What Is an HO3 Policy? North Carolina’s Most Common Homeowners Insurance Explained

Homeowners Insurance That Fits North Carolina Living

In North Carolina, protecting your home means more than just covering the basics. From hurricanes along the coast to wind and hail storms inland, an HO3 policy is the most common—and versatile—form of homeowners insurance you can buy. It’s designed for single-family homes, offering broad protection for your house, belongings, and liability.

Whether you’re in Charlotte, Raleigh, or Wilmington, understanding how an HO3 works helps you make smarter decisions about your coverage.

What Is an HO3 Policy?

An HO3 policy—also called a “special form” policy—covers your home for all risks except those specifically excluded in the policy. This makes it one of the most comprehensive and widely used types of homeowners insurance in North Carolina.

Most HO3 policies include:

  • Dwelling coverage – Protects the structure of your home from covered risks like fire, theft, wind, and hail.
  • Other structures coverage – Covers detached buildings like garages, sheds, or fences.
  • Personal property coverage – Protects your belongings, whether they’re in your home or temporarily elsewhere.
  • Liability protection – If someone is injured on your property or you damage someone else’s property.
  • Loss of use coverage – Pays for temporary housing and expenses if you can’t live in your home after a covered loss.

Why HO3 Coverage Matters in North Carolina

North Carolina’s weather patterns and geography bring unique risks:

  • Coastal areas (Wilmington, Morehead City) often face hurricanes and may require windstorm and hail coverage or a separate deductible.
  • Inland regions (Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville) see seasonal storms, heavy rain, and occasional tornado activity.
  • Mountain areas (Boone, Asheville) may need extra protection for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

An HO3 policy helps you adapt coverage to your location—so you’re protected against the risks that matter most for your property.


What’s Covered (and What’s Not)

Typically Covered:

  • Fire, wind, hail, lightning, and smoke damage
  • Theft and vandalism
  • Water damage from sudden, accidental incidents (like a burst pipe)
  • Damage from falling objects
  • Liability and medical payments

Not Typically Covered:

  • Flood damage (requires separate policy or FEMA coverage)
  • Earthquake damage (optional add-on in some areas)
  • Normal wear and tear
  • Damage from neglect or lack of maintenance
  • Certain dog breeds or exotic pets (varies by carrier)

HO3 vs. HO6: What’s the Difference?

If you own a single-family home, an HO3 is generally the right fit. If you own a condo, you’ll likely need an HO6 policy to cover the interior of your unit and personal property.


How Sizemore Insurance Helps You Find the Right HO3 Policy

At Sizemore Insurance, we:

  1. Evaluate your home’s replacement cost to make sure your coverage limits are right.
  2. Shop multiple top-rated carriers to compare rates and coverage.
  3. Review deductibles and endorsements so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
  4. Tailor coverage to your location—whether you’re inland, on the coast, or in the mountains.
  5. Support you from quote to claim with clear communication and personal service.

We’re independent, so we work for you—not the insurance carriers. That means better options, better pricing, and coverage built around your life.


Get Started on Your HO3 Policy Today

Protect your home and everything in it with coverage that works for North Carolina living.

Start your quote online in minutes or call us at (910) 791-1011 to speak with a Sizemore Insurance advisor.