How much renters insurance do you need? A step-by-step way to set personal property, liability and loss of use limits using the standard HO-4 renters form, including special limits for jewelry and cash, replacement cost vs. actual cash value, deductibles, lease requirements and when to add scheduled coverage or an umbrella. Continue reading How Much Renters Insurance Do I Need? Choosing Personal Property, Liability and Loss of Use Limits

Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage? When storm, hail and fallen-tree damage is covered, why wear and tear and poor maintenance are excluded, how roof age affects actual cash value payment schedules and insurability, Florida's 15-year roof rule and inspection option, claim deadlines and how to document a roof claim. Continue reading Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage? Storms, Wear and Tear, Roof Age and Claim Payouts

Does homeowners insurance cover a home-based business? How the standard HO-3 form limits business property to $2,500 at home and $1,500 away, why business liability is excluded, the $2,000 compensation threshold in the definition of business, and the endorsements, in-home business policies and business owner's policies that fill the gaps. Continue reading Does Homeowners Insurance Cover a Home Business? Limits, Exclusions and Better Options

What happens to homeowners insurance when a house sits empty: the difference between vacant and unoccupied, the 60-day vacancy limits in the standard HO-3 form, freezing and theft conditions, inherited and for-sale homes, vacancy permits, dwelling policies and steps to protect an empty property. Continue reading Vacant Home Insurance: What Happens to Your Coverage When a House Sits Empty

Does homeowners insurance cover fallen trees? How a standard HO-3 policy handles a tree that hits your house, fence or car, the separate limits for tree debris removal and for the trees themselves, what happens when a neighbor's tree falls on your property, and how to file a claim. Continue reading Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fallen Trees? Damage, Removal Limits and Neighbor Disputes

Ordinance or law coverage explained: why building codes can raise the cost of repairing an older home after a covered loss, what the standard 10% additional coverage in many homeowners policies pays for, the three parts of ordinance or law protection, Florida's required offer, FEMA's 50 percent rule and how to choose a limit. Continue reading Ordinance or Law Coverage Explained: Paying for Building Code Upgrades After a Home Insurance Claim

What raises your homeowners insurance premium and what does not: how rebuilding cost, location, roof age, claims history, credit-based insurance scores, deductibles and discounts affect your rate, which states limit credit scoring, how to check your CLUE report and what you can actually change. Continue reading What Raises Your Homeowners Insurance Premium (and What Does Not): A Factor-by-Factor Guide

Got a homeowners insurance nonrenewal notice? Learn the difference between nonrenewal and cancellation, why insurers nonrenew policies, state notice rules such as Florida's 120 days and California's 75 days, how to shop for replacement coverage, FAIR plans and insurers of last resort, and how to file a complaint. Continue reading Homeowners Insurance Nonrenewal: Why It Happens, Your Notice Rights and What to Do Next

Homeowners liability coverage explained: what personal liability (Coverage E) and medical payments to others (Coverage F) pay for, common exclusions, how dog bite claims work, Triple-I and State Farm data on dog-related claims, how to choose liability limits and when to add an umbrella policy. Continue reading Homeowners Liability Coverage Explained: Coverage E, Medical Payments and Dog Bite Claims