HO-3 vs. HO-5 Homeowners Policy
HO-3 and HO-5 are two of the most common homeowners policy forms. Both cover the structure on an open-perils basis, but they differ in how personal belongings are covered.
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HO-3 Policy
The most common homeowners policy form — covers the dwelling on an open-perils basis, but covers personal belongings only against specifically named perils.
- Widely available and typically less expensive than HO-5
- Open-perils dwelling coverage protects against most causes of loss unless specifically excluded
- Personal belongings are covered only against named perils, a narrower standard
HO-5 Policy
A broader policy form that covers both the dwelling and personal belongings on an open-perils basis, offering wider protection for contents.
- Broader open-perils coverage for personal belongings, not just the dwelling
- Often includes higher standard coverage limits for valuables
- Typically costs more than an HO-3 for comparable dwelling coverage
- Not offered by every carrier or in every state
Which one makes sense for you?
An HO-3 is the standard, more widely available, and generally less expensive option, suitable for most homeowners. An HO-5 can be worth the added cost if you specifically want broader open-perils protection for personal belongings and it's available from your carrier.
Key cost factors.
- Value and nature of personal belongings you'd want covered
- Whether your carrier even offers an HO-5 option in your state
- Premium difference between the two forms for your specific home
- Whether a personal property endorsement could bridge the gap on an HO-3 instead
Before you decide.
- What specific perils are excluded under the personal property section of an HO-3?
- Does an HO-5 meaningfully change my premium for my specific home?
- Could adding an endorsement to an HO-3 achieve similar personal property protection for less?
Frequently asked questions.
Is HO-5 available everywhere?
No — not every carrier offers an HO-5 policy, and availability can vary by state and even by specific home, so it's worth asking your agent directly whether it's an option for your property.
All figures on this page are illustrative examples for general education, not quotes, appraisals, or guarantees of actual pricing. Actual costs vary by provider, location, project scope, and market conditions — always get a specific quote before making a purchasing decision.
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