What Is Dwelling Coverage in Homeowners Insurance
Your Home's First Line of Financial Defense
Dwelling coverage is one of the most essential parts of a homeowners insurance policy but often the least understood. It protects the structure of your home against covered perils like fire, wind, and vandalism. Without it, rebuilding your home after a disaster could be financially devastating.
At OnePoint Insurance Agency, we make sure you don’t just buy coverage you understand it. We’re here to help you make smart decisions that protect your biggest investment.
What Dwelling Insurance Covers
Dwelling coverage (also known as Coverage A) pays to repair or rebuild your home’s physical structure if it's damaged by a covered peril. This includes:
What’s Included:
Foundation, walls, and roof
Built-in appliances and cabinets
Attached structures (garages, decks, porches)
Interior systems like plumbing, electrical, HVAC
Typical Covered Events:
Fire and smoke
Windstorms and hail
Lightning strikes
Theft and vandalism
Frozen or burst pipes
Coverage is usually based on your home’s replacement cost value (RCV), not its market value.
What’s Not Covered by Dwelling Coverage
Knowing what’s excluded is just as important.
Not Included:
Flood or earthquake damage (requires separate policies)
Normal wear and tear
Mold, rot, or pest infestations
Neglect or poor maintenance
Some policies allow endorsements for added protection:
Ordinance & Law coverage (to bring rebuilt homes up to current code)
Who Needs Dwelling Coverage?
If you own a home and have a mortgage, your lender will likely require it. But even without a loan, it’s critical for:
Single-family homeowners – Protect your residence and attached structures
Landlords – Use a landlord policy (DP-3) to protect rental property
New buyers – Lenders verify dwelling coverage before closing
Rebuilders or renovators – Ensure coverage reflects current replacement value after updates
Your home’s replacement cost can change over time. Reviewing your coverage annually helps ensure you're not underinsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between market value and dwelling coverage?
Market value is what you’d sell your home for. Dwelling coverage is based on what it would cost to rebuild it with today’s labor and materials.
Is my detached garage or shed covered under dwelling?
No. Detached structures are covered under Coverage B: Other Structures, usually at 10% of your dwelling limit unless otherwise customized.
Does dwelling coverage include personal belongings?
No. Your belongings (clothes, furniture, electronics) are covered under Coverage C: Personal Property.
How do I know if I have enough dwelling coverage?
Work with a licensed insurance advisor to calculate your home’s replacement cost based on square footage, local construction rates, and inflation.
What happens if I underinsure my dwelling?
You could face co-insurance penalties. This means your insurer might only pay a portion of your claim. Always insure to at least 80–100% of the replacement value.
How OnePoint Can Help
At OnePoint Insurance Agency, we don’t just quote—we advocate. Our licensed experts help homeowners across Georgia, Florida, Texas, and beyond find policies that actually protect.
As an independent insurance agency, we shop top-rated carriers on your behalf and tailor coverage to fit your home, budget, and goals.
Get a Quote or Learn More
Get the right protection to secure your home’s foundation—literally and financially.
