Home Insurance

An HO-3 policy provides open perils coverage for the dwelling structure (covering all risks except those specifically excluded) and named perils coverage for personal property contents (fire, lightning, windstorm, hail, theft). Read our full guide on Homeowners Insurance Fundamentals and compare policy forms in Named Perils vs Open Perils.

No. Standard home policies strictly exclude flood, surface water runoff, storm surge, earthquakes, and sinkholes. Separate policies or specific endorsements are required. Learn how to protect your property in our 8-Point Policy Health Check and read What is an Insurance Exclusion?.

Multiply your home's finished square footage by local building and labor reconstruction costs per square foot, adding allowances for roof pitch, exterior masonry, and custom cabinetry. Calculate an accurate estimate with our Home Replacement Cost Calculator.

Conventional mortgages require private mortgage insurance (PMI) when putting less than 20% down, which can be cancelled once you reach 20% home equity. In contrast, FHA loans mandate Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) upfront and annually, often lasting for the entire loan life. Compare costs, cancellation rules, and loan requirements in our detailed analysis of PMI vs FHA MIP.

No. Standard homeowners insurance requires a fixed permanent dwelling structure and will not cover an RV used as a primary residence. If you live on the road permanently, you need specialized full-timer liability, personal effects coverage, and loss-of-use protection. Learn how to bridge this gap in our comprehensive guide to full-time RV insurance.