HO-2 insurance

An HO-2 policy is one of the many types of insurance policies available to homeowners. Despite being known as “broad form coverage,” HO-2 policies are not the standard policy choice for most homeowners. In contrast to an HO-3 policy, the most common type of homeowners policy which offers coverage for perils except those specifically excluded, an HO-2 policy only provides coverage in the event of a named peril. However, there are many benefits to an HO-2 policy depending on your individual needs. Knowing what an HO-2 policy does and does not cover is imperative before deciding whether to purchase this policy type for your home.

What is HO-2 insurance?

Generally, property and casualty insurers offer eight different types of coverage, also called “policy forms,” for homeowners, condo owners and renters. Some are specific to the type of home in which you live. An HO-5 policy, for example, is a fully comprehensive open peril policy designed for high-value homes (dwelling limits over $1 million).  HO-4 policies exist just for renters, while HO-6 policies are for condo owners and HO-7 insurance is designed to protect those who own mobile and manufactured homes.

If you own a traditional home, there are several homeowners policy options. An HO-1 policy offers the fewest levels of protection. On the other end of the spectrum is the HO-5 policy, which gives you the most robust protection of the various coverage forms. However, this policy type typically comes with requirements your home has to meet.

HO-2 policies are a step up from HO-1 policies, but they do not offer as much coverage as an HO-3, which is the most common type of homeowners insurance policy.

Like other home insurance policies, HO-2 insurance is comprised of several standard coverage types, including:

• Dwelling coverage, for the home itself
• Other structures coverage, for detached structures like sheds, fences, detached garages and in-ground swimming pools
• Personal property coverage, for your belongings, such as clothes, furniture and electronics
• Liability coverage, in some cases, for protection if you are found at fault for injuries or damage to someone’s belongings that occurs on your property
• Additional living expenses coverage, which provides temporary living coverage in case your home is not liveable due to a covered loss

Named perils vs. open perils

The various components of home insurance policies are covered either on a named perils basis or an open perils basis. In general, a named perils policy will cover only the specifically named perils, such as fire or wind, listed in the policy. An open perils policy protects you against any loss unless it is explicitly listed as an exclusion.

An HO-2 insurance policy covers homeowners on a named perils basis. This means that your policy will only cover damage caused by a peril that is specifically listed in the policy. If your home is damaged by an occurrence that is not specifically listed, it will likely not be covered.

HO-2 vs. HO-3 policies

Before choosing a homeowners insurance policy, you should understand the difference between how an HO-2 policy and an HO-3 policy covers your home’s structure and personal belongings. Below is a table showing how HO-2 policies and HO-3 policies cover losses.

HO-2 coverages

Now that you know that an HO-2 policy only covers specifically named losses, you may be wondering what those losses are.

What do HO-2 policies cover?

An HO-2 policy typically lists 16 named perils. They are:

• Fire and lightning
• Windstorm and hail
• Explosions
• Riot and civil commotion
• Damage caused by aircraft
• Damage caused by vehicles
• Smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Volcanic eruption
• Falling objects
• Damage caused by the weight of ice, snow or sleet
• Accidental discharge of water or steam from a household appliance or a plumbing, heating, air conditioning or sprinkler system
• Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging of a steam or hot water heating system, air conditioner or sprinkler system
• Freezing of a household appliance or plumbing, heating, air conditioner or sprinkler system
• Sudden and accidental damage from an artificially generated electrical current

What do HO-2 policies exclude?

Like most home policies, HO-2 insurance typically does not cover flood and earthquake coverage. Other exclusions may include:

• Water damage caused by sewer or drain backups
• Nuclear accidents
• War
• Mudslides and landslides
• Sinkholes
• Mold
• Pests like rodents or termites
• Power failure
• Damage as a result of neglected maintenance

Some homeowners insurance providers offer the ability to add optional coverage types to your policy with riders, also called endorsements. You might be able to add a rider to cover mold damage or sewer backup damage, for example. Flood and earthquake coverages could also be added as endorsements or you may need to purchase separate policies for these perils.

Frequently asked questions

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    Where can I buy HO-2 insurance?

    Some home insurance providers offer HO-2 insurance, although most companies typically only offer HO-3 policies. If you are looking for an HO-2 policy or want to compare policy options, you can start by getting quotes from multiple home insurance providers.
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    How much does an HO-2 policy cost?

    Like all home insurance policies, the amount you will pay for HO-2 insurance depends on the specific features of your house, where you live, how common natural disasters are in your area and more.

    The best way to find a policy to fit your budget is to obtain quotes from several companies. Comparing your quotes with the average home insurance costs in your state may help you decide if a policy is the right fit for you.

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    Which type of homeowners insurance should I get?

    Generally, policies that offer less protection — like HO-1 and HO-2 insurance — are cheaper than policies with more expansive coverage options. You may pay less, but you will also be exposed to more risk.

    If you are unsure how much coverage you need, talking to an insurance professional may be a good idea. An agent can help you evaluate your specific needs and guide you to a policy that best protects your unique situation.

    Learn more: Affordable home insurance companies

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    What perils are not covered by HO-2 or HO-3 policies?

    There are several perils not named on an HO-2 policy that are also excluded on an HO-3 policy. Perils that are typically not covered by either policy include earthquakes, floods, mudslides, war and owner neglect. If you want these perils covered, you may need to purchase additional coverage.