A homeowners policy is one of those things most people buy once, file in a drawer, and forget about — until they need it. Here's what to know if you own a home in Boise or the broader Treasure Valley.
The standard HO-3 policy
Most Idaho homeowners carry an HO-3 policy, which covers: - Dwelling: the physical structure of your home - Other structures: detached garages, sheds, fences - Personal property: your belongings - Personal liability: if someone is injured on your property - Loss of use: living expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss
Wildfire in the Treasure Valley
Wildfire is covered under a standard policy — but in higher-risk foothill areas, carrier availability has tightened in recent years. We know which carriers are still writing where, and we structure dwelling limits to reflect rebuild costs (not Zillow estimates).
What's typically NOT covered
- Flood: requires a separate NFIP or private flood policy
- Sewer / sump backup: inexpensive rider, easy to add
- Mold: typically limited or excluded
- Wear and tear: insurance covers sudden, accidental losses — not maintenance
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
Replacement cost pays to rebuild your home or replace your contents at today's prices. Actual cash value subtracts depreciation. The premium difference is small; the claim difference can be tens of thousands of dollars. We default to replacement cost on both.
Reviewing your policy
Build costs in the Treasure Valley have risen sharply. If your dwelling limit hasn't moved in five years, you may be underinsured. We re-evaluate at every renewal — no charge, no obligation.