the covered injuries you may have caused to other people in that accident and also provides for a legal defense if you're sued.

Key points when choosing liability insurance:

• Bodily injury liability covers injury to people, up to the policy limits.
• You should have enough property liability insurance to cover the amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or an object such as a building or piece of equipment.
• With both types of liability, you want enough insurance to cover a lawsuit judgment, without jeopardizing your personal assets.

Most states require all motorists to maintain some form of liability insurance. Your Travelers representative can help you understand your state requirements and select the amount of liability coverage that's right for you.

See how your insurance performs

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your agent or Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.

TYPES OF AUTO INSURANCES

Get the auto insurance that will help protect you

When you're shopping for auto insurance, you want to be adequately covered in case of an accident. After all, you're protecting your life and your investment, as well as the lives of those around you. So, here's a quick primer that outlines the basics of auto coverage :

Liability coverage is the most important coverage and is required in most states. Basically, if you cause an accident, hurt someone or damage someone's property, it can pay for covered damages and to defend you if a lawsuit results. Learn more about liability coverage.

Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if your car hits another car or object, is hit by another car, or your vehicle rolls over. This coverage is generally required if your car is financed or leased. Learn more about collision coverage.

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. Examples include theft, vandalism, hitting a deer or other animal, storms and certain natural disasters. Learn more about comprehensive coverage.

Medical payments coverage helps pay for covered medical expenses for anyone injured while in your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. Learn more about medical payments coverage.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages and medical costs resulting from an accident caused by someone who has no insurance or inadequate insurance coverage. Learn more about uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Personal injury protection (PIP), also called no-fault insurance is available in certain states and pays medical expenses, and in some cases lost wages and other damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Learn more about personal injury – no fault – insurance protection.

In addition to these basic coverages, you can choose from a host of optional coverages to create a customized auto policy that meets your individual needs.

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your agent or Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.

HOW TO CHOOSE BEST AUTO INSURANCE

Five easy steps to consider when choosing auto insurance

Navigating the world of auto insurance isn't always easy. But at Travelers, we live it. And we're here to help you understand this world – so you can get the coverage you need at a price you can afford. Here are a few easy steps to help you make the right choice for auto insurance:

Start with a self-assessment. Write down some key facts about yourself, your family and your driving habits. Review your financial picture. List your assets – including the worth of your car – determine what you want to protect and outline your budget. Review the section "What should I consider when purchasing insurance" in our Auto Insurance Basics. It will help you evaluate your needs.

Learn about the auto insurance coverages required by state law and those that are optional. Even if you think you already know, take a few minutes to walk through these simple coverage basics and optional coverages, or refer to our helpful Auto Coverage Guide.

Select the car deductible and limits that meet your needs.

Find out what discounts and advantages are available for you. With Travelers, your safe driving habits, the number of cars you insure or other policies you have with us are among the ways you could save you money.

Finally, choose an insurer who will be there when you need them. Travelers provides responsive claim service and around-the-clock claim reporting that have earned customer loyalty for decades.

If you're still not sure, get help from a Travelers representative who can walk you through the process.

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your agent or Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.

AUTO INSURANCE

                 

Get good protection with the right auto insurance

Whatever you drive, you have a lot riding on those wheels: Your loved ones and your peace of mind. Choosing the right auto insurance can help protect you from the risks of the road. At Travelers, we'll work with you from the start to help protect you wherever you go.

Car insurance tailored to you

A Travelers car insurance policy can cover:

• Bodily injury liability
• Property damage liability
• Injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured motorists
• Medical payments
• Comprehensive damage from events like fire and theft
• Collisions with other vehicles and objects

You can also add rental reimbursement coverage, repair or replacement collision coverage, towing and labor coverage, gap insurance and more.

Savings for car safety features and more

In addition to our competitive insurance rates, you may be eligible for more than 15 money-saving discounts and advantages, including some based on your car's safety features – e.g. airbags, anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices – or even for your young driver's grades. Hybrid cars may qualify for yet another reduction.

And, you could save up to 20 percent on your auto insurance when you buy other Travelers insurance policies such as homeowners insurance, personal liability umbrella insurance and boat and yacht insurance.

Travelers will be there when you need us

In the event of a loss, we know you want it resolved quickly. With Travelers, you get:

Fast, efficient claim service and 24/7 claim reporting

More than 12,000 claim professionals located across the country and more than 100 points of service to respond quickly to routine and catastrophic claims

Employees, expertly trained at Travelers Claim University, to inspect your property/auto in the event of a loss

Catastrophe response teams and vans that mobilize fast in the event of a severe weather event or disaster

We've been providing trusted service for more than a hundred years, and we'll be there for you.

Be confident in your insurance choices. Contact your Travelers representative today. We'll work with you to develop an auto insurance policy that fits your needs and your budget.

For our Buying Early Advantage, you must obtain your auto insurance quote at least 8 days in advance of your desired policy start date. Actual number of days may vary by state. Not available everywhere. $60 average savings is based on Travelers new business auto customers countrywide who qualified for our Buying Early Advantage between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2012.

$468 average savings based on new direct auto policyholders countrywide who reported savings to Travelers in 2011.

Individual savings may vary. Savings not guaranteed. Savings message not applicable in MA.

The information on this site is general in nature. Any description of coverage is necessarily simplified. Whether a particular loss is covered depends on the specific facts and the provisions, exclusions and limits of the actual policy. Nothing on this site alters the terms or conditions of any of our policies. You should read the policy for a complete description of coverage. Coverage options, limits, discounts, features, deductibles and repair options are subject to availability and to individuals meeting our underwriting criteria. Not all features available in all areas.