: Pays what the item was worth at the time of the loss , factoring in depreciation. For example, if a 10-year-old roof is destroyed, ACV only pays for its current, aged value.

: This is the highest level of coverage. It covers both your home and belongings against all risks (except exclusions), offering broader protection than an HO-3.

: The most common choice. It covers your home structure against all risks unless specifically excluded (like floods or earthquakes), but only covers your belongings for specific "named perils" like fire or theft.

When buying home insurance, looking beyond the monthly premium is essential to ensure you are actually protected in a disaster. A comprehensive guide focuses on three pillars: , how coverage is calculated , and the insurer's reliability . 1. Identify the Right Policy Type

Not all home insurance policies are the same. Most standard homes use one of these three forms: