More than 6 million property crimes have been committed in the US in recent years. As a homeowner in Mississippi, it helps to understand the protection you have through your homeowners insurance and what property crimes your insurance will cover. 

A Mississippi independent insurance agent has your back when preparing for unexpected disasters. Agents understand the ins and outs of homeowners insurance, can walk you through your coverage, and help you fill any gaps that may exist.

Understanding Home Insurance Coverage in Mississippi

The easiest way to understand which property crimes are covered by your Mississippi homeowners insurance is to understand what a home policy includes. 

Home insurance is designed to protect your land, structures, and personal property from various potential risks, including property crimes. A standard homeowners policy includes the following four major coverages:

• Structural damage: The structure of your home, including detached structures like sheds and garages, is protected under your dwelling coverage. Your policy will include a list of perils where your dwelling is covered, including burglary, vandalism, or arson.
• Personal property damage: Your personal belongings like furniture, clothing, important collectibles, and electronics are protected under your personal property coverage.
• Additional living expenses: If your home is vandalized or suffers arson to the point that you can no longer live in it, you'll receive reimbursement for things like hotel rooms, daily meals, and extra commuting with additional living expenses coverage.
• Liability: Should a visitor be injured on your property or if you cause damage to someone else's property, you'd be protected through your liability coverage. 

What Doesn't Home Insurance Cover? 

Mississippi home insurance is designed to be comprehensive against a myriad of risks, but you are still exposed in some areas. A standard homeowners insurance policy will not cover:

For several of these scenarios, including flooding, earthquakes, and business liability, you can purchase additional coverages to get protection.

How Does Mississippi Home Insurance Cover Burglary, Vandalism or Arson?

Property crimes can be financially and mentally damaging. When someone invades your personal space and causes damage to your property, it is unsettling. Fortunately, your homeowners insurance has your back after a property crime in the following ways:

• Property coverage for your stolen belongings
• Dwelling coverage to repair damage from break-ins
• Sub-limits on valuable items such as jewelry or artwork
• Other structures coverage for break-ins into your garage or detached shed
• Loss of use coverage if you're temporarily displaced from your home

Speak with your independent insurance agent about your home needs to ensure that you have the proper coverage in place.

What If Someone Gets Injured While Committing a Crime on My Property?

It may seem ridiculous to think about, but if an intruder was injured while trying to commit a property crime in your home, they could sue you.

However, this is why your homeowners insurance includes liability coverage. If this were to occur, you'd be covered for any legal fees, settlement costs, court fees, and even medical bills related to the claim.

How Does Extra Coverage for Valuables Work in Mississippi?

Extra valuables coverage is called a personal articles floater or personal inland marine. It covers individually listed items for a specific value. Some of the things that are typically considered valuables by insurance include:

• Jewelry
• Artwork
• Furs
• Collectibles
• Sporting equipment
• Electronics
• Fine china
• Musical instruments

When an insurance carrier views an item as highly valuable, they insure it differently than your other property. You're likely to have an individual limit per valuable based on the individual value of each item. Your independent insurance agent can help you list out all of your belongings and discuss the best way to cover them.

How Common Are Home Property Crimes in Mississippi?

No matter where you live in Mississippi, you're susceptible to property crimes. While nationwide property crimes have decreased over the last decade, they still exist in high numbers across the US and in Mississippi.

Mississippi property crime stats in recent years

Why Work with a Mississippi Independent Insurance Agent?

Property crimes may be included coverage in your Mississippi homeowners insurance, but you still need to be sure that your personal property is covered. Necessary coverages and limits will look different for every homeowner, which is why working with a Mississippi independent insurance agent can help.

Agents can review your existing limits and coverages to make sure you're fully protected. If you need new insurance, they'll shop multiple carriers to find you affordable options. Work with an agent, free of charge, today.