In this article

• What Happens to Your Insurance Rates After an Accident?
• What Else Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates?
• How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates After an Accident

Quick Answer

Although your complete driving history holds a lot of weight, insurance carriers will look at the last three to five years of your driving record when calculating your rates. The exact length of time can vary by state and insurance company.

Car insurance companies consider multiple factors when determining your rates, including your driving record. Your history as a driver holds a lot of weight, as it helps insurers assess risk and better understand how likely you are to file a future claim. If you have a recent auto accident on your driving record, it’s something that could translate to higher rates—especially if it’s accompanied by moving violations, such as speeding tickets.

The silver lining is that an accident’s impact on your premiums isn’t permanent. Many insurance companies only consider the last three to five years of your driving record when calculating your rates, although the exact length of time can vary by state and insurance company.

To be clear, that doesn’t necessarily mean that a previous accident will be removed from your driving record after a period of time—it’s just to say that insurers typically won’t factor it into your rates. In other words, an accident from six years ago might still be on your driving record, but it might not have a huge impact on your car insurance rates—assuming you’ve continued to demonstrate responsible driving since then. It is best to compare auto insurance rates from different companies when you’re ready to switch car insurance carriers.

Wondering how long an accident will stay on your insurance? Let’s first unpack how it affects your car insurance rates in the short term.

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What Happens to Your Insurance Rates After an Accident?

Since your driving record influences your car insurance premiums, an accident could bump up your insurance costs. However, it doesn’t mean that your rates will definitely skyrocket if you’re involved in an accident. In some cases, they may not change at all if you weren’t at fault or if it’s your first accident. You’re likely to see a rate hike if you’ve been involved in other accidents over the past few years. And, again, the same goes for moving violations.

Insurers look at the big picture when determining your risk profile and, in turn, your rates. In this way, accidents and citations can stack on top of each other to increase your premium. Your rates could also go up after an accident if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damage. In this situation, you might have to utilize your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which could trigger a rate increase.

It’s also helpful to think in terms of individual claims. A minor fender bender will likely result in a smaller claim when compared to a collision that causes serious damage or injuries. Let’s say you get into an accident that’s primarily your fault. If you file a claim with your insurance company that exceeds a specific amount, your premium will spike by a correlating percentage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The correlation varies from insurer to insurer, and you can expect that rate hike to be there as long as your insurer considers the accident as a factor in your rate.

Learn more:Why Did My Car Insurance Go up Without an Accident?

In some cases, an accident could result in your car being totaled, which is when the overall cost of repairs outweighs the value of the car. At that point, your insurer may provide a payout equivalent to your car’s actual cash value. The value of a vehicle is typically determined by the vehicle’s make and model, age, mileage and condition, among other factors, at the time of the accident. It’s essentially a rough estimate of how much the car could have reasonably sold for had it not been totaled.

What Else Affects Your Auto Insurance Rates?

Your driving record isn’t the only factor that affects your auto insurance rates. Every state has its own minimum coverage requirements, and rates tend to vary from state to state. You should find out the types of car insurance coverage your state requires, and which ones are optional to get the best car insurance rates. Things like your gender, age and marital status and how much you drive can all come into play as well. And if you opt for a pricier car that’s more expensive to repair or more likely to be stolen, you could end up paying a higher premium. Moreover, insuring a car that’s leased or financed tends to be more expensive as your lessor or lender will likely require you to purchase additional coverage.

A policy that has a higher deductible, which is the amount you’ll pay in out-of-pocket costs before your policy coverage kicks in, generally comes with lower premiums, and vice versa. Just bear in mind that a high deductible could be costly in the event that you have to file a claim.

In most states, car insurance companies can also consider your credit when determining your rates by using a credit-based insurance score. Like your consumer credit scores, credit-based insurance scores are based on things like your debt payment history and account balances. If you have a high credit score, it’s likely you also have a high credit-based insurance score. Having a strong score can unlock lower rates because it suggests that you may be less likely to file a claim in the future.

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How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates After an Accident

Besides being patient and waiting for the accident to no longer be considered, there are ways you may be able to offset an increase in your car insurance rates following an accident. Improving your credit is a great place to start: Even simple moves, like making timely debt payments and reducing your outstanding credit card balances, could have a big impact if your state allows the use of credit scores in insurance pricing. Review your credit by checking your free credit report and scores from Experian.

Another way to lower high premiums for car insurance costs is to explore discounts. Your insurer may offer discounts for students, military service members and seniors. You may also be able to shave your costs by bundling your auto coverage with your renters or homeowners insurance policies. Some insurers offer discounts to policyholders who take a defensive driving course or demonstrate safe driving for a certain period of time. No matter what discounts your current auto insurer may offer, be sure to shop around and compare quotes with other carriers to find the best rate.

If possible, it could help to reduce the number of miles you drive annually. Your average mileage plays a significant role in determining your risk and, by extension, your insurance rates. If you’ve started working from home or got a new job with a shorter commute, be sure to alert your insurance company so your premium can take your new driving habits into account.

The Bottom Line

Whether it’s an accident, a moving violation or a traffic citation, a blemish on your driving record can spark an increase in your car insurance premiums. These types of rate increases typically last anywhere from three to five years, assuming you don’t incur any new infractions. Improving your credit in the meantime could help reduce your premiums—and strengthen your overall financial health in the process.

In this article

• 1. Waiting Until There’s an Issue
• 2. Not Choosing the Right Type of Coverage
• 3. Not Understanding Your Financial Responsibility
• 4. Not Reading the Fine Print
• 5. Not Shopping Around

• 6. Not Looking for Discounts
• 7. Canceling Your Policy Without Good Reason
• Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Quick Answer

To avoid the most common pet insurance mistakes, be sure to choose your policy wisely, clarify what’s covered and what isn’t, look for discounts and buy insurance before your pet is ill or injured.

Pets bring joy and companionship into our lives. However, they can also bring unexpected expenses when illness or injury strikes. Pet insurance can help offset a costly vet bill, but to get the most value from your policy, it’s important to avoid these seven common mistakes.

1. Waiting Until There’s an Issue

Your dog starts limping on Wednesday, so you buy pet insurance on Thursday and make a vet appointment for Friday, expecting insurance to cover it. Not so fast: Most pet insurance policies have waiting periods before coverage kicks in. Typically, you can expect waiting periods of a few days for accident coverage, a few weeks for illness coverage and several months for orthopedic issues.

What’s more, pet insurance generally won’t cover preexisting conditions—that is, any health problem your pet had before you bought insurance. The longer you wait to purchase pet insurance, the greater the chances your pet will develop health issues that will be excluded from coverage.

Tip: You’ll generally pay less and get more comprehensive coverage if you buy pet insurance while your pet is young and healthy.

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Explore affordable and comprehensive pet insurance plans. Find budget-friendly options with broad coverage for accidents, illnesses, and more.

