Insured location

An insured location is the property listed on your homeowners, renters or landlord insurance policy as the place where coverage applies. This is usually your home address, but it can also include a second home, rental property or temporary residence.

Your policy's definitions section outlines exactly what counts as an insured location. It spells out whether your coverage includes your primary residence, a second property or even a place you're staying temporarily.

The key takeaway? Your insured location is the specific place your insurance company agrees to protect under the terms of your policy.

Where is the insured location listed in your policy?

You can find your insured location on the declarations page of your policy documents. The declarations page is where your insurance company lists your coverage details, including the address of your insured location. It’s usually listed as:

• The physical address of the property
• A legal description of the property (e.g. for vacant land or newly constructed homes)

This address anchors your policy’s coverages, like dwelling protection, liability and personal property to that specific location.

What types of places can be insured locations?

An insured location isn’t limited to just your primary residence. It can also include other types of properties that you own, rent or temporarily live in.

Depending on your policy, these additional locations may be included automatically or require specific listing to be covered.

• Vacant land owned by or rented to an insured, excluding farmland
• Individual or family cemetery plots owned by an insured
• Individual or family cemetery plots and burial vaults
• Premises occasionally rented to an insured for non-business use
• A house you own and live in (standard homeowners policy)
• A rented apartment or condo (renters insurance)
• A vacation or secondary home
• A rental property you own (landlord policy)
• A temporary place you live while your home is being repaired (covered under loss of use)
• A unit within a multi-family building
• Buildings related to business activities or operational compliance
• Land where a one, two, three or four-family dwelling is being built as a residence for an insured

Policies vary so check with a VIU by HUB Advisor to make sure all your locations are listed and protected.

Why does the insured location matter in a home or renters policy?

Your insured location defines where your coverage applies. This section of your policy outlines what’s protected, such as your home, personal belongings and certain types of damage, so you know exactly what’s covered and where.

• Dwelling coverage (Coverage A) – This protects the structure itself.
• Other structures (Coverage B) – This applies to things like sheds, fences or detached garages.
• Personal property (Coverage C) – This covers belongings in or away from your home like items stored in a hotel or moving truck.
• Liability protection (Coverage E) – This helps if someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else’s.

If damage, theft or injury occurs, insurance companies look at whether the loss happened at an insured location or off-premises, which can affect how and whether your claim is paid. Most homeowners insurance policies provide a standard amount of liability coverage but may have exclusions related to intentional damage.

What’s not considered an insured location?

Some places aren’t automatically covered under your policy unless you specifically add them. This means that even if you own or use a property, it might not be protected unless it's listed on your insurance documents.

Here are a few examples:

• An unlisted vacant lot you own
• A rental unit not declared on your policy
• A business property or workspace used for commercial purposes
• Newly purchased or vacant homes may not be covered unless you add them to your policy especially if they’re rented out or unoccupied for long periods

If a property isn’t listed, it may not be covered, even if you own it. It’s important to know what’s covered and what’s not so you’re not surprised if a claim is denied. Talk to your VIU by HUB Advisor before buying or renting out additional locations.

Can you have more than one insured location?

Yes, you can. It’s common for people to have insurance for more than just their primary home. Many homeowners and renters also insure vacation properties, rental units or places where they’re temporarily living.

Additional locations usually appear on separate insurance policies or as endorsements on your main policy. Just make sure each property is specifically named as an insured location. Coverage doesn’t automatically apply to every property you own.

How to update or add an insured location

If you move, buy a new home, rent out your property or start staying in a temporary residence, it’s important to update your policy. To add or change your insured location:

• Contact your VIU by HUB Advisor
• Provide your new address or property details
• Ask how coverage may change (especially for liability or rebuild cost)

Additionally, any improvements made to the property should also be reported to ensure they are covered.

If you don’t update your address or add new locations, you could miss out on coverage or have a claim denied. Losses due to dropping, breaking or misplacing items are typically not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies without additional protection.

How does the insured location affect personal property and liability coverage?

Your insured location doesn’t just define the structure. It influences much more. It plays a major role in how your personal property and liability protections apply. Whether you're storing belongings in a shed or hosting guests on your property, the insured location helps determine what's covered and where.

• Personal property coverage – This includes belongings in your garage, shed or hotel room while traveling.
• Liability coverage – This would be used if someone slips on your sidewalk, if you accidentally damage property in a rented space or after similar accidents.

Personal property owned or used by an insured is covered while it is anywhere in the world. Personal liability extended under homeowners insurance generally applies on a worldwide basis. However, the homeowners insurance policy may not cover theft at residences other than the insured’s primary residence unless temporarily living there.

Some policies provide off-premises coverage but others limit protection outside the insured location. Coverage under homeowners insurance policies can be reduced if the insured property is not used as the primary residence. That’s why keeping your policy up to date and confirming what’s covered is essential. Homeowners insurance policies usually do not cover certain perils such as floods and earthquakes without additional endorsements.

What is your insurance company's role for an insured location?

Your insurance company defines what counts as an insured location and that affects what’s covered if you ever file a claim. The company’s policy provisions outline the terms and conditions of coverage including the definition of insured location, property coverage options and liability coverage.

In the event of a claim, the insurance company will assess the circumstances to determine if the loss occurred at an insured location and if so, provide coverage according to the policy provisions.

Your insurance company provides coverage for losses like injuries, damage or theft if they happen at an insured location. Knowing how your policy defines insured locations helps you make sure your coverage applies when and where you need it.

Insured location FAQs

What does covered location mean? 

A covered location refers to a specific property listed in your insurance policy where coverage applies. This could be your primary home, a second home, a rental property or another place your insurance company agrees to protect. If it’s listed, it’s likely covered. However, it is subject to policy limits and exclusions.

What does loss of use of insured location mean? 

Loss of use coverage helps pay for additional living expenses if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss. It can cover things like hotel stays, meals or temporary rentals while repairs are being made.

Does an insured location include a property under renovation? 

It can if your policy includes it. A property under renovation may be considered an insured location, but only if it's listed in your policy and meets your insurance company’s requirements. If you’re renovating a second home or rental property, talk to your insurance advisor to make sure it’s properly covered during construction, as some risks (like theft or vandalism) may require additional endorsements.