Get the Most Out of Your Homeowners Insurance

1. Know your home’s current value.

An up-to-date valuation of your home ensures you have adequate coverage. Work with a licensed home builder or appraiser for the most accurate value.

2. Create an inventory.

A detailed inventory, including photos or videos, documents your belongings and their condition. This makes the claims process faster and more accurate in the event of loss or damage.

3. Understand what the policy covers.

Most homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by fire, storms, theft, and vandalism. They also typically include liability coverage and living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. DTRIC’s homeowners insurance includes these protections and more.

4. Know what’s not covered.

In Hawai‘i, specific policy coverage is required for hurricanes or flood damage. Standard policies often exclude losses caused by landslides, earthquakes, sinkholes, power failure, government action, or poor maintenance.

5. Learn how to file a claim.

Being prepared before a disaster even strikes will help you act quickly and smoothly. Understanding the process ahead of time can minimize stress and speed up compensation.

6. Document any damage.

To receive maximum compensation, keep detailed records, such as receipts, contracts, appraisals, and a log of any discussions regarding your claim. “Before and after” photos and videos (your smartphone works) can also help demonstrate the extent of the damage. Save an electronic copy of all records as a backup.