What is "coverage A" in a homeowners policy?

Coverage A in a homeowners policy refers specifically to dwelling coverage for the home structure itself. This coverage typically protects the insured's home against various perils such as fire, lightning, windstorm, and vandalism. It encompasses the physical structure of the house, including the roof, walls, and any attached structures like garages or decks.

This designation is crucial because it delineates the portion of the policy that is focused solely on the building itself, as opposed to other types of coverage that address personal liability or personal property. For instance, personal property coverage, which covers the contents within the home, is identified separately, just as liability coverage for guests involves protection against claims arising from injury to others on the insured property. Additionally, additional living expenses coverage deals with costs incurred if the home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, but does not relate directly to the dwelling structure itself.