Author: Home & Dime Editorial Team

  • What Is Roadside Assistance Coverage?

    Roadside assistance is an inexpensive optional coverage that pays for towing, battery jump-starts, flat-tire changes, lockout service, and fuel delivery when your car breaks down.

    Optional Add-On

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What it covers

    • Towing to a repair shop.
    • Jump-starts and battery service.
    • Flat-tire changes and lockout help.
    • Emergency fuel delivery.

    Common exclusions

    • Repair costs at the shop
    • Pre-existing breakdowns
    • Non-emergency towing

    State considerations

    Availability and pricing are consistent across states; it’s usually a few dollars a month.

    Claim tips

    • Add it before you need it.
    • Know your policy’s towing distance limit.
    • Keep your insurer’s roadside number handy.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it worth it?

    For a few dollars a month, usually yes if you don’t have another auto club.

    Does it cover repairs?

    No — only the roadside service, not the repair.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Auto Insurance guide

    ← Auto Insurance: full guide · All auto insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage pays for your injuries and, in some states, vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses — including hit-and-run crashes.

    Often Required

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What it covers

    • Your medical bills and lost wages.
    • Vehicle damage in states with UM property damage.
    • Hit-and-run injuries.

    Why it matters

    Millions of drivers are uninsured — UM coverage fills the gap so you’re not stuck paying.

    Common exclusions

    • Damage caused by insured at-fault drivers (their liability pays)
    • Intentional acts

    State considerations

    Some states require UM coverage; others make it optional. Whether it covers property damage varies by state.

    Claim tips

    • Confirm whether your state requires UM/UIM.
    • Match UM limits to your liability limits.
    • File a police report for hit-and-run claims.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is UM coverage required?

    In some states yes; in others it’s optional but recommended.

    Does it cover hit-and-run?

    Yes — that’s a key use.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Auto Insurance guide

    ← Auto Insurance: full guide · All auto insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • What Is Loss of Use Coverage in Homeowners Insurance?

    Loss of use (also called additional living expenses) pays for hotels, meals, and other extra costs when a covered event forces you out of your home — so you can maintain your normal standard of living.

    Core Coverage

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What it covers

    • Hotel or temporary rental costs.
    • Extra food costs above your normal spending.
    • Storage, pet boarding, and extra commuting.

    How much

    Usually 20–30% of your dwelling limit, paid until repairs are done or the limit is reached.

    Common exclusions

    • Displacement from a non-covered event (e.g., flood)
    • Your normal living costs (only the extra is covered)
    • Voluntary relocation

    State considerations

    Coverage works similarly nationwide, but displacement from excluded perils (like floods) isn’t covered — a reason flood insurance matters in high-risk states.

    Claim tips

    • Keep all receipts while displaced.
    • Track expenses above your normal spending.
    • Confirm your loss-of-use limit and time cap.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much loss of use do I have?

    Typically 20–30% of your dwelling coverage.

    Does it cover flood displacement?

    Only if a flood policy provides it — standard policies don’t.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Homeowners Insurance Medical Payments Coverage Explained

    Medical payments (MedPay) coverage on a homeowners policy pays small medical bills if a guest is injured at your home — regardless of who’s at fault — usually $1,000 to $5,000.

    Core Coverage

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    How it works

    • Pays guest medical bills without a liability lawsuit.
    • No-fault — it applies even if you weren’t negligent.

    MedPay vs. liability

    MedPay handles small, quick bills; personal liability covers larger injury claims and lawsuits.

    Common exclusions

    • Injuries to you or household members
    • Large claims beyond the MedPay limit
    • Auto injuries

    State considerations

    MedPay limits and availability are consistent across states; it’s an inexpensive goodwill coverage.

    Claim tips

    • Keep the limit reasonable ($5,000 is common).
    • Report guest injuries to your insurer.
    • Use MedPay for minor bills to avoid a liability claim.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does MedPay cover my family?

    No — only guests and third parties.

    Is it no-fault?

    Yes — it pays regardless of fault.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Homeowners Insurance Personal Liability Coverage Explained

    Personal liability coverage in a homeowners policy protects you if someone is injured on your property or you accidentally damage someone else’s property — paying their costs, your legal defense, and any settlement up to your limit.

    Core Coverage

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What it covers

    • A guest’s injury on your property.
    • Damage you cause to a neighbor’s property.
    • Legal defense costs and settlements.

    Limits and umbrella

    Common limits are $100,000–$500,000. If your assets exceed that, an umbrella policy adds cheap extra protection.

    Common exclusions

    • Intentional harm
    • Business activities
    • Auto-related liability (that’s car insurance)

    State considerations

    Liability rules are broadly similar nationwide, but lawsuit exposure varies — higher-net-worth homeowners often add umbrella coverage.

    Claim tips

    • Set a liability limit that protects your assets.
    • Consider umbrella coverage if you have a pool or significant assets.
    • Report incidents to your insurer promptly.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much liability do I need?

    Enough to cover your net worth — often $300k+ plus umbrella.

    Does it cover dog bites?

    Usually yes, subject to breed exclusions.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Identity Theft?

    Standard homeowners insurance does not cover identity theft, but most insurers offer an inexpensive identity-theft endorsement that reimburses recovery costs and provides restoration help.

    Add-On Required

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What the add-on covers

    • Costs to restore your identity (notary, mailing, lost wages, legal fees).
    • Sometimes credit monitoring and resolution services.

    What it doesn’t

    It reimburses recovery costs — it doesn’t repay the stolen funds themselves, which banks and card issuers typically handle.

    Common exclusions

    • The stolen money itself (bank/card issuer covers)
    • Business identity theft
    • Losses without an add-on

    State considerations

    The endorsement is available in most states and usually costs $25–$60 per year — a low-cost add-on worth considering.

    Claim tips

    • Add the identity-theft endorsement before you need it.
    • Keep records of recovery expenses.
    • Report fraud to the FTC and your bank.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is identity theft covered automatically?

    No — you need the endorsement.

    Does it repay stolen money?

    No — it covers recovery costs; banks handle stolen funds.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Collectibles?

    Homeowners insurance covers collectibles like coins, art, and memorabilia, but only up to low sub-limits. To fully protect valuable collections, schedule them with a rider (floater).

    Sometimes Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    The sub-limit problem

    Categories like coins, stamps, and fine art often have caps (e.g., $200 for cash-like items, $2,500 for certain valuables). A valuable collection can far exceed these.

    Scheduling

    A scheduled personal property rider covers appraised value and adds perils the base policy excludes, like accidental breakage — often with no deductible.

    Common exclusions

    • Value above sub-limits without a rider
    • Mysterious disappearance (base policy)
    • Damage from improper storage

    State considerations

    Coverage rules are consistent nationwide; the key is scheduling high-value items regardless of state.

    Claim tips

    • Get professional appraisals.
    • Photograph and inventory your collection.
    • Schedule items above the sub-limits.

    Frequently asked questions

    Are coins and stamps covered?

    Only to a low sub-limit unless scheduled.

    Do I need an appraisal?

    Yes, to schedule valuable collectibles.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Electronics?

    Yes — homeowners insurance covers electronics like TVs, computers, and phones when damaged by a covered peril or stolen, up to your personal-property limit and minus your deductible.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Covered

    • Theft, fire, and lightning-surge damage.
    • Coverage even away from home (off-premises).

    Value considerations

    Electronics fall under personal property. Very high-value setups may bump against limits — replacement-cost coverage pays more than ACV.

    Common exclusions

    • Mechanical/electrical breakdown
    • Accidental drops (unless you add coverage)
    • Manufacturer defects

    State considerations

    Coverage is consistent nationwide; the payout basis (ACV vs. replacement cost) matters more than location.

    Claim tips

    • Keep receipts or photos of valuable electronics.
    • File a police report for theft.
    • Confirm ACV vs. replacement cost on your policy.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is a stolen laptop covered?

    Yes, under personal property, even away from home.

    Is a dropped phone covered?

    Usually not — that needs separate device coverage.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Appliances?

    Homeowners insurance covers appliances when they’re damaged by a covered peril like fire, lightning, or theft. It does not cover mechanical breakdown or normal wear — a home warranty covers those.

    Sometimes Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Covered

    • Appliances destroyed by fire, lightning surge, or theft.
    • Damage from a covered water event.

    Not covered

    • An appliance that simply stops working (breakdown).
    • Age and wear.

    Common exclusions

    • Mechanical/electrical breakdown
    • Age and normal wear
    • Manufacturer defects (warranty)

    State considerations

    Coverage is the same nationwide, but a home warranty (which covers breakdown) is a separate, optional product to consider.

    Claim tips

    • Determine the cause — peril vs. breakdown.
    • Photograph the damage.
    • Check your personal-property limit and deductible.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does it cover a broken washer?

    Only if a covered peril broke it, not breakdown.

    What covers appliance breakdown?

    A home warranty.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Detached Garage?

    Yes — a detached garage is covered under the ‘other structures’ part of your policy when a covered peril damages it, typically up to about 10% of your dwelling limit.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What’s covered

    • Fire, wind, hail, and fallen-tree damage.
    • The structure itself; contents fall under personal property.

    Common exclusions

    • Wear, rot, and neglect
    • Business use without commercial coverage

    State considerations

    High-value detached garages (with apartments or workshops) may need increased other-structures coverage.

    Claim tips

    • Document damage and cause.
    • Verify your other-structures limit.
    • List damaged contents separately for a personal-property claim.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it separate from my home’s coverage?

    Yes — it’s ‘other structures,’ usually ~10% of dwelling.

    Are tools inside covered?

    Yes, under personal property.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Homeowners Insurance guide

    ← Homeowners Insurance: full guide · All homeowners insurance guides · Deductible calculator · Glossary