Some people buy their homes for the amazing views they provide. Whether the home is located in a wooden area, the mountains or on the beach, pristine views add significant value to homes — both in terms of actual dollars as well as the enjoyment people get out of them.
But, what happens when that pristine view that attracted you to the house is taken away?
Do you have any recourse if, say, a new condominium complex is built in front of your home, blocking your view of the beach? Or, what about if someone buys the empty land behind your property to build a new shopping center?
In either of these hypothetical situations — and many more like it — there’s no doubt that your home value will be affected by you losing your view. Below, we discuss whether you could seek compensation from your homeowners insurance if this happens.
Does Homeowners Insurance Provide Coverage for Your View?
The simple and quick answer to this question is: Unfortunately, no.
Homeowners insurance provides coverage for your home, your property and any other structures on your property. While your view is certainly an important aspect of your property, it’s not something that you technically own. As such, it’s not something that would be covered under your homeowners insurance plan.
In very few cases is your view completely in your control. Generally speaking, laws around the country state that you don’t have any right to the view from your house — or the air and light above or surrounding it.
There are some places where your view is protected. Cities where the homes overlook an ocean or another beautiful view may have what’s known as “adopted view” ordinances.
But, even these laws normally only protect a homeowner’s view from being obstructed by trees that are growing, not a new building that gets constructed.
It’s for this reason that your view is not covered under your homeowners insurance policy.
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
As mentioned before, homeowners insurance provides coverage for your property, the structures on it, your possessions in them, as well as liability for you in case someone gets injured.
While each homeowners insurance plan will vary somewhat in terms of what it covers, how much that coverage costs and what your deductible is, almost all plans have five main parts.
1. Dwelling
The dwelling coverage of your homeowners insurance plan protects your main house as well as certain structures that are attached to the house. This is the main part of your insurance policy, since it is usually the most valuable part.
Your home is the main aspect of this coverage, and that includes any garages that are attached directly to the main home. If you have a detached garage or other structures on the property, that will be covered under a different section.
It’s important to understand the delineation between what is and isn’t included under your dwelling coverage, because there are different coverage limits for each. Your main dwelling coverage will have the highest limit, since your main home is the most expensive structure to replace should it be damaged.
Your insurance policy will explicitly state what damage is covered under your policy, and what damage would fall outside the purview of the policy. Should you need to add coverage for specific type of damage not covered under the main policy — such as flood insurance — you can do that as a supplemental policy.
2. Other Dwellings
The other dwellings coverage includes all other structures on your property that are not directly connected to your main house. This includes a shed, detached garage and pool, for example.
You will receive similar coverage for these dwellings, though the policy limit is typically much lower than your main dwelling coverage.
3. Personal Property
Most homeowners insurance policies will also provide coverage for most of your personal property inside the home. If your home is damaged by a fire, for instance, and you lose your entire wardrobe, your homeowners insurance policy likely provides coverage for that.
Each policy will differ in terms of what personal property is covered and what your overall coverage limit is, so make sure to check. Keep in mind that expensive items, such as jewelry, likely will not be covered under your main policy. You would have to take out extra coverage for those possessions.
4. Liability
If someone is injured on your property, they have the right to sue you in court for damages. Your homeowners insurance provides personal liability coverage in case this ever happens.
This is an extremely important aspect of homeowners insurance. While it may be rare that you’ll need this coverage, if you do, you’ll be thankful you have it. Court costs alone can be significant, not to mention any damages that might be due to the person who’s injured to help them with their injuries and lost wages — among other costs.
5. Additional Costs
Most homeowners insurance policies will also provide some coverage for any additional costs incurred due to a loss that’s covered under your policy. For instance, if you have to move out of your home temporarily because of fire damage, you will likely be able to have your temporary housing costs covered at least somewhat.
Work with a Trusted Insurance Company Like Signature Insurance
There are many things that your homeowners insurance policy will cover, but unfortunately, your view isn’t one of them. Since you technically don’t own or have a legal right to your view in almost all cases, it is not something that would fall under the purview of your homeowners insurance.
If you’re a homeowner or are in the market to buy a house, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered under your homeowners insurance. Policies can be quite complicated, though, which is why it’s so vital to work with an insurance company you can trust.
Signature Insurance has been providing homeowners in Michigan with the best insurance policies for years now. Contact us today to find out more and to get a free quote.