What is covered under a typical homeowner's insurance policy?

A typical homeowner's policy provides three types of protection: damage to the home, damage to the contents of your home, and liability.

Generally, insurance covers the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home (and surrounding structures such as the garage) if it's destroyed or damaged by disasters such as fire, theft, snow or windstorm. It covers the contents of your home up to a fixed dollar amount in the event of many of these same disasters. And some policies can protect you if you are held liable for personal injury or damaging property.

How can I save money on my homeowner's insurance?

The easiest way to save money on a homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance policy is to increase the size of the deductible you must pay before the policy will cover you for a loss. However, this only makes sense if you have enough savings to pay the higher deductible if you have to make a claim.

Check out any discounts you may be eligible for. Deadbolts or a doorman in an apartment building may get you a discount. A security alarm, a fire extinguisher, or a smoke detector may also help lower your rates.
Consider moving your automobile coverage and homeowner's or renter's coverage to the same insurance companies. Some insurers offer a dual-policy discount of up to 15%.

Do I need special coverage for collectibles?

A typical homeowner's insurance policy offers little, if any, coverage for collectibles. To get coverage, you usually have to specifically request it and pay an extra premium. Before you insure collectibles, consider getting a written appraisal of each item first. It will help you get the proper amount of coverage and will reduce the chance that the insurer will contest your estimates if you have to file a claim.

What is additional living expense insurance coverage?

Additional living expense insurance reimburses you for some of your living expenses if you must move out of your damaged home while it's being rebuilt or repaired. It pays the cost of reasonable motel bills, meals, and other basic living expenses minus the amount you would normally spend for daily living expenses. Check your policy for limits.

What are the main components of auto insurance coverage?

A typical automobile insurance policy has three components
  • Liability
  • Medical
  • Collision comprehensive
Liability coverage protects you if you are held responsible for an accident that causes injury or loss to other people. Medical coverage pays medical and hospital bills for you and the passengers in your car. Collision/comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car due to an accident, theft, or damage from vandalism or fire. All of these coverages are limited to the amount stated on your policy.

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage pays you if an uninsured motorist hits your car and you are injured. Similarly, underinsured motorists coverage protects you if the driver who crashes into your car has some – but not enough – insurance. In some states, uninsured coverage boosts the total premium substantially

Why do I need medical payments coverage under my automobile insurance policy if I have health insurance?

If you already have good health insurance, you won't necessarily need medical payments insurance to cover your own medical bills. But you may want to consider purchasing it for any passengers in your car.

If you live in a no-fault state, you probably have to buy a minimum amount of medical coverage called "personal injury insurance" or "no-fault" insurance. This coverage pays your medical bills, and, in some cases, your loss of income if you are disabled, regardless of who is to blame for an accident.

If you don't live in a no-fault state, you don't have to purchase medical payments coverage, but you might want to consider buying it anyway. Liability insurance doesn't cover accidents in which no one is proven negligent, nor will it cover your injuries in accidents that you cause.

What's the difference between collision and comprehensive auto coverage?

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from an accident. Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by fire, flood, theft, tornado, and just about any other physical damage not covered by collision. In all states, both of these types of coverage are optional. However, if you have a car loan or are leasing your car, the lender or dealer will require you to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage.