When it comes to protecting your home, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy is a great place to start. It covers the basics — your home, your belongings, and liability if someone is injured on your property.

But here’s the truth we see every day at Crunelle Insurance: no two homes (or homeowners) are the same. And a “standard” policy doesn’t always account for the real way you live.

From finished basements and backyard pools to detached garages and valuable personal items, many Ohio homeowners need additional protection beyond the basics. That’s where supplemental coverages come in — not as add-ons for the sake of it, but as innovative ways to close coverage gaps before they become costly surprises.

Let’s walk through some of the most commonly overlooked coverages and why they matter, especially here in Ohio.

Most homeowner’s policies include:

• The main structure of your home
  
• Personal belongings (up to certain limits)
  
• Personal liability
  
• Loss of use if your home becomes uninhabitable
  

This is solid coverage, but it also has limits and exclusions. Supplemental coverages exist to address what falls outside those boundaries.

Flooding is one of the most misunderstood risks for Ohio homeowners. Heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, and overflowing creeks can cause severe damage — especially to basements.

Here’s the catch: standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.

Flood insurance can help cover:

• Structural damage from rising water
  
• Damage to personal belongings (with contents coverage)
  
• Cleanup and repair costs that can otherwise be overwhelming
  

Even homeowners outside designated flood zones can experience flooding — and many do.

Earthquakes aren’t common in Ohio, but they do happen. And when they do, damage to foundations and structures can be costly.

Most homeowners policies exclude coverage for earthquake damage. Earthquake coverage:

• Helps pay for structural and foundational repairs
  
• It can be surprisingly affordable, depending on your home.
  

It’s a good example of low-frequency, high-impact risk.

Standard policies limit how much they’ll pay for specific items, including:

• Jewelry
  
• Watches
  
• Artwork
  
• Firearms
  
• Musical instruments
  
• Collectibles
  

If you own items that exceed those limits, scheduled personal property coverage (also called a rider or floater) allows you to insure them properly.

Benefits include:

• Higher coverage limits
  
• Broader protection (including accidental loss)
  
• Often lower deductibles
  

Ohio properties often include more than just the main house:

• Detached garages
  
• Sheds
  
• Barns
  
• Workshops
  
• Pool houses
  
• Fences
  

While standard policies typically provide some coverage for “other structures,” limits may not reflect replacement costs, especially when those buildings are used for storage, hobbies, or work.

It’s also important to consider what’s inside those structures, which may need separate consideration.

Pools, decks, patios, playsets, and trampolines add enjoyment — but they also increase risk.

Coverage considerations include:

• Pool structures and surrounding decking
  
• Fencing and safety features
  
• Liability exposure if someone is injured
  

In many cases, increasing liability limits or adding an umbrella policy is a smart move for homeowners with outdoor amenities.

This is one of the most common claims we see — and one of the most misunderstood.

Water backup coverage helps protect against:

• Sump pump failures
  
• Sewer backups
  
• Drain overflows
  

Basement damage from water backup can be extensive and costly, and it’s often not covered under standard policies unless it’s added as a coverage endorsement.

Umbrella insurance provides an additional layer of liability coverage beyond your home and auto policies.

It’s especially valuable if you:

• Own a pool or trampoline
  
• Have teen drivers
  
• Host guests frequently
  
• Own rental property
  
• Want added protection for lawsuits and legal expenses.
  

Umbrella policies are often more affordable than people expect — and offer peace of mind when the unexpected happens.

Many homeowners don’t realize that:

• Business equipment may have limited or no coverage
  
• Client injuries in your home may not be covered.
  
• Inventory stored at home may need separate insurance.
  

Whether you work remotely, run a small business, or store tools and inventory at home, it’s worth reviewing how your policy addresses these situations.

Life changes — and your insurance should change with it.

Common reasons to review your coverage:

• Renovations or additions
  
• New decks or pools
  
• Inherited valuables
  
• New hobbies or equipment
  
• Moving to acreage or a different type of property
  

A quick review can prevent significant gaps down the road.

At Crunelle Insurance, we believe insurance should fit your life — not the other way around. As a local, family-owned agency serving Central Ohio since 1970, we take the time to understand how you live and what matters most to you.

Supplemental coverage isn’t about over-insuring — it’s about being prepared.

If you’re not sure what your policy includes — or what it might be missing — we’re always happy to walk through it with you.