The answer is maybe. It all depends on the specifics of your policy. So if you're one of the millions of Americans now working from home, take a moment to check your coverage and make sure you're protected in case of an accident or disaster.

Adding Home Office Coverage to Your Policy
Working from home has many benefits - no commute, more flexibility, and added comfort. It may seem like everything gets a little simpler when you work from home, but one thing that may require a little more attention is your homeowners insurance policy. Many assume that their homeowners insurance automatically covers any items related to their at-home business or work-from-home equipment, but unfortunately this isn't always the case. To make sure all of your essential work equipment is properly covered if something does happen, consult with your insurer about adding a Home Office Endorsement for additional coverage for any risks specifically related to running a business or working from home. This type of endorsement will typically provide some level of coverage for expensive items like business equipment and inventory. Keeping up with such details may not be a part of the 9-5 job description, but it'll bring much more peace of mind to have everything in order when it comes time to file a claim.

Business Insurance Policies
Depending on the level of work that is taking place and the complexity of the dedicated workspace within your home, you may want to consider looking into getting a separate business insurance policy to cover anything that happens in that space. A good policy will offer coverage for property damage, personal liability, data breaches, and any other mishaps that might occur. If you have employees, contractors, excessive equipment, or any level of foot traffic for your business, you will typically want to go with a separate business insurance policy to get the coverage you need.

Make sure you know what is and is not covered by your insurance policy before you have a claim
Insurance can be a tricky thing to deal with, especially in gray areas such as home office coverage. The best way to make sure that you don't end up in a frustrating bind is to carefully review your insurance policy before a claim occurs. That way you can easily see what's covered, what isn't, and any deductibles that may apply when the unexpected happens. Coverage for businesses and business property can be oddly specific, so it is important that you review your policy with your agent and ask as many questions as you can about the way that your business property is covered. As your business grows and changes, be sure to continue verifying that your personal property limits, liability limits, and coverages are still fitting for your situation.

Keeping Good Records
Having up-to-date receipts and records of all the investments you make in your business is an essential part of managing it. Keeping track of all the purchases you make helps prove to your insurance company that these items were in the home in the event something happens. It's also important to store this information somewhere safe and secure, as paperwork is often prone to get misplaced if kept in a semi-organized fashion. In the end, having accurate records on hand is the best way to reduce stress and avoid headaches down the line.

In conclusion, understanding your insurance policy is key so that when the unexpected happens, you have the coverage you need. If you are working from home and need coverage for business equipment, make sure to speak with your insurance agent to go over all of your options. That could include an endorsement on your existing policy or even getting a separate insurance policy just for your home office. Don’t forget to keep receipts of any business-related purchases in case you ever need to file a claim! Lastly, review your coverage regularly. There’s no better way of feeling secure than knowing exactly what’s covered by your homeowners insurance policy. It may seem daunting, but taking these steps can give you peace of mind and set you up for success regardless of what life throws at you!


The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. You should not act or refrain from acting based on this information without first consulting a Goosehead licensed agent at service@goosehead.com. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken by you based on the contents of this article which is provided "as is." Goosehead makes no representation that this content is error-free.