Ordinance or Law

Covers the extra cost of rebuilding to current building codes after a loss — older homes can owe a lot more than the original.

Ordinance or law coverage pays the extra cost of rebuilding to current building codes after a covered loss — an expense standard property coverage often leaves out.

When an older home or building is significantly damaged, codes may require upgrades the original didn’t have: newer wiring, updated plumbing, hurricane straps, ADA features. A basic policy pays to rebuild what was there, not to bring it up to today’s code, and that difference can be substantial.

It’s especially important for older buildings, where the default limit is frequently too low. Bumping it up is usually inexpensive relative to the gap it closes.

This is a friendly general explanation, not legal or policy language. Exact coverage depends on your policy, carrier, and state. 🤝

Written and reviewed by the We Insure Things team — licensed independent insurance agents. Last reviewed July 23, 2026. Questions? Ask a licensed agent.