Common Home Insurance: What You Really Need to Know

When people talk about common home insurance, a standard policy that protects your house and belongings against damage or loss. Also known as homeowners insurance, it’s not just a requirement from your lender—it’s your first line of defense against fire, storms, theft, and liability claims. But here’s the thing: most people think they’re covered until something goes wrong and they realize their policy has big holes.

The biggest mistake? Focusing on price instead of dwelling coverage, the part of your policy that pays to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed. Many homeowners set this number too low, assuming it matches their mortgage balance or what they paid years ago. But rebuilding costs have jumped—materials, labor, permits—and if your coverage doesn’t match today’s prices, you’ll be stuck paying tens of thousands out of pocket. This isn’t theoretical. A 2023 study by the Insurance Information Institute found nearly 40% of U.S. homeowners are underinsured by at least 20%. In the UK, rising construction costs mean the same risk applies. Then there’s insurance deductible, the amount you pay before your insurer steps in. A higher deductible lowers your monthly bill, but if you can’t cover a £1,000 or £2,000 out-of-pocket hit after a storm, you’re just gambling with your home. And don’t forget home insurance companies, the providers that actually pay out when you file a claim. Not all are equal. Some are great at customer service but charge more. Others are cheap but slow to respond or fight claims. Knowing which ones actually deliver when it matters beats saving £50 a year.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of top insurers or generic tips. It’s real breakdowns—like how Geico and Progressive compare on actual home coverage costs, why dwelling coverage is the single most critical factor in your policy, and which claims people regret not filing because they thought they weren’t covered. You’ll see what’s really included in standard policies, what’s left out (like flooding or subsidence), and how to spot when your insurer is trying to lowball you. No fluff. No sales pitches. Just what you need to make sure your home doesn’t become a financial disaster.