Will Insurance Cover It? 15 Real-Life Scenarios

/in /by

Will Insurance Cover It? 15 Real-Life Scenarios (Some Might Surprise You)

Insurance can feel straightforward… until something actually happens. Then suddenly it’s:
“Wait… am I covered for THIS?!”

The truth is—coverage depends on your policy, your limits, and sometimes the fine print. Let’s break down 15 real-life scenarios people ask about all the time 👇

🚗 1. Your Friend Crashes Your Car

Covered? → Usually YES

Most auto insurance follows the car, not the driver.
If you gave permission, your policy is typically primary.

👉 BUT: If your friend was intoxicated or excluded from your policy, things get messy.

🌳 2. Your Neighbor’s Tree Falls on Your House

Covered? → YES (Usually your policy)

Even if it’s your neighbor’s tree, your homeowner’s insurance typically covers the damage.

👉 Exception: If the tree was dead and your neighbor knew it, they could be liable.

💻 3. You Get Hacked or Experience a Cyber Attack

Covered? → SOMETIMES

Standard policies usually don’t include cyber coverage.

👉 You may need:

  • Cyber liability (business)
  • Identity theft endorsement (personal)

🐶 4. Your Dog Bites Someone

Covered? → YES (with conditions)

Most homeowners’ policies include liability coverage for dog bites.

👉 BUT:

  • Some breeds may be excluded
  • Prior bite history can void coverage

🔥 5. Kitchen Fire Damages Your Home

Covered? → YES

Fires are one of the most standard covered perils.

👉 Even if it was your fault (like leaving the stove on), you’re typically covered.

🌊 6. Basement Flooding

Covered? → NO (usually)

This one surprises a LOT of people.

👉 Standard homeowners’ insurance does NOT cover:

  • Flooding from outside water
  • Rising groundwater

You need flood insurance for that.

🚘 7. Hit-and-Run Accident

Covered? → YES (if you have the right coverage)

Uninsured motorist coverage can step in here.

👉 Without it, you could be paying out of pocket.

🛍️ 8. Package Stolen Off Your Porch

Covered? → YES

This is considered theft, which is typically covered under homeowners or renters’ insurance.

👉 Deductible applies, so small claims may not be worth filing.

🧊 9. Frozen Pipes Burst

Covered? → YES (if you maintained heat)

Insurance covers sudden pipe bursts…

👉 BUT if you left your home unheated and pipes froze due to neglect, it may be denied.

🏢 10. Someone Slips and Falls at Your Business

Covered? → YES

This is exactly what general liability insurance is for.

👉 Covers medical bills, legal fees, and settlements.

🚗 11. You Hit a Deer

Covered? → YES (Comprehensive coverage)

This falls under comprehensive, not collision.

👉 If you only have liability, you’re not covered.

🏠 12. Your Home-Based Business Causes a Loss

Covered? → NO (usually)

Running a business out of your home?

👉 Your homeowner’s policy likely won’t cover:

  • Business equipment
  • Liability from clients

You need a business policy or endorsement.

💍 13. You Lose an Expensive Ring

Covered? → LIMITED

Homeowners policies have low limits for valuables like jewelry.

👉 For full protection, you need:

  • Scheduled personal property coverage

⚡ 14. Power Surge Fries Your Electronics

Covered? → YES (sometimes)

If caused by a covered peril (like lightning), you’re likely covered.

👉 Wear-and-tear or internal issues? Not covered.

🚧 15. Your Car Is Stolen

Covered? → YES (if you have comprehensive)

Comprehensive coverage protects against theft.

👉 Without it, there’s no payout.

🧠 The Big Takeaway

Insurance isn’t just about having a policy—it’s about having the RIGHT coverage.

Most coverage gaps come from:

  • Missing endorsements
  • Low limits
  • Assuming something is covered when it’s not

 

 

You can experience being a part of and full-serviced independent Insurance Agency today! Simply contact Briggs Agency Inc, if you are interested in an insurance review at 219-769-4840 or visit our website at www.BriggsAgency.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Blog post written by: Zachary Pelke