Homeowners

Everything from home repair and maintenance tips to expert insurance advice

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Home Insurance Remains Confusing for Most Homeowners

Looking at a consumer survey on which aspects of home insurance homeowners find the most difficult to understand and...

Don’t Get Burned This Summer by Liability Risks

Summer is the perfect time for backyard barbecues, pool parties and hosting friends outdoors, but it can also increase...

Digital Natives vs. Established Experts: The Shift in How People Are Approaching Home Insurance Shopping

Are first-time homebuyers more savvy insurance shoppers? The results of a recent survey suggest so

Home Insurance Claim Payouts Can Feel Disappointing. Here's Why.

Homeowners insurance claim payouts aren’t always what you expect. Learn how insurers calculate payments and why your...

What Happens After You File a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

Homeowners claims are not always as straightforward as auto claims. Here's what to expect after you file.

How Nevada and California Are Adapting Insurance Laws in the Face of Growing Wildfire Threats

Wildfire risks are rising everywhere, but particularly in western states. Several states, including Nevada and...

Spring Home Insurance Review: Coverage Gaps to Check Now

Spring cleaning doesn't stop with your closets. It's a great time to review your insurance coverage and close any gaps.

Women Are Increasingly Homeowners but Can Experience Home Insurance Coverage Gaps

Women are increasingly homeowners but they can experience home insurance coverage gaps that can be financially damaging.

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Half of Homeowners Think They're Fully Covered...Many May Be Underinsured

A look at why home replacement costs are rising and the discrepancy between people thinking their home is correctly...

What Steps Are Homeowners Taking to Make Their Houses More Resilient?

Looking at how people are taking steps to make their home more resilient in the face of a changing climate

Home Infestations: What Critters Cause the Most Damage and How to Prevent Them

A look at what insects and mammals cause the most damage to homes, how to prevent infestations and what home insurance...

Understanding Depreciation When You Have an Insurance Claim

Learn how depreciation affects your insurance claim payout, including actual cash value vs. replacement cost and what...

Do You Have a Separate Deductible for Wind and Hail?

Understanding the separate deductibles home insurance policies often have, why they exist and how to avoid unfortunate...

Home Repairs, Replacements and Insurance: What Homeowners Need to Know

Considering maintenance, repairs, the true cost of homeownership and what insurance does and does not cover

Home Insurance and Divorce: What People Forget — and What to Do Next

All of the things you need to do when you get divorced to keep your home insurance in order

The Hidden Challenges of Filing a Claim Against a Business

When you have a claim against a commercial insurance policy, it can present some unique challenges.

Understanding the Rising Cost of Renters Insurance

Where and how much renters insurance is rising and the reasons why

Where and Why Housing Is Becoming Unaffordable

A closer look at why homeownership has become less affordable, the costs driving the crisis, and where buyers are...

Changes Coming to Home and Auto Insurance in 2026

A look at a few of the laws changing in insurance in certain states in 2026 and how they will effect drivers and...

5 Smart Home Devices That Can Help You Save on Home Insurance

Looking at devices that can alert you to potential damage before it becomes an expensive claim and that your insurance...

Is It Safe to Park Your E-Bike in Your Garage?

Considering the dangers posed by lithium-ion batteries, insurance concerns and general garage safe storage tips

Can Your Insurance Company Drop You From a Drone Photo?

A look at how aerial photography is affecting homeowners insurance and how homeowners can be proactive

How AI is Forecasting and Assessing Risk

Looking at the way AI is changing home insurance and approaching forecasting

Disasters Are Getting More Expensive—Is Your Insurance Enough?

Looking at the increase in cost for disasters and how to make sure your home insurance coverage is adequate

The Hidden Aftermath: Long-Term Damages After a Disaster You Might Not Realize

Looking at the hidden, long-lasting impacts of natural disasters

What’s Driving Up My Monthly Mortgage Payment?

Considering the Fed rates cut announcement and rate hikes coming for home insurance

When Accidents Happen at Home: Fault, Liability, and Coverage Explained

A look at the 5 most common household accidents and who's at fault

10 Worst Fires in U.S. History

A look at the worst fires not caused by wildfire to have affected the U.S.

