Texas Adjuster Practice Test

Regarding a theft loss, what happens to the personal items of a roommate under a HO-B policy?

1. They are covered under the policy

2. They are not covered under the policy

3. They require additional coverage

4. Coverage is dependent on the relationship

The correct answer is: They are not covered under the policy

In a homeowners policy, specifically the HO-B form, coverage is typically limited to the insured's personal property. This means that personal items belonging to a roommate are not covered under the insured's policy. The rationale behind this is that the policy is designed to protect the named insured’s property rather than assets of non-family members or individuals who are not part of the insurance agreement. In the context of roommates, the policy does not extend to cover personal items of individuals who reside with the insured but are not legally defined as part of the household. Therefore, the roommate's belongings would need to be covered under their own separate policy or an endorsement to the primary policy, if available. This understanding is essential for those involved in the adjusting process, as it clarifies what items are considered covered under the standard homeowners insurance and highlights the need for roommates to seek their own insurance coverage to protect their personal property.