Home · Updated October 2026
| Not covered by a standard policy | How to cover it |
|---|---|
| Flood (rising surface water) | Separate flood insurance |
| Earthquake | Earthquake endorsement or separate policy |
| Sewer and drain backup | Water backup endorsement |
| Wear and tear, rot, rust, pests | Maintenance, not insurance |
| Mechanical breakdown of systems | Equipment breakdown endorsement, with some companies |
| Business property and liability | Home business endorsement or business policy |
| Short-term rentals of your home | Endorsement or a specific policy, if available |
| High-value jewelry, firearms, collectibles above limits | Scheduled personal property |
Standard homeowners policies exclude flood. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and some private insurers, and usually has a waiting period before it starts. Homes outside high-risk flood zones can and do flood.
Earthquake damage is excluded from standard policies. Missouri includes the New Madrid Seismic Zone in the southeast part of the state. Earthquake coverage is typically available as an endorsement for an added premium, with its own deductible. See earthquake insurance in Missouri.
Insurance covers sudden, accidental damage. It does not cover a roof that wore out, a slow leak under a sink that rotted the subfloor over months, or termite damage. Insurers may deny claims they believe resulted from neglect, so keeping records of repairs and maintenance helps.
Some property is covered, but only up to a low limit unless you schedule it. Common examples include jewelry and watches, firearms, cash, silverware, collectibles, and business equipment. If you own something valuable, ask about scheduling it.
Homeowners liability does not usually cover business activities, intentional acts, or injuries involving certain vehicles. Some policies limit coverage for certain dog breeds or for trampolines and pools. Tell us about these up front so the policy actually fits.
If you move out and rent the home to someone else, a standard homeowners policy may not respond. You need a landlord policy. See renting out your house. Many policies also limit coverage after a home has been vacant for a set period.
Ask us which of these matter for your home. We will show you which gaps each company can fill, and what each costs, before you decide.
Mold resulting from a covered sudden water loss may be covered, sometimes with a limit. Mold from long-term leaks, humidity or poor ventilation generally isn't. Act quickly after any water damage.
If you run a business from home, business equipment may have very low limits on a homeowners policy, and business liability, such as a client tripping on your steps, may be excluded. A home business endorsement or a separate business policy fills the gap.
Some companies exclude or limit liability for certain dog breeds, trampolines or pools without fences. Disclose these when you buy. An exclusion you didn't know about is worse than a higher premium.
No. Flood requires a separate flood insurance policy.
Not in a standard policy. Earthquake coverage is usually available as an endorsement.
No. It covers sudden, accidental damage, not deterioration or maintenance issues.
Often only up to a special limit. Scheduling high-value items provides broader coverage.
Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.
Or send your details and an agent will call you back with options from the companies we work with.