The Average American Is Now Paying Over $2,800 for Home Insurance

A look at homeowners insurance in the U.S. in 2025

5 Lightning Myths Debunked

Considering what's really true about lightning, insurance concerns and where the safest place to take cover is

How Extreme Weather Is Transforming the Insurance Industry

A look at the ways the insurance industry is adapting to an increase in climate related disasters

Weathering the Storm: Windstorm Damage and Homeowner Insurance

Understanding what home insurance covers when it comes to wind damage

The 10 Most Expensive Hurricanes to Ever Strike the United States

The most expensive storms to have struck the U.S.

Changes at the NOAA: What That Means for Home Insurance

Looking at the cuts to the NOAA and how that impacts hurricane tracking and home insurance

The Future of the National Flood Insurance Program

Looking at the consequences of ending the NFIP and what might happen

The Many Faces of Fire: Understanding Different Types of Wildfires

Understanding the causes and differences between common types of wildfires

Parametric Insurance: An Innovative Way to Handle Disaster Recovery

How to understand parametric insurance and how it can be useful in disaster-prone areas

GoFundMe for Natural Disasters: How Crowdfunding Affects Home Insurance

Understanding the limitations and concerns with using GoFundMe funds in addition to home insurance

What’s New in Renters Insurance in 2025

Considering some of the things that are advancing in the renters insurance industry

Los Angeles Wildfires: Insurance Resources

Resources and advice for filing claims and repairing damages after the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles

Home Insurance Trends in 2025: What You Need to Know

Looking at recent trends in home insurance and how they will impact the coming year

2024’s Fury: The 6 Most Expensive Natural Disasters We Weathered This Year

A recap of the most expensive natural disasters in 2024

Winter Weather Perils: What's Covered by Insurance and What's Not

Understanding the limitations of your insurance coverage and winter weather

6 Ways Renters Insurance Can Protect You This Holiday Season

Understanding holiday-specific perils and why you might consider renters insurance

Private vs. Government-Funded Flood Insurance

Understanding the pros and cons of various flood insurance programs

Understanding Landslides, Mudslides and Mudflows

Understanding the perils of landslides, mudslides and mudflows and if they're covered by insurance

Guide to Short-Term Rentals: What You Should Know Before Signing a Lease

Learn what to consider and look out for when booking a place for less than 12 months

10 Underwriting Questions to Expect in Home Insurance

An explanation of some common home insurance underwriting questions

States with the Most Lightning Each Year

Looking at the U.S. states that see the most lightning and why + what to do if you're affected by lightning

10 States with the Most Dog Bites

Looking at which U.S. states have the most dog bite claims and how home insurance claims for dogs bites works

How to Get an Apartment with a Bad Rental History

Learn solutions for fixing or offsetting a previously poor rental history

FEMA’s New Flood Insurance Rates: What It Means for You

Looking at FEMA's Risk Rating 2.0 and impacts to consumers

Is 2024 going to be a hyperactive hurricane season?

Looking at the NOAA predictions for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and how to prepare

10 essential questions to ask before signing a lease

A guide to what you should ask a landlord before agreeing to a new rental

Understanding your rights as a renter

What you need to know about federal and state rental protections

10 worst cities for renters

Looking at the U.S. cities with the highest rents, lowest vacancies and more.

So you want to buy a house in a floodplain: Understanding insurance implications

Decoding floodplains, flood zones and flood factors and how they impact insurance

16 upgrades to make your home more climate-resistant

Ready your home to face hurricanes, fires, floods and extreme heat

Your Guide to HOA Rules and Guidelines

Learn more about your HOA with our handy guide.

Worst wildfires in U.S. history

Uncovering the worst wildfires based on cost, acres burned and lives lost

Home warranty: everything you need to know

What is a home warranty and what does it cover? Learn about the pros, cons and costs of home warranties and how they...

10 worst cities for house crime

Data-based look at the U.S. cities with the highest rates of arson and property crime

9 worst floods in the U.S. and how they changed history

Studying the deadliest coastal, river and flash floods and how they altered the U.S.

