If an insured experiences damage under their homeowners policy, what might they need to pay before their insurance covers the damage?

When an insured experiences damage under their homeowners policy, they typically need to pay a deductible before the insurance company will contribute to the cost of repairs or replacement. The deductible is a predetermined amount specified in the policy that the policyholder agrees to cover out of pocket for each claim. This practice helps to prevent minor claims, which could drive up insurance costs, and it encourages policyholders to take care of their property since they are responsible for covering a portion of the loss.

In many insurance policies, the deductible can vary based on the type of claim or the specific policy terms, but the principle remains the same: the insurer will not pay for the claim until the deductible amount has been met by the insured. This is why the correct answer highlights the deductible as the necessary out-of-pocket expense before obtaining coverage for damages.