Columbus, Ohio Home Insurance

Columbus, Ohio, is a city where the charm of yesteryears blends seamlessly with modern vitality. The majestic Ohio Statehouse, the serene Scioto Mile, and the animated German Village infuse Columbus with its unique aura, making home ownership in this dynamic city a remarkable feat and a tribute to your relentless effort and dedication.

However, your home represents more than just an architectural structure; it's a vault for your dreams, a sanctuary of tranquility. It's a valuable asset that merits care and protection. That's why every homeowner in the Columbus area should consider investing in Ohio home insurance to safeguard their investment and ensure a secure future.

End your search for home insurance in Columbus, Ohio by giving us a call. We'll explain your options and answer any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision about which policy is right for you. With our knowledge, expertise, and dedication to customer service, you can feel confident that your home and assets are in capable hands.



Let us help you find comprehensive coverage for your Columbus, Ohio home insurance policy so that you can rest assured knowing your dream is secure. Contact us today to get started!

Home insurance, at its core, is a contractual agreement between you and an insurance provider. In exchange for regular premium payments, the insurer agrees to cover financial losses related to your home under specified circumstances.

The coverage provided by home insurance can be broadly classified into four categories.

Dwelling Coverage 

Dwelling coverage is a critical element of home insurance, particularly for homeowners in Columbus, Ohio. It is designed to safeguard the physical edifice of your home, which includes the main building and any attached structures like garages. Here's an in-depth look at its features:

Scope of Coverage: Typically, dwelling coverage caters to damages to the physical construct of your home resulting from specified perils. These usually encompass fire, windstorms, hail, lightning, vandalism, among others.

Protection Level: The protection level provided by dwelling coverage is determined by your home's replacement cost. In essence, it covers the expense to repair or rebuild your home using materials of comparable kind and quality, without accounting for depreciation.

Cost and Influencing Factors: In Columbus, an average dwelling coverage of $200K costs around $804 annually, while an increased coverage up to $400K could cost approximately $1,451 per year. Factors influencing the cost of dwelling coverage include the age and condition of your home, its geographical location, and the chosen coverage amount.

Specialty Dwelling Insurance: For Columbus homeowners with rental properties or vacant homes, specialty dwelling insurance can be a worthwhile consideration. This insurance variant provides coverage specifically curated for these unique circumstances.

Policy Guidelines: Most insurance policies mandate that your home should be insured for a minimum of 80 percent of its replacement cost. If your coverage falls short, you might have to bear out-of-pocket expenses for repairs exceeding the coverage limit.

Personal Property Coverage

Personal Property Coverage mainly aims to secure the contents of your home, such as your personal possessions. Here are some key points to understand about this coverage:

Coverage Range: Personal Property Coverage generally covers your personal possessions inside your home. This covers items like furniture, appliances, clothing, and other personal items. If these items are lost or damaged due to a covered peril such as fire, theft, or storm, your insurer will help replace them.

Protection Level: The protection level offered by Personal Property Coverage is usually based on a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, if your dwelling coverage limit is $200,000 and your personal property coverage is 50% of that, you would have $100,000 in personal property coverage.

Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: Insurers can determine the value of your belongings in two ways - Actual Cash Value (ACV) or Replacement Cost Value (RCV). ACV considers depreciation, while RCV covers the cost to replace the item with a new one. While RCV provides more comprehensive coverage, it might also come with higher premiums.

Special Limits: Certain types of items like jewelry, art, and collectibles often have special coverage limits. If the value of these items exceeds these limits, you may need to purchase additional coverage, known as a rider or endorsement.

Inventory: Maintaining an updated inventory of your personal belongings, including their estimated value, can make the claims process easier. This could include photos, receipts, or a detailed list of items.

Liability Protection for Columbus Homeowners

Some homeowners insurance policies include liability protection for losses due to the negligence of you or your family members. This helps protect your financial assets if someone sues for damages resulting from an accident on the property. Liability coverage can also provide protection in cases of libel, slander, and other types of lawsuits.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE) Coverage

ALE coverage is an optional but highly recommended addition to your home insurance policy. This coverage can help you pay for additional living expenses in the event of a covered loss that renders your home uninhabitable. For example, if there is a fire and your house needs extensive repairs or rebuilding, ALE can cover the costs of temporary housing, meals, and other associated expenses while your home is being repaired.

Home insurance policies offer extensive coverage, but it's crucial to understand that they don't cover all potential hazards. Here are some typical exclusions in home insurance policies in Columbus, Ohio:

1. Flood Damage: Standard home insurance policies typically exclude flood damage. Homeowners in areas susceptible to flooding may need to secure separate flood insurance.
2. Earthquake Damage: Standard policies generally do not cover damages caused by earthquakes. If your area is prone to seismic activities, you might need to consider supplemental earthquake insurance.
3. Neglect and Poor Maintenance: Damages resulting from inadequate maintenance or neglect aren't covered. It's the homeowners' responsibility to maintain their homes and minimize any potential risks.
4. Deliberate Damage: If you or a member of your household intentionally cause damage to your home, your insurer will not cover the repair costs.
5. Home-Based Business Activities: Standard home insurance does not cover damages or liabilities related to business activities conducted from your home.
6. Expensive Personal Items: While personal property is covered up to a certain limit, high-priced items like luxury jewelry, unique art pieces, or valuable collections might need additional coverage or endorsements.
7. Mold Damage: Coverage for mold damage may be limited or excluded in some policies, especially if it results from preventable factors like water leaks or high humidity.
8. Pet-Related Damages or Liability: Standard policies usually do not cover damages caused by pets to your property. Also, liability coverage may exclude certain breeds of dogs.

Remember, insurance policies can vary significantly, so it's important to thoroughly read your policy documents and discuss any questions with your insurance agent. Being aware of what is not covered can guide you in deciding on any additional coverage you may require.

Homeowners' insurance companies typically offer discounts for having certain safety features such as smoke detectors, security systems, or storm shutters installed in your home. Other discounts may be available based on your age, occupation, or credit score.

• Multi-policy Discount (combining homeowners and auto insurance)
• Claims Free Discount (no prior claims filed with the insurer)
• Protective Device Credit (for installing smoke detectors or deadbolt locks)
• Age 55+ Discounts (typically for customers aged 55 or older)
• Loyalty Discount (for customers who have been with the same insurer for a number of years)
• Good Credit Score Credit (for customers with excellent credit scores)
• Electronic Funds Transfer Discount (for setting up automatic payments)
• New Homeowner Credit (for purchasing a newly built home)
• Renewal Credit (for renewing a policy)
• Green Home Discount (for installing green features in your home)
• Senior Citizen Discounts (typically for customers aged 65 or older)
• Professional Association Discounts (for members of select professional organizations)
• Military/Veterans Discounts (for active military personnel or veterans).

By taking the time to compare different discounts and credits offered by Columbus, OH homeowners insurance companies, you can save significantly on your policy. Make sure to ask for details about any potential discounts when getting a quote so that you can maximize your savings. Additionally, if you are renovating or repairing your home, make sure to check with your insurer first about any potential credits or discounts they may provide for updating safety features in the home. Doing so could potentially save you even more money on your policy!

The easiest way to make sure you are getting the best deal on your Columbus, OH homeowners insurance is to compare quotes from multiple insurers. By comparing different rates and coverage options, you can ensure that you are getting the right policy for your needs at the most affordable rate.



At Bellwether Insurance, we work with multiple insurance companies and can provide free quotes quickly and easily. We can also answer any questions you may have about different discounts and credits available for Columbus, OH homeowners’ insurance policies. Contact us today to start the process of finding the perfect policy for your needs!