What is Home Insurance Structure Insurance – Covers Building?
Home Insurance Structure Insurance refers to the insurance coverage that protects the physical structure of your home. This includes the walls, roof, floors, foundation, and built-in fixtures (like plumbing and electrical systems). Essentially, it covers damages to the actual building due to insured perils like fire, natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and more.
Benefits of Home Insurance Structure Insurance – Covers Building
- Financial Protection: Covers repair or rebuilding costs after damage.
- Peace of Mind: Protection against unexpected disasters.
- Lender Requirement: Often mandatory if you have a home loan.
- Coverage for Permanent Fixtures: Includes plumbing, wiring, and built-in appliances.
- Protection Against Natural Disasters: Coverage for earthquakes, floods (if added), storms.
- Covers Accidental Damage: Sometimes accidental damages are included.
- Covers Loss due to Theft or Vandalism: Protection against break-ins affecting the structure.
- Additional Living Expenses: Some plans cover temporary housing if the home is uninhabitable.
Risks Covered by Home Insurance Structure Insurance – Covers Building
- Fire and smoke damage
- Lightning strikes
- Storms, hail, and wind damage
- Earthquake (if specifically added)
- Flood damage (usually needs a separate policy)
- Theft and vandalism damage to the structure
- Explosion or accidental damage
- Damage caused by falling objects (trees, poles)
- Subsidence or landslide (sometimes included or optional)
- Damage due to riots or civil commotion
Top 10 Home Insurance Structure Insurance Plans in India (2025) & Their Comparison
| Insurer | Plan Name | Pros | Cons | Approx. Cost (Annual) | Coverage Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HDFC ERGO | Optima Restore | Covers rebuilding cost, natural calamities | Flood cover optional, premium on higher side | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Automatic sum insured restoration |
| ICICI Lombard | Home Guard | Wide peril coverage, includes theft | Claim settlement sometimes slow | ₹2,500 – ₹7,000 | Accidental damage included |
| Bajaj Allianz | Home Shield | Comprehensive natural calamity cover | Add-ons raise premium | ₹2,000 – ₹6,500 | Temporary accommodation benefit |
| Tata AIG | Home Secure | Earthquake and fire included, quick claims | Limited sum insured restoration | ₹2,800 – ₹7,500 | Covers electrical wiring damage |
| New India Assurance | Home Insurance Policy | Government-backed, affordable | Less flexible add-ons | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 | Standard peril cover |
| Reliance General | Home Care | Covers theft & natural calamities | Customer service can be slow | ₹2,000 – ₹6,000 | Includes fixtures & fittings |
| National Insurance | Home Insurance Policy | Good for rural homes | Limited coverage for urban homes | ₹1,800 – ₹5,500 | Natural calamities covered |
| Kotak Mahindra General | Kotak Home Insurance | Flexible plans, covers major perils | Premiums on higher side | ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 | Accidental & theft cover |
| Future Generali | Home Insurance Policy | Wide network, add-on for flood & earthquake | Limited claim settlement ratio | ₹2,500 – ₹7,000 | Comprehensive add-ons available |
| Bharti AXA | Home Secure Plan | Instant policy issuance, good online process | Limited offline presence | ₹2,800 – ₹7,000 | Covers temporary relocation costs |
FAQs for Home Insurance Structure Insurance – Covers Building
Q1: What does Home Structure Insurance cover?
A1: It covers damages to the physical building and permanent fixtures caused by insured perils like fire, storms, theft, and certain natural disasters.
Q2: Does it cover the contents inside the house?
A2: No, contents (like furniture, appliances) usually require a separate contents insurance policy.
Q3: Is flood damage covered?
A3: Flood damage is typically not covered by standard home structure policies and may require a separate add-on.
Q4: Can I insure my home if it’s under construction?
A4: Some insurers offer policies for homes under construction, but coverage and terms vary.
Q5: How is the sum insured decided?
A5: Usually based on the rebuilding cost of the home, not the market value of the property or land.
Q6: What documents are required for claim?
A6: Usually includes proof of ownership, policy document, photos of damage, and estimates from contractors.
Q7: Are natural disasters like earthquakes covered?
A7: Earthquake coverage is often an optional add-on.
Q8: How soon should I report a claim?
A8: Claims should be reported as soon as possible, often within 24-72 hours depending on the insurer.
Q9: Can I add coverage for fixtures like electrical wiring or plumbing?
A9: Many plans include this by default, but confirm with the insurer.
Q10: Does Home Structure Insurance cover temporary living expenses if my home is damaged?
A10: Some plans include coverage for additional living expenses during repairs.