Tornado Season: Do You Have Good Home Insurance?
The massive tornado that struck Oklahoma Monday is another reminder of how devastating storms can be -- and how important it is to have a good home insurance policy.
homeowners insurance
Why Your Insurance Rates Just Jumped (and What to Do About It)
More than a third of Americans say their insurance costs grew in 2012, and in the majority of cases, it's not because they increased their coverage. But don't accuse the insurers of price-gouging: They've had a really rough decade.
Insurance Review: Are Your Policies Protecting You at the Right Price?
Having the right insurance can soften the blow of an unexpected event that might otherwise mean financial catastrophe for you and your family. But do you? Here are some tips to help you assess your current coverage and decide whether you need to make any changes.
How to Get Your Insurer to Pay Your Frankenstorm Damage Claim
Frankenstorm is coming, but let's assume you did the right thing in getting insurance to protect yourself against heavy weather and floods. If the storm hits you, your next challenge may be getting the insurance company to pony up the cash instead of trying to deny your claim.
Your Insurance Won't Cover That: Hidden Dangers in the Fine Print
When you buy insurance, what you're really buying is protection. A common mistake, though, is to overestimate what your policy really protects you from. Here are some examples to watch for in the fine print so that you don't make the costly mistake of assuming you're covered.
Consumer Finance Bureau Floats New Rules for Mortgage Servicers
The government's consumer lending watchdog proposed new rules Friday aimed at protecting homeowners from unexpected costs and shoddy service by companies that collect their monthly mortgage payments.
The 10 Vital Documents Every Grown-Up Should Have
Check out our gallery to see how many of these 10 must-have documents are in your possession -- and which ones it's time for you to take action on.
For Mother's Day, Protect the Family Jewels
Engagement rings, push gifts and more -- motherhood and jewelry do tend to go together. But this Mother's Day, consider a gift that will help her protect the beautiful baubles she already has.
5 Times When You Shouldn't File That Insurance Claim
Insurance companies take notice of customers who file a lot of claims. At some point, these become unprofitable customers, driving their insurers to raise their rates -- or cancel or refuse to renew their policies. With that in mind, here are five situations where it may be less costly in the long run if you simply skip filing a claim and pay for the losses yourself.
Unusual Quakes: Would Your Home Be Covered?
If you live on the East Coast, the earth moved under your feet Tuesday -- and in Colorado, the same thing happened Monday. With two fairly strong earthquakes hitting areas of the country where they rarely strike, you may be wondering: Am I covered? Should I be? DailyFinance answers your post-quake questions.
Insurance Riders: When to Say Yes to Extra Protection
Ordinary insurance policies cover the basics -- but what if you want more? The industry will happily take more of your money to give you the added piece of mind that a rider can provide. The question is, when are riders worth it?
Renters Beware: You Need to Buy Insurance Too
Everyone realizes that homeowners need insurance policies, but many renters overlook the fact that they need coverage too. The average tenant has a lot to lose if they fall victim to a fire, flood or other disaster, which means they have a lot to gain from buying a low-cost renters policy.
Disaster Plans: Prepared for a Worst-Case Scenario?
The deadly tornadoes that struck the South and Midwest in April, the devastating quake in Japan and concerns about terrorist reprisals after Osama bin Laden's death should serve as reminders to property owners: plan for the worst-case scenario.
Landlord Landmines: Avoiding the Rental Pitfalls
The idea of making some extra income off your house may sound attractive to many homeowners -- until one starts considering what the costs will be in terms of lifestyle changes, loss of privacy, safety and potential financial liability. Our experts provide some sobering advice.