Home insurance policies can often seem more like a maze you need to navigate than invaluable protection against all sorts of calamities. Fortunately, home insurance agents can assist you in learning more about a policy — take a look below at just three of the most important questions you should ask to get the most out of your conversation.

What exactly is covered?

It may seem obvious that a home insurance policy simply covers damage to the outside and inside of your home. Yet the reality is often much more complicated. For example, a policy is likely to cover you in the event of theft as well, but may not necessarily cover damage caused by natural disasters. If you have a number of antiques, collectibles, or other valuables, you likely need to purchase an add-on policy (often called a "rider") for these; don't assume that these items will automatically be covered simply because they are kept inside your home.

Is additional living expense coverage included?

One of the lesser-known benefits of carrying a home insurance policy is that in the case you are forced to move out of your home temporarily (because of an evacuation order or other emergency, for example), then you will have your relevant expenses covered — that is, as long as you have coverage for additional living expenses. These include costs such as a hotel room, short-term storage, and even meals at restaurants if you're unable to cook at your new address. While this coverage is not unlimited, it can make a worst-case scenario that much more tolerable. Be sure to ask your home insurance agent if a policy includes it.

How can you lower your insurance rates?

There are several factors that affect insurance rates, and unfortunately, many of these may be out of your control, like the number of previous claims made before you became the owner of the home and the crime rates in the neighborhood in which the home is located. But there are things you can do to increase the chances of lower home insurance rates. Improving the condition of your home is just one of these, while keeping your home pet-free (or at least not home to a significant number of pets) may be another. Be sure to ask your home insurance agent what you can realistically do to pay less on your home insurance policy each year.

For more information, contact a local company, like LH Griffith and Company.