2. Not Choosing the Right Type of Coverage

Most pet insurance providers offer three kinds of coverage:

• Accident and illness insurance covers injuries due to accidents, such as getting hit by a car or bitten by a dog, and illnesses, such as cancer or ear infections.
• Accident-only insurance covers injuries due to accidents, but doesn’t cover treatment for illness.
• Wellness coverage pays for preventive care, such as vaccinations, flea and tick medication and routine vet exams. It’s generally offered as an add-on to the other types of coverage.

Depending on your insurance provider, coverage for specific treatments (such as behavioral issues or dental care) may be standard or may require purchasing add-on coverage. Understanding what each insurer’s offerings cover (and don’t cover) can help you choose the right policy for both your pet and your budget.

3. Not Understanding Your Financial Responsibility

Premiums aren’t your only cost concern when purchasing pet insurance. Insurance policies don’t cover the full cost of veterinary care. You’ll generally have to pay a deductible, which may be annual or per-claim and typically ranges from $0 to $1,000.

You’ll also select how much the plan reimburses you. Generally, you can choose reimbursement rates between 60% and 90%. If your plan has an 80% reimbursement rate, for instance, insurance pays 80% of the vet bill and you pay 20%. Wellness insurance typically covers a set amount for each claim, such as $75 annually for vaccinations or $50 annually for a routine vet visit. Researching average prices for local veterinary services can help you estimate how much various plans might save you.

Learn more:What Is a Deductible?

4. Not Reading the Fine Print

Don’t make your decision based solely on an insurance provider’s ads or what’s touted on their website homepage. Dig into the details by reviewing a sample insurance policy (you can usually find one on the insurer’s website). Carefully review:

• What is covered and excluded: There may be a fine line between the two. For example, a policy might cover prescribed supplements and vitamins, but only during treatment for an illness.
• Coverage limits or caps: In addition to annual or lifetime maximum payouts, there may be caps for specific treatments. A policy with a $10,000 annual maximum payout may cap behavioral health coverage at $1,000, for instance.
• General terms and conditions: Getting coverage may require providing your pet’s medical records, taking your pet for annual physical and dental exams, or visiting the vet within 48 hours of noticing a potential health problem. Make sure you can meet the required conditions.

If you’re not sure what something means, contact the insurance company and ask.

5. Not Shopping Around

Comparing pet insurance policies before you buy could save you hundreds of dollars per year. Gather quotes from several insurance carriers, being sure to compare the same type and amount of coverage.

Start your search by asking your vet or checking the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA)’s list of member companies. Your current home insurance or auto insurance company may sell pet insurance too.

To save time, you could visit an online pet insurance marketplace. Provide some basic information about your pet and get quotes from dozens of insurance providers in minutes. You can typically adjust reimbursement rates, coverage and deductibles on each provider’s website to see how various changes will affect your premiums.

6. Not Looking for Discounts

Increasing your deductible or lowering your reimbursement rate can help you save money on pet insurance, but you can also find deals without cutting coverage. Your insurance company might give you a discount if you bundle pet insurance with home or auto insurance. Your job or organizations you belong to may offer deals. You might also qualify for discounts if you insure multiple pets; adopt a shelter animal; or spay, neuter or microchip your pet. Some insurers offer discounts if you pay your annual premium upfront or pay online.

7. Canceling Your Policy Without Good Reason

If you’re currently paying for pet insurance and the cost isn’t that high, think twice before canceling your policy. Once you cancel, you’ll no longer have the safety net pet insurance affords you, leaving you responsible for any costly vet bills that pop up.

“Learn from my mistake: I canceled my young dog’s policy since I was paying more money for the policy than I was getting reimbursed (though the cost was only around $50 a month). But shortly after canceling my policy, my dog got a rare side effect of a prescription and I incurred a nearly $20,000 emergency vet bill that I had to pay out of pocket. If I had kept my insurance policy, I would’ve paid less than $1,000.”

If you later decide to reenroll after a gap in coverage, it will likely cost more as your pet is older, and any preexisting conditions will be excluded from coverage. That said, if your policy is expensive and you can’t afford the cost, it can make sense to cancel it and set aside some emergency savings for pet bills.

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Pet insurance can be worth the cost if you would struggle to pay a big vet bill on your own. Without insurance, you might have to deny your pet critical veterinary care. Pet insurance can also be a good idea if your pet is older or prone to breed-specific health issues and you can find coverage for these conditions.

However, you might not need pet insurance if you have a big emergency fund or other resources to cover a major expense. You might also want to skip pet insurance if the premiums are so high that the benefits barely outweigh the cost. For example, a wellness plan that costs $225 a year but caps annual payouts at $250 only nets you $25 in benefits. Instead, consider putting that money into a sinking fund for veterinary care.

The Bottom Line

Purchasing pet insurance can help offset the cost of veterinary treatment, but it doesn’t cover every medical expense your pet may have. Adjust your budget to cover everyday pet care expenses and build up an emergency fund to handle unexpected vet bills. Opting for a high-yield savings account could help your savings grow faster so you’re better prepared to care for your furry friend, no matter what the future brings.

Hitting the road is a great way to leave your troubles behind, but make sure you have the right car insurance for a road trip in case you get into an accident.

Does Car Insurance Cover Road Trips?

A good car insurance policy covers common road trip problems like car accidents and severe weather damage. Let’s take a look at some questions that you may want to know about before hitting the road.

What if I’m Driving my Own Car?

If you are driving your own car, your car insurance policy will cover certain types of problems, depending on what coverage types you purchased.

Here are some of the main types of car insurance and the problems they cover:

• Liability car insurance. If you cause a car crash on your road trip, liability car insurance covers accidental property damage and injuries to others. It also pays for a legal defense, judgment and settlement if you are sued because of an accident. Liability car insurance is required in most states.
• Uninsured motorist insurance (UM). Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage pay for medical expenses and other costs for you and your passengers if a driver without liability car insurance or insufficient liability car insurance crashes into you. UM is required in some states and optional in others (you can reject the coverage in writing).
• Collision and comprehensive insurance. These are optional coverage types that are often sold together and cover a wide host of road trip problems. Collision and comprehensive insurance covers problems like car accidents, car theft, hail, fire, vandalism, floods, falling objects and collisions with animals (like deer).
• Personal injury protection (PIP). Personal injury protection pays for you and your passengers’ medical expenses no matter who is at fault for the accident. Many states require PIP. It is optional in some states and unavailable in others.
• Medical payments. Sometimes called MedPay coverage, this covers you and your passengers’ medical bills no matter who caused the car accident. This coverage (where available) is usually sold in small amounts, often between $1,000 to $5,000. MedPay is not available in every state.
• Roadside assistance insurance. If you have a problem like a flat tire, dead battery, empty gas tank or lock yourself out of your car, roadside assistance insurance can help get you back on your way. This coverage may be available depending on your car insurance company. You can also get roadside assistance through other sources, such as your credit card or an auto club.

