How to Protect Your Home in the DR with Homeowners Insurance

Introduction

Whether you own a villa in Punta Cana, an apartment in Santo Domingo, or a vacation condo in Bávaro, protecting your property in the Dominican Republic is essential. The Caribbean is prone to hurricanes, heavy rain, and even earthquakes—making homeowners insurance more than just a recommendation, but a necessity.

At Hernández Peguero Insurance Brokers, we work with the top insurers in the country to provide comprehensive protection tailored to your property’s value, location, and use—whether you live here full-time or visit seasonally.

What Is Homeowners Insurance in the DR?

Homeowners Insurance (also called Seguro de Vivienda or Seguro de Propiedad) is a policy designed to protect your physical home and, optionally, its contents. Depending on the insurer and the selected plan, it can cover:

• The building (structure)

• Furniture and electronics

• Civil liability (in case someone is injured on your property)

• Natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods

• Theft, vandalism, fire, and explosion

• Loss of rental income or alternative accommodation during repairs

What Does It Typically Cover?

While coverages vary based on the company and insured value, most policies in the Dominican Republic include:

Structural Protection

Your home is protected against:

• Fire and lightning

• Hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, wind damage

• Flooding and tidal waves

• Earthquakes and tremors

• Smoke and explosion

• Vandalism and riots

• Collapse and building failure

Example: A quote from Seguros Reservas includes full structural protection for windstorm, flood, and fire with a 2% deductible per event

Contents Insurance (Optional)

Some policies also cover:

• Furniture and appliances

• Electronics

• Kitchen equipment

• Decoration and art

Deductibles for contents are usually around 10% of the loss, with minimums like US$160 per claim, depending on the insurer

Liability Coverage

This important coverage protects you if:

• Someone gets injured on your property

• A fire spreads to a neighbor’s home

• A guest is harmed by your dog or pool

• You accidentally damage a rental property

Coverage often includes:

• Up to US$50,000 for civil liability (This can be increased if required)

• Up to US$20,000 for pool-related claims or golf cart accidents (Seguros SURA)

Loss of Use

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event, most policies reimburse:

• Hotel stays

• Temporary rent

• Lost rental income

Example benefits:

• Up to US$2,000–3,000 for hotel stays or lost rent (General de Seguros, Seguros SURA)

Assistance Services

Modern insurance plans in the DR now include home assistance features such as:

• Emergency locksmith, plumber, and electrician

• Glass repair

• Appliance diagnostics

• Pest control and handyman services

• Cybersecurity support

Seguros SURA even includes 24/7 assistance, AC maintenance, and virtual legal consultations

Optional Add-Ons

Some insurers offer upgrades or special endorsements:

• All-risk coverage for electronics or equipment

• Breakage of glass and signage

• Coverage for solar panels, antennas, and golf carts

• Personal accident coverage for domestic staff

• Cyber protection and identity theft services

How Are Premiums Calculated?

Your annual premium depends on:

• Total insured value (e.g., structure + contents)

• Property construction type (standard or superior)

• Distance from the sea

• Type of coverage selected (basic or all-risk)

• Deductibles chosen

For example:

• A US$119,000 policy with Seguros Reservas costs approx. US$897.26 annually

• A US$239,000 home with General de Seguros quotes around US$1,607.99 annually

Important Notes for Expats

• Policies can be written in US dollars or Dominican pesos

• Claims are paid in the same currency as the policy

• Some Insurers require a property inspection before issuing coverage

• Some providers allow the policyholder to be abroad during the policy term

Why Choose Hernández Peguero?

We partner with leading insurers like Seguros Universal, MAPFRE, La Colonial, SURA, General de Seguros, Seguros Reservas, and more to offer:

• Transparent and tailored advice

• Coverage comparisons in English

• Help with inspections, applications, and claims

• Local support in Punta Cana and nationwide

• Fast WhatsApp or email assistance

Ready to Get the Right Policy?

📞 Contact us today to protect your Dominican property with expert guidance and competitive rates.

Phone/WhatsApp: +1 849-514-9838
Email: info@hernandezpeguero.com
Website: www.hernandezpeguero.com

Let’s make sure your home—and your peace of mind—are fully protected.