If you have homeowners insurance, you know that it covers things like damages to your property as the result of a leak, natural disaster, or fire. It can also covered items that were stolen from your home, and any structural damage your home might undergo for a variety of reasons. There are a few other things that most homeowners policies cover that you may not be aware of. Here are four things most policies include that you might be able to take advantage of if you need it.

Loss Away From Home

Your homeowners insurance should include a clause that offers you protection for up to ten percent of property "outside your home." The definition of away from or outside of your home includes things like property you may have brought with you on vacation, items left inside your vehicle, and anything else you may own that is stored away from the actual home address that gets stolen. It also covers up to ten percent of your child's property while they are away at school if they live in a dorm. If your child rents an apartment, however, they may not be covered since they can receive their own separate renter's insurance.

Credit Card Related Loss

Even if your bank offers protection for things like identity theft, stolen funds, and misuse of your credit card, your homeowners insurance also covers some of this loss. While it may not be much, most policies will include a coverage amount of several hundred dollars up to a thousand dollars if your ATM card, debit card, or credit card has been charged without your authorization. It is a good idea to read the fine print of your policy to make sure this is included, but it can't hurt to have extra protection.

Coverage for Fraudulent Checks and Money

It might surprise you that many homeowners insurance policies also cover you if you end up receiving fraudulent funds. This includes things like counterfeit money and forged checks, even if your signature is on a check that is found to be stolen. The amount of coverage can actually be a valuable thing to have if you ever fall victim to this kind of fraud.

Plants

If you file a claim on your policy, you probably know that it covers some expenses for things like lost food due to a broken refrigerator. But your policy will also pay for any trees, shrubs, and other plants that have become damaged outside of your home. This allows you to be able to replace any damaged garden areas, trees, and parts of your lawn after undergoing damage. The amount of this coverage varies, but most policies will reimburse you for up to five percent of the insured value of your home. Wind and disease related issues with plants are typically not included.

For more information, talk to a professional like Parker Insurance Agency.