What if I Own a Car but I’m Driving a Rental Car?

Generally, your personal car insurance covers rental cars within the U.S. For example, your liability insurance, collision insurance and comprehensive insurance will extend to cover a rental.

But you might have some gaps in coverage. For instance, personal car insurance usually won’t cover “loss of use” charges. If you get into a car accident, your car rental company could charge you a daily fee to cover the lost income while the rental car is in the repair shop. This could add up to thousands of dollars.

When you rent a car, you’ll typically have the option to buy a collision damage waiver (CDW), which reduces your financial responsibility if something happens to the rental car. If you get into an accident or the rental car gets stolen, the CDW lowers the amount you have to pay to repair or replace the rental car. It also covers other expenses like loss of use, towing, administrative fees and diminished value of the rental car.

But before you buy the CDW, check to see how much coverage you have through your own car insurance or credit card.

What if I Don’t Own a Car and I’m Driving a Rental Car?

If you don’t own a car and do not have your own car insurance policy, you will need to purchase rental car insurance.

You can typically get rental car insurance from your rental car company, such as Avis, Enterprise or Hertz. You’ll have the option to buy coverage types such as liability insurance, personal accident insurance (PAI), CDW, roadside assistance and personal effects coverage, which covers your personal belongings if they are damaged or stolen.

But buying rental car insurance from the rental car company can be expensive, and you might already have some coverage in your existing insurance policies. It’s a good idea to look at what your policies cover and only buy what’s necessary from the rental car company.

Here are some policies to consider:

• Credit cards. Some credit cards cover car rental insurance if you use your card to pay for the rental car, but it might be limited to certain coverage types, such as collision insurance. Credit cards often exclude other types of coverage, such as liability insurance and coverage for your own medical expenses.
• Health insurance. If you get hurt in a car accident within the U.S., your medical expenses are covered by your health insurance plan (your deductible and copays will apply). Personal accident insurance from the rental car company can be low. For example, Hertz PAI only pays up to $2,500 for accidental medical expenses per person.
• Homeowners or renters insurance. If you already have homeowners insurance, condo insurance or renters insurance, you may not need to buy personal effects coverage from the rental car company. That’s because these insurance types cover damage and theft of personal items outside of your home. For example, if your laptop is stolen from your rental car, you can file a claim under your home insurance.
• Non-owner car insurance. If you rent cars often, a non-owners car insurance policy is a good way to get liability coverage. But non-owner car insurance won’t cover damage to the rental car or your own medical expenses.
• Travel insurance. Your travel insurance plan might include some coverage for rental cars. For example, some AIG Travel Guard Insurance plans provide up to $50,000 for rental car damage and $50 for roadside assistance. But they don’t include liability insurance.
• Umbrella insurance. If you cause a car crash that exceeds your liability limits on another policy (such as home insurance), umbrella insurance kicks in to cover the excess amount, up to your policy limits.

Does Car Insurance Cover Out-of-State Trips?

Generally, if you are driving your own car, your car insurance policy covers you in all 50 states and Canada. You do not need to buy another policy or more insurance if you travel to another state.

For example, if you take your car on a road trip from New York City to Seattle, your car insurance policy will cover you from the start of your trip to the end of your trip and all points in between (provided you stay within the U.S. and Canada).

If you are driving a rental car, your car insurance will extend to out-of-state trips. Some insurers will extend coverage if you drive into Canada. For example, both Farmers and Progressive say your coverage usually extends if you drive into Canada. But it’s a good idea to check with your insurance company before you cross into Canada to ensure you have coverage.

Does Car Insurance Cover Trips to Mexico?

Your car insurance has limited or no coverage in Mexico. If you’re planning on going south of the border for your road trip, you’ll need to buy Mexican car insurance.

And if you plan to rent a car in the U.S. and drive to Mexico, make sure you check with your rental car company first. Some rental car companies prohibit driving into Mexico or may restrict travel to certain areas.

How To Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Before you embark on your journey, make sure you have everything in order.

• Get your car checked. It’s a good idea to make sure your car is inspected and roadworthy before you take off on your journey. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition, fluids are topped-off or changed, the belts and hoses are in good shape and the radiator and cooling system operate properly.
• Assemble an emergency kit. This could include jumper cables, a tire jack, a first aid kit, emergency flares, motor oil, blankets, flashlights, nonperishable food and drinking water.
• Get roadside assistance. Flat tires and dead batteries are going to set you back. If you don’t already have roadside assistance insurance through a credit card, auto club (such as AAA), or vehicle manufacturer, you may be able to add it to your car insurance policy.
• Plan your route in advance. Have printed maps and directions in case you lose service and your GPS is unavailable. It’s also a good idea to know where you’re stopping ahead of time to avoid drowsy driving.
• Have your car insurance ready. If you get into an accident, you’ll likely need to show proof of insurance. You can typically download this ahead of time on your car insurance company’s mobile app.
• Have your wallet ready. Check the cost of lodging ahead of time, make sure your credit cards aren’t expired, notify your credit card company that you are traveling and have some cash on hand.

You’re buying homeowners insurance so you’re protected for every problem, right? Not exactly. 

Homeowners insurance is a vital way to protect your home, but these policies don’t compensate you for every type of damage that may happen. Plus, if you don’t have enough home insurance, you may wind up still needing to shell out money to bridge coverage gaps. Let’s take a look at what homeowners insurance covers and, equally important, what it doesn’t cover.

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What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

The most common homeowners insurance policy, called the HO-3, covers your house (dwelling structure) for any problem except those listed as exclusions in the policy.

Personal property is covered if the damage is from specific “perils,” which is insurance-speak for “problems.” An HO-3 policy covers personal property for these perils:

• Accidental discharge or overflow of water or steam
• Aircraft, including self-propelled missiles and spacecraft
• Explosion
• Falling objects
• Fire or lightning
• Freezing
• Riot or civil commotion
• Smoke
• Sudden and accidental damage from artificially generated electrical current
• Sudden and accidental tearing apart, cracking, burning or bulging
• Theft
• Vandalism or malicious mischief
• Vehicles
• Weight of ice, snow or sleet
• Windstorm or hail
• Volcanic eruption

If you want better coverage for your possessions, ask your insurance agent about an HO-5 or similar types of home insurance policies. (Not all insurers use these standard policy types.) An HO-5 policy covers your house and personal property for all problems except those expressly excluded.

The most common type of home insurance claim is for wind and hail damage. Nearly 43% of homeowners insurance claims were related to wind and hail damage, but the costliest average property damage claim is for fire and lightning damage, according to Triple-I (Insurance Information Institute). Here’s a look at the three most common property damage claims and the average claim costs for each.

