Home insurance
Do I Need Flood Insurance? A Homeowner's Guide to Flood Coverage
Do I need flood insurance? Learn why home policies exclude flood, NFIP limits, the 30-day wait, flood zones, Risk Rating 2.0 and lender rules.
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Home insurance
A homeowners policy protects the house, your belongings and you, but it has gaps that surprise many new owners, starting with flood. These guides explain the parts of a policy, the choices that change what you pay, and what to do when something goes wrong.
Home insurance
How to File a Homeowners Insurance Claim: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to file a homeowners insurance claim: document damage, prevent more harm, work with the adjuster, do the deductible math and handle disputes.
Home insurance
What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover? Coverage A to F Explained
What does homeowners insurance cover? Learn HO-3 vs. other forms, Coverage A to F, replacement cost vs. ACV, common exclusions and how deductibles work.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeowners insurance required by law?
No state law requires it, but almost every mortgage lender does. If you have a mortgage, your lender will require proof of coverage and can buy a policy for you, often at a higher cost, if yours lapses.
Does homeowners insurance cover floods?
Standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. You need a separate flood policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer, and NFIP policies usually take 30 days to start.
Where can I complain about my insurer?
Contact your state's insurance department. Every state has one, and it handles consumer complaints about insurers and agents licensed there. The NAIC website links to each state's department.
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