Author: Home & Dime Editorial Team

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Shed?

    Yes — a shed is covered under the ‘other structures’ portion of homeowners insurance when a covered peril like fire, wind, or a fallen tree damages it. Wear, rot, and neglect are not covered.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What’s covered

    • Shed damage from fire, wind, hail, or a fallen tree.
    • Other-structures coverage is typically about 10% of your dwelling limit.

    Common exclusions

    • Rot, rust, and general wear
    • Termite and pest damage
    • Sheds used for business (may need commercial coverage)

    State considerations

    If your shed’s value exceeds 10% of your dwelling limit, you may need to increase other-structures coverage.

    Claim tips

    • Photograph the damage and the cause.
    • Check whether payout is ACV or replacement cost.
    • Confirm your other-structures limit covers it.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is a detached shed covered?

    Yes — under other structures.

    Are shed contents covered?

    Yes, under personal property, subject to limits.

    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 Burst Pipes?

    Yes — homeowners insurance covers a sudden pipe burst and the water damage it causes, including tearing out walls to reach the pipe. It won’t pay for the worn-out pipe itself or gradual leaks.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What’s covered

    • Water damage to floors, walls, and belongings.
    • Access costs (opening a wall to reach the burst).
    • Frozen-then-burst pipes if you kept the home heated.

    Common exclusions

    • The aging pipe itself (wear)
    • Gradual leaks and seepage
    • Damage from leaving heat off (negligence)

    State considerations

    In cold states, leaving a vacant home unheated can void a frozen-pipe claim — insurers expect reasonable precautions.

    Claim tips

    • Shut off the water immediately.
    • Photograph the burst and the damage.
    • Save the damaged pipe section as evidence.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does it cover the pipe repair?

    Usually the resulting damage, not the worn pipe.

    Are frozen pipes covered?

    Yes, if the home was reasonably heated.

    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 Ice Dams?

    Yes — homeowners insurance usually covers ice-dam damage, since it’s sudden water damage from a winter weather event. Damage from long-term neglect or poor maintenance, however, may be denied.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What’s covered

    • Interior water damage when melting ice backs up under shingles.
    • Damaged ceilings, walls, and insulation.

    Prevention matters

    Insurers expect reasonable upkeep — good attic insulation and ventilation reduce ice dams and denial risk.

    Common exclusions

    • Gradual damage from ignored ice dams
    • Roof replacement due to age
    • Damage in a poorly maintained home

    State considerations

    Cold-climate states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Maine, New York) see the most ice-dam claims. Frozen-pipe losses often accompany them.

    Claim tips

    • Document the water damage with photos.
    • Note the recent freeze/thaw weather.
    • Address attic insulation to prevent recurrence.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does it cover roof damage from ice dams?

    Sudden damage yes; age-related roof failure no.

    Are frozen pipes covered too?

    Yes, if you kept the home heated.

    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 Tornado Damage?

    Yes — homeowners insurance covers tornado damage, because tornadoes cause wind damage, a covered peril. Any flooding from the same storm, however, is not covered.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    What’s covered

    • Wind damage to roof, walls, and windows.
    • Interior damage from debris or wind-driven rain through a breach.
    • Destroyed belongings and living costs if displaced.

    Wind deductibles

    Tornado-prone states may apply a separate windstorm deductible (a percentage of your dwelling limit) rather than a flat amount.

    Common exclusions

    • Flooding from the storm (needs flood insurance)
    • Neglected pre-existing damage

    State considerations

    Tornado Alley states (Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska) often use percentage-based wind/hail deductibles — check yours before storm season.

    Claim tips

    • Photograph all damage before cleanup.
    • Make temporary repairs to prevent further loss (keep receipts).
    • File promptly and get independent repair estimates.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is there a special tornado deductible?

    Often a percentage-based wind deductible in high-risk states.

    Is flooding from a tornado covered?

    No — flooding needs separate flood insurance.

    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

  • Why Home Insurance Rates Are Rising

    Home insurance rates are rising due to costlier claims from severe weather, higher rebuilding costs from inflation, and growing catastrophe losses.

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    The main drivers

    • More frequent, severe storms and wildfires.
    • Inflation raising labor and material costs.
    • Higher reinsurance costs passed to consumers.

    What you can do

    • Raise your deductible to lower premiums.
    • Bundle home and auto.
    • Improve your home’s resilience for discounts.

    Frequently asked questions

    Will rates keep rising?

    Trends point to continued pressure in high-risk regions.

    How can I lower my premium?

    Raise deductibles, bundle, and ask about mitigation discounts.

    Related guides

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

    Related guides

    Homeowners coverage · Premium estimator · Glossary

  • HO-3 vs. HO-5 Homeowners Policies

    HO-3 is the standard homeowners policy (open-peril structure, named-peril contents); HO-5 is a premium policy with open-peril coverage on both structure and contents.

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    HO-3

    Most common. Structure is open-peril; belongings are named-peril; usually ACV or RCV on contents.

    HO-5

    Broader — open-peril on both structure and belongings, typically replacement cost. Costs more.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is HO-5 worth it?

    For newer or higher-value homes wanting the broadest coverage, often yes.

    What’s the main difference?

    HO-5 covers your belongings on an open-peril basis; HO-3 doesn’t.

    Related guides

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

    Keep exploring

    Homeowners coverage · Auto coverage · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • Renters vs. Homeowners Insurance

    Homeowners insurance covers the building and your belongings; renters insurance covers only your belongings and liability, because the landlord insures the building.

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Renters insurance

    • Your belongings, liability, loss of use.
    • Not the building.

    Homeowners insurance

    • The structure + belongings + liability.

    Frequently asked questions

    Which is cheaper?

    Renters — you’re not insuring the building.

    Do both cover theft?

    Yes.

    Related guides

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

    Keep exploring

    Homeowners coverage · Auto coverage · Deductible calculator · Glossary

  • What Happens When a Car Is a Total Loss?

    A car is ‘totaled’ when repair costs exceed a set percentage of its value. Your insurer pays the car’s actual cash value (minus deductible) instead of repairing it.

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    How it works

    • Insurer compares repair cost to the car’s ACV.
    • If repairs exceed the threshold, they pay ACV.

    If you owe more than ACV

    Gap insurance covers the difference between your loan balance and the ACV payout.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I keep a totaled car?

    Sometimes, for a reduced (salvage) payout.

    What if I owe more than it’s worth?

    Only gap insurance covers that shortfall.

    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

  • Does Car Insurance Cover a Hit and Run?

    Yes — a hit and run is usually covered by uninsured motorist or collision coverage, since the at-fault driver can’t be identified to pay.

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Which coverage applies

    • Uninsured motorist (for injuries, and property damage in some states).
    • Collision (for your car’s damage), minus deductible.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I pay a deductible?

    With collision, yes; UM property damage may have a smaller one.

    Should I file a police report?

    Yes — it’s important for a hit-and-run claim.

    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

  • Does Car Insurance Cover Catalytic Converter Theft?

    Yes — comprehensive car insurance covers catalytic converter theft, including the stolen part and related damage, minus your deductible.

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Covered

    • The stolen converter.
    • Damage from the removal.

    Steps

    1. File a police report.
    2. Open a comprehensive claim.

    Frequently asked questions

    Which coverage pays?

    Comprehensive — not liability or collision.

    Will it raise rates?

    Comprehensive claims are less likely to than at-fault crashes.

    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