Insurance coverage in the household insurance

As with any other type of insurance, the actual household insurance coverage is set by each individual insurance company. One insurance plan may for example include bicycles, while another company may prohibit this particular item. Nevertheless, in Germany, as well as in the United States, a common standard exists to which most insurance companies orient their products. A more detailed description follows.

Household insurance coverage in Germany
In Germany, household contents insurance typically covers damages resulting from fire, water, storm, hail, theft, burglary and vandalism. Some insurance companies provide an additional more comprehensive insurance coverage that for example also includes overvoltage and collision damage at no extra charge. Usually however, a more comprehensive household coverage involves a premium surcharge. The scope of household insurance in Germany can in principle be customized. Often this is possible by choosing a suitable plan or else by adding an additional package to the basic plan. The exact insurance coverage is determined by the insurance policy. As this policy serves as proof of insurance in case of damage, it should be kept safe, preferably outside the four walls.

Household insurance coverage in the USA

Also in the U.S. some standards exist in regard to household insurance: it usually provides cover against damages caused by fire, lightning, storm, hail, theft, explosion, intentional damage, smoke from a car or a plane, the collapse of a building or riots and civil unrest. The scope of household insurance in the U.S. is therefore much wider than in Germany and also covers risks that can not be insured in Germany.

The exact insurance coverage depends on the type of insurance. The insurance policy provides all relevant information and should therefore be kept in a safe place. Additionally, American household insurance, as previously mentioned, typically involves private liability insurance.