Home Insurance
12 articles in this category
Home Replacement Cost vs. Market Value: Key Differences
Replacement cost and market value measure very different things. Mixing them up leaves millions of homeowners underinsured. Here's what each means and which one to use for insurance.
How to Calculate Your Home's Replacement Cost in 2026
Calculating home replacement cost for insurance requires more than guessing. Here's the exact method appraisers use, and how to do it yourse…
Wood-Frame vs. Masonry vs. Steel: How Construction Type Affects Insurance
Your home's construction type can change your insurance costs by 15–30% and affects both premiums and coverage limits. Here's what each type…
Why Your ZIP Code Changes Your Home Replacement Cost
The same house costs 2.4x more to rebuild in San Francisco than in rural Mississippi. Here's how regional cost factors work and how to choos…
The Hidden Risk of Being Underinsured: What Happens After a Total Loss
A 2022 CoreLogic study found 69% of U.S. homes are underinsured by an average of 20%. Here's what underinsurance actually costs you after a …
What Does It Cost to Rebuild a House? A Complete 2026 Breakdown
Rebuilding a house after a total loss costs $150,000–$800,000+ depending on size, construction, and location. Here's a full cost breakdown b…
When and How to Update Your Home Insurance Coverage Limits
Your dwelling coverage limit needs to be reviewed at least once a year. Here's a complete checklist for when to update, how much to change, …
How Your Garage Affects Home Replacement Cost and Insurance
An attached 2-car garage adds $28,000–$50,000 to your home's replacement cost depending on location. Here's how to account for garage value …
Economy vs. Standard vs. Luxury Construction: Real Cost Differences
Quality grade is the second-biggest driver of home replacement cost after square footage. Economy homes cost 26% less to rebuild than standa…
DIY Home Assessment vs. Professional Appraisal: Which Do You Need?
For most homeowners, a DIY replacement cost estimate using industry-standard data is sufficient. For complex or high-value properties, a pro…
7 Signs It's Time to Update Your Home Insurance Coverage
Most homeowners update their coverage too infrequently. These 7 signals mean your dwelling limit needs attention before you need to file a c…
Home Insurance After a Renovation: What You Need to Update
A major kitchen or bathroom renovation increases your replacement cost by $30,000–$100,000. If you don't update your insurance after renovat…