Type	Percentage of claims	Average claim amount
Wind and hail	43%	$14,747
Water damage and freezing	23%	$15,400
Fire and lightning	22%	$88,170

Source: Triple-I

The Best Home Insurance Companies

Company	Forbes Advisor rating	Price competitiveness	Level of complaints	Learn More
Nationwide	5Rating	Very good	High	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner
USAA	5Rating	Very good	Very low	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner
Westfield	4.9Rating	Very good	Low	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner
American Family	4.3Rating	Average	Low	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner
Country Financial	4.1Rating	Fair	Very low	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner
State Farm	4.1Rating	Very good	High	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner
Chubb	4Rating	Fair	Very low	Get QuotesVia Forbes Advisor’s Partner

Common Home Insurance Coverage Add-Ons

Beyond standard home insurance, you can also usually add more coverage to your policy. Common home insurance endorsements include:

• Earthquake insurance. Not usually covered by a standard home policy, insurers may allow you to add earthquake insurance coverage as an endorsement. 
• Equipment breakdown coverage. Covers mechanical and electrical breakdowns on appliances like boilers, computers, furnaces, heating, refrigerators and washers. 
• Extended or guaranteed replacement coverage. These policy add-ons allow you to exceed your dwelling coverage if you need to rebuild your home but building costs go over your limit. Extended replacement coverage is a percentage that you’re allowed to exceed the limit (such as 20%), while guaranteed coverage will pay any amount to return your home to its former glory. 
• Flood insurance. You typically need to buy a separate flood insurance policy to get flood coverage, but some insurers allow you to add it as a policy endorsement. 
• Identity theft coverage. Helps pay the costs of recovering your identity after a theft, including fraud services and fees. 
• Inflation guard coverage. Home policies may allow you to add an inflation guard, which increases your dwelling coverage automatically based on inflation. 
• Personal property replacement value. Home insurance typically comes with actual cash value coverage for personal property, which means it pays the depreciated value for personal property. Choosing replacement value requires the insurer to reimburse you for the items as if they were new. 
• Scheduled personal property. Allows you to expand personal property coverage for specific high-priced items, such as electronics, jewelry and silverware. 
• Service line coverage. Covers damaged lines on your property like cable lines, internet lines, power lines, sewer pipes and water pipes. 
• Sinkhole coverage. Standard home insurance doesn’t typically cover this type of damage, but you may buy an endorsement. 
• Water backup coverage. Home insurance doesn’t typically cover sewer or sump pump backups, but you can add an endorsement to provide that coverage. 
• Windstorm coverage. Insurers may exclude wind and hail coverage in certain high-risk areas, such as coastal regions. In that case, you can add windstorm coverage to your policy as an endorsement. 

How Does Homeowners Insurance Work?

Home insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company. You pay a premium to have home insurance, which can be paid monthly or annually. 

The home insurance company, in turn, covers you for types of damage to your home and belongings. Homeowners insurance also provides personal liability coverage, which helps pay if you or a family member is legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to someone else or their property. 

You file a claim if, for instance, your home is damaged in a fire. The insurer reviews the claim, often sends an insurance adjuster to check the damage and decides on a settlement amount. You then get reimbursed for that amount, minus your policy deductible. 

The insurance company may also increase your home insurance premium after you file a claim. You’ll want to decide whether it’s worth filing the claim or not. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible and your home suffered a similar amount in damage, you’ll probably want to pay for the repairs yourself since you’ll get so little from the insurance company and the company may charge higher rates because of the claim.

What Coverage Types Are Included in a Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Type of coverage	What it does	Typical amount covered
Dwelling coverage	Pays to rebuild or repair the physical structure of your house if it’s damaged by a problem covered by the policy, like a fire or damage from a fallen tree.	Enough to rebuild your home if it’s damaged or destroyed
Other structures coverage	Covers detached structures such as a garage, shed or fence.	10% of dwelling coverage
Personal property coverage	Pays to replace or repair belongings after a covered problem. Certain items, like jewelry, have a limit, but you can “schedule” certain expensive items.	50% to 70% of dwelling coverage, but you can buy additional coverage
Personal liability coverage	Pays for accidental injuries and property damage to others for which you or your household members are responsible. Also pays your legal defense if you’re sued because of an injury or damage that’s covered.	$100,000 to $500,000, but you can buy additional coverage through an umbrella insurance policy
Medical payments coverage	Pays for minor injuries if a guest is hurt on your property, regardless of fault. It also pays if you or a family member unintentionally injures someone away from your property, and if a pet injures someone away from your home.	$1,000 to $5,000
Additional living expenses coverage	Reimburses you for extra expenses like hotel bills and meals if you can’t live in your house because of a covered problem like a fire. Also called loss of use coverage.	20% of dwelling coverage

Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

You’ll often have a choice between replacement cost or actual cash value coverage for your belongings when buying a home policy. Replacement cost coverage is more expensive because it reimburses you for brand-new, similar versions of the items that were destroyed. Actual cash value coverage takes depreciation into account (meaning the value of the item at the time of the loss).

For example, if your TV is damaged by a problem covered by the policy (such as a fire), replacement cost coverage will pay for a new TV of a comparable model. Actual cash value coverage will only pay what the TV was worth at the time of the problem, and you will need to make up the difference if you buy a new TV.

What Is Not Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Common exclusions in a standard homeowners insurance policy include:

• Earth movement, including earthquakes, mudslides, mudflow, sinkholes, shockwaves or tremors due to a volcanic eruption, and any other earth movement such as sinking, rising or shifting.
• Governmental action, such as the destruction, confiscation or seizure of your property.
• Intentional damage that you or your household members cause. (Vandalism by someone else is covered.)
• Neglect, such as failing to take proper care of your property. This may include roof leaks, termite damage, plumbing damage and foundation damage caused by wear and tear. 
• Nuclear hazard, including damage from nuclear explosion or reaction, radiation or radioactive contamination. 
• Ordinance or law, meaning situations where the government requires you to demolish, rebuild, renovate or repair your home to meet local ordinances.
• Power failure if it happens off the property. If the power failure is caused by something on the property, home insurance typically covers the damage. 
• War, such as damage from military forces during a war.
• Water damage, including floods, water that backs up through sewers or drains (unless you have added special coverage for this), and leaks from swimming pools or other structures.

Common Situations Where Coverage May Vary

There are some situations where home insurance won’t cover you, and there are times when it depends on the situation.

Type of damage	Causes likely covered	When it won’t
Foundation	AccidentalFiresLightning strikesSmoke damageTree falls into houseVandalismVehicle crashes into houseWindstorm	Wear and tearPreventable
Mold	Sudden and accidental	Long-term water leak causes mold
Plumbing	Sudden and accidental	Wear and tearPreventable
Roof leak	Sudden issue like wind and rain	Not maintained properly
Roof replacement	Falling objectsFireLightningSmokeVandalismSnow and iceWind and hail	AnimalsEarthquakesMoldNeglectRotWear and tear
Termites	Termites chew through writes and cause fireSudden burst pipe leads to attracting termites	Lack of maintenance to repair damage before it becomes a problem
Water	Accidental leaksBurst pipesIce damsFireStorm	FloodsFoundation seepageNeglectSewer or drain backupSwimming pool lakesSump pump failure

Homeowners Insurance Deductibles

A home insurance deductible is the amount deducted from an approved claim. For instance, if you have a $1,000 homeowners insurance deductible and the insurance company approves a $10,000 claim following a small fire in your kitchen, the insurer will provide you $9,000. 

