Home Insurance in Bellingham, WA
A homeowners policy protects your house, your belongings and your finances if someone is hurt on your property. We help Whatcom County homeowners set it up right, so the coverage fits the home you actually have.
What a homeowners policy typically covers
Every policy is different, but most include these core coverages. Here is what each one means in plain English.
Dwelling
The structure of your home: roof, walls, floors and built-in systems. Your dwelling limit should reflect what it would cost to rebuild today, not what the home would sell for.
Other structures
Detached garages, sheds, fences and similar structures on your property.
Personal property
Your belongings, from furniture to electronics. Ask whether yours pays replacement cost (the price to buy new) or actual cash value (replacement cost minus wear and tear).
Personal liability
Helps if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property, at home or out and about, like on a walk or a bike ride. Typically excludes work, vehicles, boats and self-propelled devices, including many e-bikes.
Loss of use
Helps cover extra living costs, like a rental or hotel, if a covered loss leaves your home unlivable during repairs.
Medical payments to others
Helps pay smaller medical bills for guests hurt at your home, regardless of who was at fault.
Common gaps worth asking about
These are the items we see catch Whatcom County homeowners off guard most often.
- Earthquake damage. Typically excluded from standard policies and available as separate coverage. Learn about earthquake insurance.
- Flooding. Typically excluded and covered by a separate flood policy.
- Sewer or drain backup. Often requires an endorsement (an add-on to your policy).
- Older roofs. Some policies pay roof claims at actual cash value, which can leave a large gap on an aging roof.
- Rebuild costs and code upgrades. Construction prices can outpace a dwelling limit that has not been reviewed in a while, and code-required upgrades often need building ordinance or law coverage.
- High-value items. Jewelry, art and collectibles often have low limits unless they are scheduled (listed individually on your policy).
Common questions
How much home insurance do I need?
Why did my home insurance go up when I didn’t file a claim?
Does home insurance cover water damage?
Not sure your home is covered the way you think?
A free policy check walks through your dwelling limit, deductible and common gaps in plain English.
General information only, not a quote, offer or guarantee of coverage. Coverage, availability and price depend on the policy, the carrier and your situation. See all coverage.