What Is Homeowners Insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a form of property insurance that covers losses and damages to your residence, along with furnishings and other assets inside the home. It also provides liability coverage against accidents that occur in the home or on the property. A standard homeowners policy (often called an HO-3 policy) is typically required by mortgage lenders and is considered essential financial protection for any homeowner.
At Complete Insurance Agency, we shop multiple carriers as an independent agency to find you the best combination of coverage, service, and price. We understand New Jersey's unique risks — from nor'easters to aging infrastructure — and we build policies that truly protect your investment.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
Dwelling Coverage
Pays to repair or rebuild your home's structure if it's damaged by a covered peril such as fire, wind, hail, lightning, or vandalism. This covers your walls, roof, floors, built-in appliances, and attached structures like a garage.
Personal Property
Covers your belongings — furniture, electronics, clothing, and more — if they're stolen, damaged, or destroyed. Most policies cover your possessions even when they're away from home, such as items stolen from your car.
Liability Protection
If someone is injured on your property or you accidentally cause damage to someone else's property, liability coverage pays for legal defense costs, medical bills, and settlements — typically up to $100,000–$500,000.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
If a covered event makes your home uninhabitable, ALE pays for temporary housing, restaurant meals, and other extra costs you incur while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.
Common Perils Covered
- Fire and smoke damage
- Wind, hail, and lightning strikes
- Theft and vandalism
- Falling objects (trees, debris)
- Water damage from burst pipes or ice dams (not flooding)
- Weight of ice, snow, or sleet
- Explosion and aircraft damage
- Electrical surges and power-related damage
What's Typically NOT Covered?
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover everything. The most common exclusions include:
- Flooding — Requires a separate flood insurance policy (we offer this too)
- Earthquakes — Requires separate earthquake coverage
- Sewer backup — Usually requires an endorsement
- Maintenance issues — Gradual wear, mold from neglect, pest damage
- Home business liability — May need a separate business policy
Why Work With Complete Insurance Agency?
As an independent agency with over 27 years of experience in New Jersey, we don't work for any single insurance company — we work for you. We compare policies from multiple top-rated carriers to find the right balance of coverage and cost for your specific home and situation. Whether you own a starter home in Bergen County or a large property in North Jersey, we'll make sure you're properly protected without overpaying.
- Free, no-obligation quotes from multiple carriers
- Personalized coverage recommendations based on your home's features and location
- Help with bundling discounts (home + flood, home + auto referrals)
- Claims assistance — we advocate on your behalf
- Annual policy reviews to ensure you're never under- or over-insured