Are you assuming everyone in your household is automatically covered by your homeowners insurance?
What about roommates, adult children, or a live-in relative—are they protected under your policy too?
It’s a smart question—and the answer can impact whether a claim is paid or denied.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly who is (and isn’t) covered under a standard homeowners policy, so you know where your protection starts—and where it stops.
Section 1: Who’s Covered Under a Standard Homeowners Policy?
Most homeowners policies are built around the idea of “named insureds” and their household members.
Here’s who’s typically covered:
✅ You, the policyholder (named on the declarations page)
✅ Your spouse (if they live in the home)
✅ Relatives who live with you (like your child, parent, or sibling)
✅ Children temporarily away at school (often up to age 24 if full-time students)
✅ Other residents under your care (like foster children)
These people are usually protected for:
- Property damage (personal belongings inside and outside the home)
- Personal liability (if someone sues them for causing injury or property damage)
- Medical payments to others (third-party injuries)
Section 2: Who Is NOT Covered Automatically?
Just because someone lives with you doesn’t mean they’re covered. Examples of people not automatically coveredinclude:
🚫 Adult children no longer considered dependents
🚫 Roommates or tenants (unless added to the policy)
🚫 Domestic partners not legally married
🚫 Guests or visiting relatives (beyond liability for injury on your property)
🚫 Household employees (may need separate coverage)
💡 If someone lives in your home but isn’t legally related or on the policy, they may not have any protection for their belongings or liability.
Section 3: What About Liability Coverage?
Homeowners insurance also includes personal liability protection—but only for covered individuals.
✅ Example: If your child breaks a neighbor’s window with a baseball, your policy likely covers the damage.
🚫 But if your roommate causes damage at a friend’s house, your policy probably won’t cover it unless they’re listed as an insured.
🏠 Liability coverage is personal—it follows the insured individual, not just the address.
Section 4: How to Make Sure the Right People Are Covered
✔️ Review your declarations page to see who’s listed
✔️ Tell your broker if your living situation changes (like a new roommate or relative moves in)
✔️ Ask about endorsements or separate renters policies for non-family members
✔️ Confirm coverage for college students living away from home
💬 Every insurer has slightly different guidelines, so always check the fine print.
Know Who’s Protected—Before There’s a Problem
You might assume your homeowners insurance covers everyone under your roof—but that’s not always the case. Now that you know who is typically covered (and who isn’t), you can make smart choices to extend or adjust your coverage before an uncovered loss happens.
📞 Already a Vargas & Vargas Insurance client? Call us at 617-298-0655 if you have questions about who’s protected on your policy.
💼 If you’re working with an adjuster or a local independent broker, ask them to review your household structure to ensure you’re fully protected.
