Lightning damage, wildfires and residential fires are some of the top risks to Kentucky homeowners. Fire and smoke can be financially devastating to your home, which is why you need to understand the fire coverages offered in your Kentucky homeowners insurance.

A Kentucky independent insurance agent can walk you through your homeowners insurance coverages and discuss policy limits for fire damage. To start, here's what you need to know about your home and fire risks.

What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover in Kentucky?

Homeowners insurance is a combination of policies that protects your property and your stuff should it be damaged by a number of causes. A typical Kentucky homeowners policy will provide the following coverage: 

• Property damage: Includes damage to your home and any structures on your property from fire, storms, theft and vandalism. 
• Natural disasters: Includes damage from fires, lightning, windstorms, hail, and smoke. 
• Standard home liability: Pays for any third-party bodily injuries or property damage that occurs in your home or on your property. 
• Living expenses:  Covers fees for a hotel or excess living costs should you need to temporarily vacate your home due to a covered loss.
• Personal property coverage: Includes your personal property such as furniture and clothes.

What Isn't Covered by Homeowners Insurance in Kentucky?

The most common exclusion from Kentucky homeowners insurance is coverage for flooding and earthquakes. 

Flood insurance can be purchased with the help of your Kentucky independent insurance agent through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). They can also assist in purchasing earthquake insurance.

According to insurance expert Jeffrey Green, the following would also not be covered by your homeowners policy

• Damage from poor maintenance
• Loss due to nuclear war or act of war
• Insect infestations or damage
• Business-related liabilities
• Intentional fires

Does Kentucky Home Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

Yes, fire is a covered loss in your standard Kentucky homeowners insurance policy. Should a fire strike your home, your policy would pay for any structural damage as well as replacement costs for your personal assets.

You will have policy limits for fire damage that you'll want to discuss with your Kentucky independent insurance agent. If the location of your home puts you at greater risk for fire damage, you may want to increase your coverage limits.

Property loss due to fires in the United States, by property use

One and two-family homes experience more than $6 billion in property loss due to fires each year.

Do I Need Additional Coverage to Be Insured against a Fire?

Wildfires and residential fires are the third biggest threat to Kentucky homeowners. If your home is located in a high-risk wildfire zone, you may benefit from increased coverage limits. 

Your policy limit is the maximum amount of money your insurance policy will pay out in the event of a fire. You'll typically set limits for your dwelling coverage and your personal property coverage. 

• Dwelling coverage limits: This should be based on the cost to rebuild your home.
• Personal property coverage limits: Extra coverage may need to be considered for items such as jewelry, artwork, and other expensive items.

Your Kentucky independent insurance agent can help you determine if you need additional coverage against fire.

Are There Any Other Policies That Can Provide Additional Coverage?

It is possible to purchase a stand-alone fire insurance policy if you feel like you need additional fire coverage for your property. 

Stand-alone policies are often purchased on secondary homes or homes that have a history of claims that increases insurance costs. 

In addition, Kentucky homeowners can benefit from purchasing flood insurance, as flooding is the most frequent and costly disaster in Kentucky.

How Can a Kentucky Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Protecting your home and your possessions from potential risks is a crucial part of being a homeowner. For Kentucky residents, a Kentucky independent insurance agent understands the risk your home faces from a fire. 

They'll chat with you, free of charge, about the best coverage for your home. Agents are experts in local homeowners insurance and will shop multiple carriers to find you an affordable and effective policy.