The lower the deductible, the more you usually pay for coverage. If you’re looking to save on home insurance, a higher deductible might work, but realize that you’ll get reimbursed less if you need to file a claim later. 

Types of Deductibles

There are two types of home insurance deductibles: 

• Flat dollar. This type of deductible is a set amount, such as $1,000.
• Percentage. Often between 1% and 10%, this deductible is a percentage of your home’s dwelling coverage. For instance, a home insurance policy with a 2% percentage deductible for a home with $400,000 dwelling coverage would have an $8,000 policy deductible. A percentage deductible is generally for specific causes of damage, such as wind and hail or disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.

What if you disagree with your home insurance claim’s outcome?

You have homeowners insurance to cover damage to your home and its contents. So, when an unforeseen event happens and you have to file an insurance claim, you expect everything to be covered—especially since filing a home insurance claim often involves multiple steps. 

Unfortunately, full payment from the insurance company doesn’t always come through; the insurer can deny your claim for many different reasons. Even if your claim is approved, the settlement amount may be less than you expected. Both of these situations can add to your stress and frustration levels. 

If you’re having trouble settling your claim, what can you do? Learn what steps you can take to dispute the decision and try for a different outcome. 

Review Your Home Insurance Policy

If your home insurance company denied your claim or approved it for an amount lower than you expected, review your policy carefully. During this review, verify that your existing policy covers your claim. If it does, note how much money you’re entitled to under your coverage limits. 

Note

Standard home insurance policies don’t cover everything. For example, damage due to floods and earthquakes is typically not covered. If you are at risk for these perils, talk to your insurance company about purchasing an additional policy to protect you.¹

If your claim was denied for reasons made clear in your policy, the cost for repairs or replacement is probably your responsibility. However, if your insurer made a mistake in either denying your claim or approving it for a lowball amount, you have a few different avenues for action.

Ask for Clarification

After you’ve reviewed your policy, ask your agent or insurance representative for clarification. It’s likely you’ll want to level up and speak to the claims manager directly. Why, specifically, was your claim denied, or how did the insurer arrive at the dollar amount it approved? 

If the agent or representative uses language that confuses you, ask for further clarification until you understand the reasoning behind the decision that was made. If you don’t, it may be time to take another approach. If your agent can’t address your concerns, ask if the insurance company can send out a different adjuster for a second opinion. 

Clear communication is essential during this stage. You want to have a complete understanding of the decision before accepting it or deciding to pursue your dispute further.

Appeal the Decision

If your insurer denies your claim, you can appeal that decision. The insurer may have a standard appeal form you can fill out, and you’ll usually need to submit it within a year or two of the date of loss. Check with your insurer about the appeal window if you’re unsure how long you have and ask about next steps.

Once you know how the process works, gather all the evidence and documentation you can to make your case. Some of the information you’ll want to gather includes: 

• The incident details (dates, damage, what you did beforehand to prevent the damage).
• Witness statements about the incident.
• Proof that you did what you could to prevent the incident from happening.

Submit your appeal form and the corresponding paperwork that supports your case. Your appeal should trigger a review of your denial.

Note

A well-organized appeal can increase the chances that the insurer will do more than just a basic review of your appeal. 

In the weeks and months that follow, check in with your insurer to see how your appeal is advancing through the process.

Contact Your State Department of Insurance

During the appeals process, or if you haven’t made any headway with your insurance company, reach out to your state’s department of insurance for advice, free resources, and next steps. Insurance departments typically have a number you can call for help and explanations about the basics of homeowners insurance in their state. Plus, some states might investigate your claim and/or offer free mediation services to assist you in settling without involving a lawyer. 

Your state’s insurance department is led by an insurance commissioner who is a public official. In addition to providing information about policies and insurers, the commissioner’s office can investigate problems and ensure that claim decisions follow the law.

Consult a Lawyer

To assist in negotiations, especially for high-value claims, consider consulting an attorney. If you go this route, make sure you select one who specializes in home insurance claims. This way, you have the best legal representation possible. Many firms offer free consultations to review your claim and decide if you have a case worth pursuing. 

Note

If you’re considering hiring an attorney, do so before you’ve reached any binding settlement offer, such as one made via the appraisal clause in your insurance policy.

Get an Independent Appraisal

If your claim wasn’t denied, but you and your insurer disagree on the amount of the damages or repair costs, you can get an independent appraisal from an appraiser or public insurance adjuster. 

Your insurance policy should clearly state the process for proceeding, under the “Appraisal” section in the policy. Often, you’ll need to submit a request in writing. Then, you and your insurance company each select a qualified appraiser. Depending on your policy, the appraisers may work to come to an accord on their own. If they can’t or if your policy specifies that they do so initially, they’ll select an impartial umpire, or mediator, who will help to determine your claim’s valuation. If at least two of the three parties agree, it sets the amount of your loss, which is binding.

You are responsible for the cost of this appraisal and split the cost of the umpire with the insurance company. It’s worth it to research the price before you begin, as public-adjuster service fees can cost as much as 20% of your settlement’s total value.

No matter which state you live in, include supporting documents to verify your complaint, so make sure you keep good records throughout the process.²³

File a Complaint

If you feel your insurance company has mishandled your claim, consider filing a complaint with your state insurance department. Since each state has its own process for filing a complaint, begin by researching your location’s requirements. 

Key Takeaways

When you’re disputing a home insurance claim denial or low settlement offer, it’s essential to understand the terms of your coverage and the reasons why the insurer denied your claim. If you believe the company should have approved it, you should utilize your state insurance commissioner’s free resources, and may want to work with a third-party appraiser, and/or a lawyer to reach a satisfactory agreement

Even the best homeowners insurance policies won’t pay for everything.

Termites. Mold. Flooding.

These words send shudders down the spines of homeowners everywhere. They can mean both major repairs and serious expenses, and most standard home insurance policies won’t cover the damage.

The specifics of what is and isn’t covered depend on the details of your policy, but even the best coverage won’t compensate you for everything. Here are 10 common home insurance exclusions, plus ways to fill in some of the gaps.

1. Ground movement

Earthquakes, landslides and sinkholes generally aren’t covered under home insurance. Exceptions include Florida and Tennessee, where insurers must offer optional sinkhole protection, but that doesn’t mean all policies automatically include it.

How to close the gap: If you live in an area prone to earthquakes, consider buying earthquake insurance. Your insurer may offer it as an add-on to your home insurance, or you might have to purchase a separate earthquake policy. To get coverage for other types of ground movement, such as landslides and mudflows, ask your agent about a “difference in conditions” policy.

