Category: Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance protects your house, belongings, and liability. These guides answer the exact coverage questions homeowners search — roof damage, water damage, mold, tree removal, HVAC, and dozens more — in plain English, backed by official sources.

  • 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

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  • 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

  • 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