Home Insurance FAQ
Answers to the home insurance questions we hear most.
General Questions
How does my local fire department impact my homeowner’s policy?
Each fire protection agency (including the local fire department) is reviewed by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and ranked based on its fire protection services, such as fire equipment, staffing and available water supply. The ranking is called the Public Protection Class (PPCTM), with 1 being the best score and 10 being the worst score. Many insurance companies use the PPC rating and the distance a home is from the nearest legally responding fire department to determine whether they will insure a home and how much to charge. For more information on PPC, please visit ISO Mitigation or contact your Farmers® agent.
What is LOCATION® FireLine® and how does it affect my homeowners insurance?
Depending on the location of your home, the risk of wildfire may be a significant concern. If you live in the western United States, the number of wildfires is increasing, and the exposure to damage for homes near a high-risk area is substantial.
Several insurance companies use a detailed rating and eligibility tool called LOCATION FireLine from Verisk Analytics. This tool helps insurers assess wildfire risk at the address level. It uses advanced remote sensing and digital mapping technology to determine the impact of three c factors that contribute to wildfire risk: fuel, slope and road access. In California, FireLine also identifies risks exposed to wind-borne embers.
Your property’s FireLine score can potentially impact not only your ability to obtain homeowners insurance coverage but also the premium you pay for your insurance policy.
If you live in or near an area with an increased wildfire risk, it is important to reduce the risk and improve the overall safety of your home. To learn more about your home’s FireLine score and the steps you can take as a homeowner to reduce your exposure to wildfires, please visit the Verisk Analytics site or contact your Farmers agent.
What would it cost to replace the personal belongings in my home?
How do I know what deductible applies to my policy?
The deductible you choose will be listed on your declarations page. You can also view your policy deductible online through your Farmers.com account. For additional questions, please contact your Farmers agent.
Coverage Questions
A neighbor slips on my sidewalk and threatens to take me to court for damages. Does my homeowners insurance policy cover me?
Homeowners insurance will pay for damages if the accident is the result of your negligence. It can also pay for the legal costs of defending you against a claim. Also, the medical payments part of your homeowners policy will cover medical expenses arising from an injury to a neighbor or guest. Your local Farmers agent can periodically review your policy limits with you when you are making coverage decisions.
Does my homeowners insurance cover against losses due to fire, lightning, tornadoes, windstorms, hail, explosions, smoke, vandalism and theft?
Typically, your homeowners insurance covers a large number of perils, including all those listed. There are some limits, however, on the amount of insurance you have, so you should always consult with your local Farmers agent.
Why should I consider coverage for local building ordinances or laws?
If your home is damaged or destroyed, you may be required to remodel or rebuild your home to meet current building codes in your area that differ from when your home was built or last renovated. Many home insurance policies don’t cover the necessary upgrade costs to comply with local building codes after a covered loss, leaving you with a potential gap in coverage and unexpected expenses.
For example, let’s say you have a very large home built in 2007 and experience a fire that causes significant damage throughout the home. Some time after the home was built, the city passed an ordinance that requires the installation of fire suppression sprinklers in homes of a certain size, including yours. Upgrading the home to include the required sprinklers could cost around $20,000 and would not be covered unless you have adequate building ordinance or law coverage.
Keep in mind that local building codes, ordinances or laws often change and that, upon rebuilding or remodeling your home, you may be required to make certain home upgrades, such as updating plumbing, heating, ventilation and electrical systems. To avoid paying for those upgrades out of pocket, you may want to consider purchasing building ordinance or law coverage. You may have a greater need depending on where you live, the age of your home, and if there have been building code changes since your home was built or last renovated. Your local Farmers agent can discuss this with you so you can decide if you should consider purchasing this coverage.
Prior Loss Questions
I haven’t filed any claims. What benefit do I receive?
To reward loyal customers who haven’t filed a claim for a qualifying period of time, Farmers offers a claim forgiveness benefit that prevents the premium increase normally associated with a claim. Contact your Farmers agent to learn more about this benefit and if you qualify. (Please note this benefit is not available in all states or for all products).