Homeowners insurance outlook 2024

From rising rates to inaccessibility: what to expect from homeowners rates in the coming year

8 dangerous house smells to watch out for

Common house issues with odors, what they mean and what to do

Renters insurance vs. landlords insurance: What does each policy cover?

A look at the details of both landlord and renters coverage, along with possible scenarios you could find yourself in...

New year, same insurance crisis: What 2024 means for insurance prices and access

Understanding the efforts being taken to improve insurance access in hard-hit U.S. states in 2024

Most expensive cities to own a home in 2024

Find out which U.S. cities are the priciest and most difficult to purchase and own a home

Your guide to fire extinguishers: How to use, when to replace and alternatives to consider

Why you need a fire extinguisher and how to use it

The sky is falling! Understanding home insurance and falling objects

A comprehensive look at the peril of falling objects

Ensuring home safety during Hanukkah celebrations

Home safety tips specifically for the Hanukkah season

What to do when you experience a power outage? Our guide to preparation and recovery

What to do before, during and after a power outage

Would your insurance cover THAT? Christmas movie edition

Find out which property-damaging holiday film characters could file a claim

Home safe home: 12 unexpected things your homeowners policy may cover

Learn about the things you might not realize you could file home insurance claims for

Holiday feast or disaster waiting to happen?

Understand the pitfalls of holiday hosting, how to be safe and what home insurance may cover

Is Earth becoming uninsurable?

Understanding how global climate change is affecting insurance

How to Avoid Home Insurance Fraud

Home insurance fraud hurt both insurance companies and homeowners

7 steps to creating a realistic budget as a renter + Rental budget calculator

How to manage your money when you don't own your home

When should you change your insurance after a big event?

Consider the timing of when to change insurance after a life-changing circumstance

Do you have enough coverage?

Learn what you should be checking in on to make sure you have adequate insurance coverage

Best U.S. cities to own an investment property in

We ran the numbers to find the best places in the U.S. to buy a property for income

Breathing easy: How to improve poor indoor air quality

Learn the culprits polluting your home environment and how to prevent them

Worst tornadoes in U.S. history

Let's look the deadliest and most costly tornadoes

Would my renters insurance cover THAT?

Test your knowledge of renters insurance and what protections you have

9 home maintenance tips to avoid huge repairs later

Doing a little regular upkeep can save you some big homeowners insurance claims

What is the average age of first-time homebuyers (and why is it getting higher)?

Learn why Americans are waiting longer to buy their first home.

10 unlikely features in your smart home that may be putting you at risk of cyber attacks

Find out which devices might be making you vulnerable and how to protect your home

25 hidden fire hazards at home (and how to prevent them)

Learn about the different fire hazards that are hiding in your home

The biggest disasters in U.S. history: And how they changed the insurance industry

These 6 events created national emergencies and changed how insurance companies operate

The 13 coldest cities in the U.S.

Learn more about the 13 coldest cities and winter weather best practices.

Debunking 10 major home insurance myths

Delving into what's true and what's false about your home insurance policy

10 unexpected ways to lower your homeowners insurance rates

Save on your home insurance costs with these tips

12 things standard home insurance doesn't cover

Find out what the average homeowners policy doesn't protect you from

California FAIR Plan Policy: Here’s what you need to know

Your guide to California's FAIR plan to support homeowner's needing insurance

Home-building horror stories: What recourse do I have against a home builder?

Take it from others’ home-building horror stories to learn what recourse you have against your home builder.

Average length of homeownership: Americans spend less than 15 years in one home

Our article and infographic break down the average length of homeownership across the U.S.

First-time homebuyer programs, loans and grants to know

Check out The Zebra’s guide on first-time homebuyer programs and financial assistance to help you plan your home...

Insurance for outbuildings and other structures: What is covered?

Insurance for outbuildings falls under your homeowners insurance policy’s other structures coverage.

Florida is undergoing an insurance crisis

Understand why the Florida homeowners insurance market is buckling and what that means for Floridian homeowners

4 tech trends in home insurance in 2022 and how they will affect you

Understand what's changing in the home insurance industry and how it will affect consumers

Everything you need to know about due diligence in real estate

Read what to do to ensure you move into your new home knowing you made the right choice.

