Withhome contents insurance, you're covered for damage to your household goods. What should you do if you experience damage, and how do you get reimbursed by the insurer?

To be able to recover damages to your household contents from the insurer, you take out household contents insurance. If a loss is covered by the insurance, you can submit the bill to the insurer. Keep in mind, however, that there are significant differences between household contents insurance policies. Some policies offer more generous coverage than others. How do you file a claim?

What is covered under home contents insurance?

There is sometimes confusion about exactly what is covered under contents insurance and what is covered under building insurance. Normally, you insure everything that is permanently attached to the house under building insurance, also known as home insurance. Anything that isn’t attached to the house is considered personal property. So a kitchen is covered under building insurance, while a freestanding cabinet is covered under personal property insurance. Most personal property insurance policies offer what’s called “extra comprehensive coverage.” Causes of damage covered under this policy include:

• Fire
• Burglary and Theft
• Storm and Hail Damage
• Certain Types of Water Damage

There are alsocomprehensive home contents insurance policies. These policies offer broader coverage. Your smartphone is usually included in this coverage.