When You Want the Most Comprehensive Coverage
For many North Carolina homeowners, an HO3 policy is the standard. But if you want more protection with fewer gaps, an HO5 policy may be the way to go. HO5 policies offer broader coverage for both your home and personal property—often with fewer restrictions and higher limits.
Whether you own a luxury home in Charlotte, a waterfront property in Wilmington, or a custom build in Raleigh, an HO5 policy is designed for homeowners who want extra peace of mind.
What Is an HO5 Policy?
An HO5 policy is a type of homeowners insurance that builds on the HO3, offering open-peril coverage for both your home (dwelling) and personal property.
That means everything is covered unless it’s specifically excluded—a major difference from an HO3, where your personal property is usually covered only for named perils.
Most HO5 policies include:
- Dwelling coverage – Protection for the structure of your home, inside and out.
- Personal property coverage – Broader protection for your belongings, often with higher replacement cost limits.
- Other structures coverage – Garages, sheds, fences, and other detached structures.
- Liability protection – Financial protection if you cause injury or property damage to someone else.
- Loss of use coverage – Pays for housing and expenses if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss.
Why HO5 Coverage Matters in North Carolina
North Carolina’s mix of coastal, urban, and rural homes means different risk factors—and an HO5 can be especially valuable if you:
- Own high-value personal property like jewelry, electronics, or art.
- Live in a custom-built or luxury home where replacement costs are higher.
- Want fewer disputes at claim time about whether your belongings are covered.
In coastal regions like Wilmington or Morehead City, an HO5 can help protect against a wider range of wind, hail, and storm damage—though flood insurance is still a separate policy.
What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
Typically Covered:
- All perils unless specifically excluded
- Accidental loss or damage to personal property (including many incidents an HO3 might exclude)
- Damage from fire, wind, hail, lightning, theft, and vandalism
- Liability and medical payments
Not Typically Covered:
- Flood damage (requires separate FEMA or private flood policy)
- Earthquake damage (optional add-on)
- Wear and tear or neglect
- Certain exclusions listed in the policy
HO5 vs. HO3: Key Differences
- Personal Property: HO5 covers belongings on an open-peril basis; HO3 covers them for named perils only.
- Limits: HO5 policies often have higher replacement cost limits for both home and belongings.
- Claims: HO5 typically results in fewer coverage disputes—especially for valuable personal property.
If you want a more budget-friendly option, an HO3 may be enough. But if you want top-tier coverage with fewer gaps, an HO5 might be worth the upgrade.
How Sizemore Insurance Helps You Choose
At Sizemore Insurance, we:
- Assess your home and belongings to determine if an HO5 is the right fit.
- Compare multiple top carriers to find the best coverage and price.
- Explain the differences between HO3 and HO5 in clear, simple terms.
- Customize your policy with endorsements to match your lifestyle.
- Support you from quote to claim so you’re never left guessing.
Get Started on Your HO5 Policy Today
Protect your home and your lifestyle with North Carolina’s most comprehensive homeowners coverage.
Start your quote online in minutes or call (910) 791-1011 to speak with a Sizemore Insurance advisor.