Your guide to whole home surge protectors

How they work, pros and cons and how to choose the right one for your home

Ask an agent: Home is where the claims are

Expert advice related to home insurance from the Zebra's expert agents

Average home price in the U.S. is rising: $348K in 2022

The average home price rose to $348,079 this year. What’s the cause and when will prices decrease?

What to know about adding solar panels to your home

Your guide to the benefits, drawbacks and insurance considerations for adding residential solar panels

A homeowner’s guide to owning a beach house in the U.S.

Owning a beach house is a dream for many people, but is this dream right for you?

How to prepare your home for summer

Your seasonal homeowner to-do list to be ready for hot (and maybe stormy) weather

A beginner’s guide to skoolies: How to start your own school bus conversion

Check out this beginner’s guide on completing a school bus conversion. Read about bus types, skoolie floor plans, cost...

47% of Americans don’t have home-buying FOMO + the pros and cons of owning a house

The Zebra conducted a survey to see whether home-buying FOMO is sweeping the nation and discussed the pros and cons of...

Florida homeowners facing rising insurance prices

Floridians already pay the highest home insurance rates in the U.S., but finding coverage becomes more difficult as...

45 bonus room ideas to add value to your home

Not sure what to do with the flex space in your house? Try these bonus room ideas that will add value to your home.

Homeowners rates rise nationwide, affordability remains an issue into 2022

Affordability remains an issue as mortgage rates rise and homeowners insurance costs outpace inflation.

How to put out a fire pit: Nine tips to enjoy yours safely

Learn how to properly put out a fire pit so you can keep your home and family safe.

Top Winter Home Insurance Claims and Tips to Reduce Losses

Harsh winter weather can mean costly damages for your home. We detail the top winter home insurance claims and how to...

How do mortgages work?

Understand the mortgage process and the elements that go into your monthly payment

How to keep your home safe and secure this holiday season

Tips for protecting your home from seasonal mayhem

Thanksgiving home security tips: Your guide to staying safe (and thankful)

Whether you're leaving town or hosting the festivities, use these tips to keep your home safe

The pros and cons of buying a condo in today’s market

Want a mixture between apartment living and homeownership? Weigh the pros and cons of buying a condo to decide if it...

Halloween home security tips: Your guide to avoiding holiday mischief and mayhem

Keep your home safe from tricksters this Halloween with these security tips

The real costs of new construction + 6 tips for building on a budget

Dreaming of building your perfect home? Familiarize yourself with the costs of new construction and learn tips to build...

15 Best pets for small apartments

Looking for a pet but limited in space? Our list of pets for small apartments will guide you to your new best friend!

Where housing may become unaffordable by 2025

As demand for housing continues to rise, we gathered insights on home values and forecasted which major U.S. cities...

23 Downsizing tips for seniors + free checklist

Transitioning homes can be an overwhelming and emotional process. Read further to discover downsizing tips for seniors...

Successful women in real estate: Trends to know in 2022

Successful women in real estate are dominating the industry. Learn about how current trends impact their progress and...

How to start a home-based business: 13 steps for a successful launch

Want the perks of working from home while also being your own boss? Learn how to start a home-based business in 13...

Effects of coastal erosion: A future view of at-risk housing markets

To help visualize the damage that could be done to the U.S. coastlines, we’ve outlined what some of the most at-risk...

Dealing with digital clutter: What it is and 6 places to practice digital minimalism

Of the many types of messes we accumulate, digital clutter rarely gets the attention it deserves. With remote work here...

What is a micro business? + 6 tips for getting started

All micro businesses are small businesses; however, the difference has to do with the number of employees you have,...

51 garage conversion ideas to convert your living space

A garage is a blank slate for renovation projects. Turn your garage into an entirely new living space with these garage...

New home vs. old home: Which should you buy?

When it comes to making the decision between purchasing a new home vs. an old home, it’s important to learn the pros...

Grilling safety tips for a successful summer cookout

A barbecue, which brings people with a shared love of smoked meats and good weather together, can also bring along...

