Homeowners insurance: a complete beginner's guide

Homeowners insurance protects your home, your belongings, and your liability. Here's the full picture, in plain English.

The core coverages

• Dwelling — rebuild your home's structure.
• Personal property — your belongings.
• Liability — if someone is hurt or you damage others' property.
• Loss of use — living costs if you're displaced.

Set it right

Insure your dwelling to rebuild cost, pick replacement-cost coverage, and add flood/earthquake separately if you're at risk.