2. Floods

Floods — like those from overflowing rivers or torrential rain — are not covered by most home insurance. And as we’ve seen in recent years with natural disasters like Hurricane Helene creeping inland, flash floods aren’t just a coastal problem.

Beyond floods, your home insurance policy likely excludes other types of water damage as well, such as backed-up sewer lines or overflowing sump pumps. However, a standard policy will generally cover damage caused by burst pipes — for example, if the water pipe behind your washing machine bursts and spews water.

How to close the gap: Flood insurance is widely available through the National Flood Insurance Program in partnership with more than 40 different insurers. It can cover both the physical structure of your home and your possessions.

You can also get a water backup endorsement to help pay for damage from sewer backups and sump pump failure.

3. Mold

Coverage for mold is complicated because it’s often hard to identify the root cause of a mold problem. For damage to be covered, your insurer must deem the cause of the mold to be sudden, accidental and a problem covered by your policy.

This means that, for example, home insurers generally won’t pay to fix mold damage if it’s caused by water associated with a long-term leak or poor home maintenance. However, your policy may cover repairs if the mold stems from a sudden plumbing leak, as long as you take action to fix the problem right away.

How to close the gap: Some insurers sell hidden water damage coverage as an add-on, which can help pay for water damage and mold removal caused by a hidden leak. It doesn’t cover sewer backup or sump pump failure damage though — for that, you need a water backup endorsement.

4. Wear and tear

Home insurance is meant for sudden or accidental problems, such as storms, burglaries and fires. It’s not a cure-all for general wear and tear. You’re expected to perform basic maintenance to keep your home from slipping into disrepair.

Maintaining your home’s roof, replacing worn-out flooring and tending to slow-leaking pipes are a few ways you can avoid large expenses that your insurance won’t cover.

How to close the gap: You can’t buy insurance to cover general wear and tear, but you can be proactive about maintaining your house. You could also consider buying a home warranty to cover some of your home’s major systems and appliances.

5. Infestations

Bedbugs, termites, mice and other vermin are typically excluded from home insurance for the same reason wear and tear isn’t covered. From an insurer’s perspective, getting rid of infestations and fixing the damage left behind are simply part of maintaining your home.

There may be occasional exceptions. For example:

• If the infestation causes a covered problem such as a fire or structural collapse, you may be covered. Example: A mouse chews through a wire that starts an electrical fire.
• If hidden termite damage causes part of your home to collapse, your insurer may pay for some repairs. However, if any of the termite damage was visible prior to the collapse, you likely wouldn’t have coverage. Read more about home insurance and termites.

How to close the gap: While you can’t buy a home insurance add-on to cover infestations, you can prevent pests from entering in the first place by controlling moisture, eliminating food sources and properly sealing any entry points to your home. If you suspect an infestation, call a qualified pest control company in your area.

6. Nuclear hazards

Home insurance doesn’t provide coverage for nuclear accidents. Thankfully, you’re already protected by federal law, so you’re unlikely to need it. Nuclear power companies are required by the Price-Anderson Act to have liability insurance to cover damages and evacuation costs if you live within the affected area of a hazard^[1].

7. Government action

Acts of public authorities are not your insurer’s problem. If the government confiscates your belongings, for instance, or condemns your home and takes over the land, your policy won’t cover the cost to replace your property.

The only exception might be if the governmental action were taken to prevent the spread of a fire that might otherwise affect your home.

8. Dangerous or aggressive dogs

Insurance companies spent more than $1.8 billion paying claims for dog bites and other dog-related injuries in 2025, with an average claim amount of about $65,000^[2]. Because of these high costs, insurers may not cover certain aggressive or dangerous dogs. Having one could even prevent you from getting approved for a policy.

Some companies refuse to cover breeds known for inflicting severe injuries, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers.

How to close the gap: If your dog is part of a restricted breed, look for a breed-neutral home insurance company. Some insurers, such as State Farm, won’t deny coverage based on breed alone but instead will look at an individual dog’s history of aggression. You can also buy a separate pet liability insurance policy if your homeowners insurance doesn’t offer sufficient coverage.

9. Wind damage in hurricane-prone states

In most parts of the U.S., a standard homeowners insurance policy covers wind damage. But if you live along the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, where hurricane risk is highest, you may need to buy separate wind insurance.

Even if this coverage is included in your home insurance policy, wind damage can cost you. In 19 states and Washington, D.C., insurers may charge a special wind, named storm or hurricane deductible. Instead of a dollar amount, these deductibles are calculated as a percentage of your home’s insured value, usually between 1% and 10%.

This can really add up. For example, if your home is insured for $500,000 and you have a 5% wind deductible, you’re responsible for the first $25,000 of repairs. Not all companies allow you to select your deductible percentage, but if yours does, going low at 1% or 2% can make a big difference if you ever have a claim.

How to close the gap: You can buy windstorm insurance as an add-on to your current policy if your insurer offers it. If you live in a high-risk coastal area, you may also be able to get wind coverage from a state-run insurance pool.

10. Intentional loss or neglect

If your insurer determines that damage to your home could have been prevented or was intentional, it won’t be covered. What’s more, you could be charged with insurance fraud if you file a claim for damage you caused on purpose.

A note about bringing your home up to code

Even when an event is covered, your policy is designed to repair or rebuild your home to its original condition before the damage. It may not pay enough to bring outdated features up to the latest building codes. For that, you need ordinance or law coverage.

Many homeowners policies include a little ordinance and law coverage — around 10% of the dwelling coverage limit — but you may want more. Extra coverage can be especially helpful if you live in an older home that hasn’t been updated in a while.

Next steps

Read your home insurance policy thoroughly. You don’t want to find out too late that a problem isn’t covered.

If you see any coverage gaps, talk to your insurer. You may be able to add endorsements — add-ons that will cost extra — to get more coverage. Your agent may also recommend other ways to avoid potentially large out-of-pocket expenses.

Taking advantage of lesser-known homeowners insurance discounts and other creative approaches can help you save.

Home insurance rates have skyrocketed in recent years, driven by inflation and natural disasters. If your own premium is looking a little scary these days, you’ve got options. Insurers offer various discounts and incentives that can help you lower your home insurance premium.

Here are eight ways to save.

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1. Shop around

Rates for identical coverage can vary widely from one company to the next. Some homeowners could save $2,000 or more a year by finding the cheapest rate, NerdWallet research shows.

Many companies allow you to plug in some basic info and get quick home insurance quotes online. Comparing different companies’ rates will let you see whether you might be able to save by switching insurers. You can also ask an independent insurance agent or broker to shop around for you.

We recommend comparing rates every year or two. Not sure where to start? See NerdWallet’s roundup of the cheapest homeowners insurance.

2. Bundle your auto and home insurance

Bundling auto and home insurance with the same company can save you up to 40%, depending on the insurer. Additional discounts may be available if you add other policies to the package, such as life, umbrella or boat insurance. See the best home and auto insurance bundles.