Aging parents checklist: A guide to senior life planning

Whether your aging parent or loved one needs support for the first time, or you’re planning for the future, it’s...

10 of the most expensive home repairs (and how to prevent them)

Of all the expenses involved in homeownership, the cost of the various fixes you’ll face is the hardest to plan for....

Airbnb statistics and host insight

Airbnb has turned wanderlust into an accessible online marketplace. This list of Airbnb statistics features historical...

How often to replace 23 common items in your house

Even small household items can leave a big germ footprint. Find out how often to replace common goods and read our...

A guide to home repair grants for veterans

From SHA to SAH grants, learn about home repair grants for veterans to see what you may qualify for.

Get to know your house: Foundation types and tips

Learn more about your home’s foundation type – and why it matters.

Weekly house cleaning schedule (+ checklist)

Tidying up helps maintain a clean and orderly home. Click here to download daily, weekly and monthly house cleaning...

New home checklist: The ultimate guide to moving in

Stressed out about moving? Use this new home checklist to keep track of when you need call movers and what you need to...

15 ways a smart home office can boost productivity and wellness

Maintaining a home office that inspires you to be efficient, healthy and motivated can be trickier than it sounds....

Marijuana real estate: How recreational pot is impacting the neighborhood

Our study and survey take a look at recreational marijuana’s impact on housing markets, and how homeowners feel about...

11 ways to protect your home and garden from wildlife

Find out how to protect your home and garden from animals, while also attracting good wildlife to your property.

Smart home 2030: What could our homes look like in 10 years?

You think your house is smart now? Here are some devices that could be running the place in 10 years.

Majority of Americans Don’t Consider Climate Change When They Set Their Thermostats

Do you consider the environmental impacts of your thermostat dial? Most Americans don’t. Learn why here.

Supersized: Americans Are Living in Bigger Houses With Fewer People

Americans have more living space than ever, but is bigger always better?

What is a passive house?

Curious to learn how passive homes maintain their internal temperatures without heating or cooling systems? Check this...

How does a roomba work?

Roombas revolutionized the robot vacuum industry. Learn the science behind how our “butlers” work their magic.

Ring the alarm: 87% of Americans don’t know how their doorbell camera data is being used

Would you buy a doorbell camera if it were spying on you? Our survey reveals how little Americans know about these...

Find your city’s twin

Considering a move? Discover the cities across the country that are surprisingly similar.

Most and least house-poor cities by region

Our city study lists the most and least affordable cities for homeowners by region.

3D-Printed homes: How 3D printers are building affordable housing

3D-printed homes are revolutionizing the construction industry by making housing more affordable and sustainable....

Full(er) house: How to make multigenerational living work for you

Living with extended family can be tricky. Learn how to manage a growing household.

Home renovation: Can you DIY or should you hire a professional?

Renovating your home may seem easy enough, but one mistake can cost you thousands. Use this flow chart to know whether...

How do tankless water heaters work? (Animation)

On-demand water heaters warm the water as it travels through a pipe and out the faucet. Learn how tankless water...

Stuff that stays, stuff that goes: What can – and can’t – you take from the house you’re selling?

Moving? Learn which of your stuff you can – and can’t – take with you.

How to research a neighborhood in 4 steps

Where you live could affect your insurance rates. Learn what you should pay attention to in your neighborhood.

Natural disaster hotspots: States most likely to be hit by the forces of nature

Scared of living in a natural disaster zone? Here’s where you’re most at risk and how to get your home disaster-ready.

10 best cities for single female homeowners in the U.S.

Find out the best places for single female homeownership across the U.S.

How much pop culture home disasters would really cost (Infographic)

Movies and television shows love to depict destruction. We looked at how much it would all cost.

Watching for wildfires: How to keep your assets (and yourself) safe

Learn how to prepare your home, family and belongings for a wildfire.

Blizzard prep: 10 steps to prepare for winter weather

If winter weather’s headed your way, learn how to prepare your family and home.

7 steps to prepare for and recover from thunderstorms

Take the right measures in a thunderstorm to keep your family and belongings safe.

