Your roof is an important part of the structure of your home or business. If it is well maintained, it protects the structure from the perils of hail, wind, water (rain, ice), fire, and other hazards. An old or poorly maintained roof can increase the risk of interior damage to ceilings, walls, foundations, and contents, such as furniture. Even a small leak can cause widespread water damage, mold, and mildew.

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Like any residence, your vacation home needs to be insured—but because the risks are different, the coverage might cost more than your primary homeowners policy. Before you leap into second-home ownership, consider the factors that will likely affect the price you’ll need to pay for insuring it.

Earthquakes and coverage

Earthquakes can cause much harm to home structures. They can damage housing foundations and collapse walls; even relatively mild tremors can destroy furnishings and belongings.

Aside from the danger of flooding, heavy rainfall can also lead to mudflow, basically creating a river of mud; and landslides, which are caused by the movement of the destabilized land—due either to gradual erosion or an accumulation of water.

Don’t confuse mudflows with mudslides as there are distinct differences.  Mudslides occur when a mass of earth or rock moves downhill, propelled by gravity. They typically don't contain enough liquid to seep into your home, and they aren't eligible for flood insurance coverage. In fact, mudslides are not covered by any policy.

A volcanic eruption is one of nature’s most destructive forces, and can result in damage or destruction to homes, businesses, transportation and agriculture.

Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party for 50 or greeting the New Year with a few friends, if you're planning to serve alcohol at your home take steps to limit your liquor liability and make sure you have the proper insurance.

Before renting out your home, your first step should be to call your insurance agent.

Legally, you can own a home without homeowners insurance. However, in most cases, those who have a financial interest in your home—such as a mortgage or home equity loan holder—will require that it be insured. And, for your own ongoing financial protection, you'll want your home to have adequate homeowners coverage, as well.

Standard homeowners policies cover a wide range of potential disasters, from tornadoes to lightning strikes to winter storm damage. Policies do vary, though, so for your own peace of mind, check yours for the specific perils covered. Learn what's generally covered by each homeowners insurance policy type—and what's not. With escalating climate change risks, rising repair costs, and shifting insurance market dynamics, homeowners face evolving challenges in what is covered — and what isn’t.