Did you know…

Nearly half of Americans with homeowners insurance (47%) say their auto and homeowners insurance policies are bundled, according to a 2026 NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll. According to the survey, 19% of home-insured Americans shopped around for a new insurance company in the past 12 months to get a better rate.

3. Build your credit score

It may surprise you to learn that your credit score can have a major impact on your home insurance premium. In most states, companies can use a credit-based insurance score to help set your rates. This score is similar but not identical to your FICO score.

In general, the lower your insurance score, the more you’ll pay for home insurance. That’s because insurance companies view people with lower scores as more likely to file claims.

Someone with poor credit pays over 72% more for homeowners insurance than someone with good credit, on average, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.

If you find that your credit score is low, read your credit report closely. (Here’s how to dispute any credit report errors that you see.) You can raise your score by taking steps like making loan payments on time and reducing credit card balances. Learn more about how to build credit.

Using credit to set homeowners, renters, condo and mobile home insurance prices is not allowed in California, Maryland and Massachusetts.

4. Increase your deductible

A quick way to reduce your premium is to increase your homeowners insurance deductible, the amount you pay if you have to make a claim. You could save 9% a year, on average, by raising your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis.

Do the math to see whether the discount is worth it to you. Say switching from a $1,000 deductible to a $2,500 one will save you $200 per year. It would take eight years of premium savings to make up for the extra $1,500 you’d have to pay if you filed a claim.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Never choose a deductible you wouldn’t feel comfortable paying in an emergency.

5. Make your home more secure

Even the basics can save you money when it comes to home security. Having a smoke detector, a burglar alarm or deadbolt locks on your home can earn you a small discount. Adding a full sprinkler system or an actively monitored burglar alarm could save you even more.

Some insurers also offer discounts for smart-home devices such as water sensors that alert your phone if they detect a leak.

6. Skip small claims

It may be tempting to file a claim with your insurer when something relatively minor happens. However, you may be better off in the long run if you pay out of pocket for these smaller expenses. Some insurers offer discounts if you remain claim-free for a certain number of years.

How much can filing a claim affect your rates? Submitting a claim for wind damage raises your cost of insurance by about 10%, on average, according to a recent NerdWallet analysis. If the damage is minor, you could end up paying more in rate increases than the insurer pays for your claim.

🤓Nerdy Tip

When you file a claim, it goes onto your Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange record, also called a CLUE report. Claims generally stay on this report for seven years. Having claims on your record can make it harder to get a policy with a new insurance company.

7. Ask about lesser-known discounts

Unless you check, you may never know what other savings you might be eligible for. Some insurers offer homeowners insurance discounts if you:

• Don’t have any smokers living in the house.
• Recently bought your home.
• Pay your premium via automatic bank payments.
• Choose paperless billing.
• Work in a specific career, such as teaching, engineering or firefighting.

» MORE: How to get home insurance discounts

8. Account for home improvements

If you’ve improved your home, you may have made yourself eligible for discounts without even realizing it. Adding features like storm shutters and hail-resistant roofing could result in insurance savings. You might also earn a discount by upgrading outdated plumbing and electrical systems.

Reach out to your agent or insurance company to let them know the improvements you’ve made and ask about potential savings.

🤓Nerdy Tip

Keep in mind that some improvements can actually raise your insurance premium. For example, putting an addition on the back of your house could require extra insurance to make sure the new area is covered. Still, you shouldn’t hide such projects to try to save money. If a disaster strikes and you never told your insurer about the new space, your insurer may not cover the damage.

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Don’t drop coverage to save money

The one thing we don’t recommend is cutting coverage you might need. If you do that and disaster strikes, you’ll be left footing the bill when it’s time to rebuild your home and replace lost belongings. Learn more about what to do if you can’t afford your homeowners insurance.

If possible, you should also avoid dropping other important policies, such as federal flood insurance. Instead, try getting quotes from private flood insurance companies. You may find a cheaper option.

Methodology

Homeowners insurance rates methodology

NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in ZIP codes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.

Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:

• $400,000 in dwelling coverage.
• $40,000 in other structures coverage.
• $200,000 in personal property coverage.
• $80,000 in loss of use coverage.
• $300,000 in liability coverage.
• $1,000 in medical payments coverage.

We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.

We used the same assumptions for all other homeowner profiles, with the following exceptions:

• For homeowners with a claims history, we added a single wind damage claim.
• To see the effect of changing your deductible, we raised the deductible from $1,000 to $2,500.
• We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit. In states where credit isn’t taken into account, we only used rates for “good” credit.

These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.

Reconnecting With Your Secret Self

Mental health today is no longer just about diagnoses or managing symptoms. It’s about discovering your Secret — the inner compass that gently guides you back to balance when life spins too fast. In our always-on world of multitasking and comparison, many moms (and not only moms!) find themselves overstimulated yet emotionally undernourished.

Let’s pause and rethink. What if true wellness isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong,” but about realigning with what’s already within you?

The Quiet Crisis: Feeling Disconnected in a Connected World

We live in a paradox: hyperconnected through social media, yet often emotionally isolated. Notifications flood in. Algorithms tell us what to think. But where, in all this noise, do we hear our own voice?

The true challenge isn’t chaos — it’s disconnection from self. Healing starts when we stop outsourcing our attention and begin listening inward.

The Power of the Pause

Here’s the beautiful secret: calm is not something you earn on vacation — it’s something you practice in tiny, daily ways. Neuroscience shows that mindful habits — like breathwork or journaling — physically rewire the brain. But more than that, they create space.

Space between reaction and response. Between pain and the story we tell about it.

Next time you feel overwhelmed? Try this micro-practice:
Put your phone down.
Place a hand over your heart.
Breathe.
Then ask, what is Your Secret need right now?

That moment of honesty can be more healing than a thousand scrolls.

Micro-Moments, Major Shifts

You don’t need a retreat in Bali to feel grounded. Mental wellness blooms in the simplest rituals:

• One deep breath before checking email.
• Five minutes of “messy journaling” before bed.
• Naming your emotion instead of numbing it.
• A stretch in the kitchen as dinner simmers.

These aren’t life hacks. They’re your Secret rituals — the quiet, nourishing actions that help you come home to yourself.

Emotions Aren’t the Enemy — Shame Is

So many moms silently ask themselves: Why am I feeling this way? Why can’t I just handle it better?

But emotions aren’t weaknesses. They’re messages. Anger might be asking for a boundary. Sadness might be craving rest. Anxiety? Sometimes it’s just your nervous system asking for a moment of slowness.

What if you treated your emotions like your child when they cry — with compassion instead of criticism?

Connection Is More Than Conversation — It’s Medicine

Research shows that authentic connection can reduce anxiety, improve immunity, and even increase lifespan. Not just any connection — the kind where you’re truly seen, heard, and safe to be real.

