Home Insurance FAQs

One of the most important steps after purchasing a home is making sure your homeowners insurance is in place before closing. Your mortgage lender will typically require proof of coverage, and the right policy helps protect your investment from covered losses. Whether you’re buying your first home or your forever home in Dorchester or the Greater Boston area, our team can help you find coverage that fits your needs.

In many cases, yes. If smoke damage results from a covered event—such as a house fire—your homeowners insurance may help pay to repair your home and clean or replace damaged belongings. Coverage varies by policy, so it’s always a good idea to understand what’s included before you need to file a claim.

Your policy limit is the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for a covered loss. Different parts of your homeowners policy—such as your home’s structure, personal belongings, and liability protection—have separate limits. We recommend reviewing your coverage periodically to make sure it still reflects your home’s value and your family’s needs.

If you work from home, your homeowners policy may provide limited coverage for business equipment like computers or office furniture. However, if you operate a business from your home, additional insurance may be needed to properly protect your equipment, inventory, and business liability.

Generally, yes—if the tree falls because of a covered event such as a windstorm, lightning strike, or heavy snow. Homeowners insurance may also help cover debris removal in certain situations. With nor’easters and strong coastal storms affecting the Boston area, it’s important to understand how your policy responds before severe weather strikes.

Absolutely. Your insurance should change as your life changes. Whether you’ve remodeled your kitchen, finished your basement, added a home office, or purchased valuable jewelry or electronics, we’re happy to review your policy and recommend any updates that may be appropriate.

Liability coverage helps protect you if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property. It may also help cover legal expenses if you’re found responsible for a covered incident.

It depends on what caused the damage. Many accidental losses are covered if they result from a covered peril, but damage caused by normal wear and tear, deferred maintenance, or neglect is generally excluded. If you’re unsure whether something would be covered, we’re happy to answer your questions.

Creating a home inventory makes recovering after a loss much easier. Taking photos or videos of your belongings and keeping receipts for valuable items can help speed up the claims process and ensure you’re properly compensated after a covered event.

The best homeowners insurance policy is one that provides the right level of protection for your home, belongings, and financial future. Every home is different, and factors like your home’s age, location, replacement cost, and personal assets all play a role. As an independent insurance agency, Connelly, Kroon & Company Insurance can compare options from multiple insurance companies to help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Massachusetts winters can bring heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and ice dams that may damage your roof or cause water to enter your home. Whether this type of damage is covered depends on the cause of the loss and the details of your policy. Taking preventive steps—such as keeping your home properly heated and maintaining your roof and gutters—can help reduce the risk. If you have questions about your coverage, we’re here to help.