History of U.S. homeownership: how housing has changed since 1960

See the differences in homeownership rates and living arrangements in America in the past sixty years.

Home maintenance checklist: An essential seasonal guide

Keep your home organized and running smoothly year-round with our handy and interactive home maintenance checklist.

What is a modular home? 4 eco benefits for homeowners

Explore modular homes as an affordable housing option with great eco benefits like energy efficiency and sustainable...

8 home improvement projects that add the most value

From kitchen remodels to adding stone veneer, find out which home improvement project adds the most value.

How to practice smart device security this holiday season

'Tis the season to brush up on your electronics safety measures. Here's how.

8 cities with the best weather in the U.S.

The best and worst weather in major cities across America, including rankings for the sunniest, hottest and coldest...

Which states are Americans moving to?

We’re taking a look at state migrations in the U.S. with an animated visual to discover where top states people are...

How to donate household items: 7 charities that pick up furniture

Give your stuff a second chance at life while helping those in need with help from this guide.

What is a sustainable city? 10 characteristics of green urban planning

Through social, environmental and economic impact, sustainable cities aim to achieve net zero status while mitigating...

Wind power for homes: Is it right for you?

Learn everything a homeowner should know about wind power for the home and turbines with this post and infographic!

Renovate or move? Our flowchart will help you decide

Should you stay or should you go? Our flowchart will help you decide.

Change of address checklist: 12 places to notify when you move

Stay sane and keep your identity safe during a move with this change of address checklist.

Home wellness technology: The future of smart homes is health-focused

Wellness real estate is using smart technology to enhance holistic health at home — find out how.

Code red: Survey finds 3 in 4 Americans ignore smoke detector safety procedures

Testing your smoke detector could be the difference between life and death. Find out how often you should be testing it.

10 micropolitans you’ll want to move to in 2022

The idea of migrating to a micropolitan is becoming increasingly more popular. Read on as we reveal the top...

How to compost at home: The complete guide for indoor and outdoor composting

You can DIY a soil builder for your plants by repurposing your food waste at home.

10 surprising things that can increase your house’s worth (Without impacting your homeowners insurance)

Discover surprising factors that can increase your home’s worth without impacting your homeowner’s insurance.

Anatomy of an agrihood: Get back to the basics with farm-to-table living

What is an agrihood? Learn about these new mixed development communities where farming takes center stage.

Buyin’ large: Your new stuff may need some new insurance

Planning on adding stuff to your home? You might need to add some insurance to cover it.

Get to know your house: Top 5 home repairs

Here are five of the most common repairs homeowners face – and how much they could set you back.

The complete homebuying guide for veterans

Everything you need to know about VA loans including state-specific veteran benefits and home insurance for veterans.

How to work from home safely: Cybersecurity tips, liability and more

Cybersecurity risks are on the rise, as more workers log in from home. These safety tips for remote work will protect...

15 Green building materials for an eco-conscious home

Mushrooms and tires are just some of the unconventional, yet eco-friendly, materials you can use to build a green home.

1 in 3 Americans would live in a haunted house (+ other stigmatized property stats)

Could you stomach living with a spirit? Our survey uncovers how Americans feel about haunted homes.

Get to Know Your Roof: How to Maintain and Protect Your Home

Your house’s roof plays an important part in your homeowners insurance policy. Learn more about what’s over your head,...

Most Americans don’t know when their homes are most vulnerable to break-ins

Turns out you may not be as savvy as you think when it comes to keeping your home safe.

How long to keep every type of important document + home inventory checklist

Some of the most overlooked items in the home are important financial documents. Take time to ensure they’re protected...

79% of Americans Share Passwords, But Only 13% Are Worried About Identity Theft

Most of us do it, but not many of us worry about sharing more than our passwords.

20 ways to conserve water at home: A room-by-room guide

Changes in our everyday habits are going to be required to meet our society’s growing water needs. Click here to learn...

What is virtual staging? 11 things homeowners need to know

Virtual home staging uses software to style rooms by adding features such as art, furniture and lighting to enhance...

7 ways to prepare for tornadoes, hail and serious storms

Learn how to prepare for, and stay safe during, a tornado or hailstorm.

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Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.