McQuiston: 5 Things That May Be Missing From Your Home Insurance Policy

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
Jemez Insurance Agency
Serving Los Alamos Since 1963

Why Reviewing Your Coverage Matters More Than You Think

Homeowners often assume they’re fully protected — but insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Here are five common gaps that could leave you exposed:

1. Extended Replacement Cost

Most policies cover your home up to a set amount. But if rebuilding costs skyrocket after a wildfire or storm, your coverage could fall short.

Extended replacement cost coverage adds 10–25% extra — an essential safeguard when rebuild costs are volatile.

2. High-Value Personal Items

Standard policies limit coverage for valuables like jewelry, art, and collectibles. Without scheduling these items separately, you might only recover a fraction of their value after a loss.

3. Home Business Coverage

Working from home or running a side business? Your personal policy may not cover business-related property or liability.
Separate endorsements or small business coverage may be necessary to fully protect your livelihood.

4. Ordinance or Law Coverage

If your home needs rebuilding, local building codes may require costly updates — and standard policies typically don’t cover code upgrades.
Ordinance or law coverage fills this gap, saving you from unexpected expenses during reconstruction.

5. Policy Customization

Insurance should fit your specific life, not a generic template. Renovations, valuable purchases, or life changes might mean your old policy no longer matches your needs.

Bottom Line

Insurance works best when it’s proactive — not reactive.
A quick policy review can ensure you have the right protections in place before life throws you a curveball.

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