It is possible to file a claim on a homeowner’s insurance policy in a few cases even if you are not the main person on the policy. If the insurance policy in question is in a relative’s name and the relative is also the legal owner of the home, a claim can be filed. For example, if you were harmed on the relative’s property, they can file a claim to help pay for your medical bills. Be aware though, that this could cause your relative’s rates to increase dramatically.

On the other hand, if you live in a relative’s home and some of your belongings are damaged during a burglary or natural disaster, whether you are covered depends on the type of policy your relative owns. If you are living in a home with the relative who owns it, you generally will need to have them add you to the insurance, unless the policy has a clause covering live-in roommates.

There is one situation in which your claim is very likely to be denied. If you own the home in question and the homeowner’s insurance is in the relative’s name, most companies will not pay your claim. This depends on the policy, but it is very rare that a claim of this nature would be paid. Many insurance companies look very negatively upon this type of situation and may even consider it fraud.

The best way to handle this situation is to prevent it in the first place. Whenever a home is bought or otherwise transferred to another person’s name, the homeowner’s insurance policy should also be transferred to that person’s name. If you are living with a relative and adding you to the policy is too difficult or too expensive, you can at least protect your belongings by buying renter’s insurance. Nothing is worse than finding out you are under-insured after a fire or major disaster.

It’s important to be insured, but just as important to make sure you have followed all of the insurance company’s rules. If you have any questions about your policy, contact your insurance agent today.