But what if you feel isolated or vulnerable? That’s okay. Many moms feel this way.

There are places built exactly for that. Try exploring an anonymous chat community. Just search “anonymous chat app” — you may find safe spaces where others are sharing their truth, raw and unfiltered. Sometimes, talking to someone who doesn’t know your name can feel more intimate than speaking to someone who does.

The Gentle Return: Reclaiming Your Wholeness

Healing isn’t a destination. It’s a series of yeses to yourself:

• Yes to stillness, even when the world rushes.
• Yes to softness, even when your inner critic is loud.
• Yes to presence, even in a world obsessed with performance.

Your mind isn’t broken. It’s whispering. And when you listen, you begin the most sacred journey — the one back to Your Secret self.

Final Thought: Your Secret Is Yours Alone — But You’re Never Alone

You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy routine. All you need is to be willing to meet yourself — as you are, where you are. Every step toward alignment is a step toward freedom.

And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is breathe.

Training is necessary for new employees to start off on the right foot. Here’s what should go into your new-hire training plan.

Training mistakes to avoid

Growing companies hire new employees who need onboarding, assimilation and training. Ideally, employers tap new team members with the in-demand skills and talents to perform their duties. An effective training program helps these promising new employees fully integrate with the company and gives them the tools for success and career growth. 

We’ll explore what an effective new-hire training program requires and explain how to turn new employees into top-notch members of your team. 

Did You Know?

A poor onboarding process can hurt employee morale, engagement and confidence, leading to missed revenue targets.

How to develop an effective new-hire training plan

These five tips can help you develop a new-hire training plan that will get employees settled and ready to produce top-quality work.

1. Ask existing employees what you should include in the training.

The best way to develop a new-hire training plan is by consulting with current employees who excel in their roles. For the best results, follow these steps:

• Identify key employees. Pinpoint excellent employees who are currently in similar positions as the new hire. 
• Find out what the job really entails. Ask your current employees what they think the new team member needs to perform their daily tasks. This advice can help you avoid overlooking critical job details, including the tools and setup the new employee will need to succeed. 
• Have them evaluate their training. Your seasoned employees can help you identify gaps in your current training plan that they experienced firsthand. Ask them what they wish they knew on day one that would have made it easier to begin working. 

“Setting up a new-hire training program can be daunting,” said Matthew Dailly, managing director at Tiger Financial. “You need to think about the most important aspects of the job but also the smallest details that they will need to learn to get right. The best way of knowing what new staff need to do is to ask your existing workers. They will make sure you know about everything that goes on in the role and how to set them up for it.”

2. Make training flexible, task-oriented and ongoing.

Create a dynamic process with the following features: 

• Customized training for each employee. While all new-hire training plans should cover the basics of working at your company, it’s essential to incorporate unique elements for each hire based on their interview and professional background. “Each person will enter training with varying skills and different focuses on what they need to be able to get through the training process successfully, so while the basics are core features, the rest of the training should remain flexible enough to suit each individual based on their personal needs,” said Adam Korbl, founder and CEO of iFax.
• Incorporate task-oriented training. “Instead of having a fixed-time training, have a task-oriented training where each training item needs to be completed to a specific standard to move forward to full employment,” Korbl said. “This allows the flexibility to give each person the training experience they actually need, as opposed to the basic requirements.”
• Make training an ongoing process. While each new hire should be able to perform their job in a week or two, training should be ongoing, with regular check-ins to ensure new employees have everything they need to excel in their position. 

Did You Know?

Effective employee training tactics include customizing training to how an employee learns best, providing incentives for getting up to speed, and offering continual learning opportunities to enhance career growth.

3. Encourage team-level training.

Most companies hire for a cultural fit to ensure new employees align with the company’s mission and vision. However, all too often, training covers only basic expectations and administrative information, like compensation and employee benefits. Incorporating team-based training can help new hires get up to speed faster and assimilate into the company culture better than they would with corporate-level training alone. 

“Companies often do onboarding on orientation at the corporate level,” said Mark A. Herschberg, author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You (Conosco Media, 2020). “While useful, orientation is also helped by being done at the team level. Helping the new team member understand team culture is equally important. How does the team operate in terms of conflict versus coalition building, or like to communicate?”

Team-level training can help new hires do the following: 

• Understand their team’s unique workflow
• Recognize the team’s reporting hierarchy
• Appreciate the day-to-day expectations for their role 
• Understand existing processes
• Meet other team members 
• Learn the metrics used to track the team’s productivity

4. Accommodate each new hire’s preferred learning method.

People learn differently, so your new-hire training plan should adapt to various learning styles. Conforming to a new hire’s preferred learning method can help reduce the instruction a new hire needs to perform in their role effectively.

“When training new employees, it is important to engage them in a way that best suits their ability to learn the most,” said Jase Rodley, founder and SEO service provider at Dialed Labs. “People can often differ in how they will best get a handle on something.”

You’re likely to see three main learning styles among new hires:

• Visual. Some new hires prefer to learn processes by watching someone actively perform tasks.
• Hands-on. Other employees like to take a hands-on approach to learning by performing the task themselves several times before they can commit it to memory.
• Reading. Some employees prefer to read a packet of written instructions and keep it on hand in their first few weeks on the job.

“While not all aspects of training are made to move between [these three learning styles] … it is good practice to give the new employee the best chance of success that you can by providing the method that most inspires them,” Rodley said.

5. Promote good leaders and involve them in the training process.

Without good leaders, your staff will have a hard time succeeding. This is especially true for new hires. When promoting or hiring for managerial positions, carefully consider which candidates could best guide and coach other employees. Then, involve them in developing and executing your new-hire training plan.

“The leadership ability of the manager is the No. 1 determining factor of whether a new hire will have a positive or negative employee experience over the long haul,” said Jessica Donahue, owner of Adjunct Leadership Consulting. “Employee engagement, retention and turnover can all be predicted by the quality of leader an employee works for. In this way, providing an exceptional onboarding experience is the first step for a leader looking to retain and engage a high-performing team for years to come.”

Tip

Solicit feedback from onboarded and trained new hires to refine and improve your hiring process. As your company grows and evolves, so should your new-hire training plan.

What is a new-hire training plan?

A new-hire training plan is a company’s well-defined process for onboarding new team members and bringing them up to speed. It should do the following:

• Cover administrative concerns. Make sure new team members complete any necessary administrative paperwork. 
• Introduce new hires to their teams. Introduce your new hires to team members, and share processes for communicating with colleagues and leadership. 
• Teach critical tools. Train new hires on software and other tools they’ll need to do their jobs effectively.
• Share the company vision. Introduce new hires to core concepts, like the company mission, organizational structure and company culture.

Why is new-hire training important? 

A comprehensive new-hire training program can help your company in the following ways: 

• Ensures a strong start. A strong training plan can prevent misunderstandings or a sluggish start, thereby helping the company reap the benefits of filling a vacant position as soon as a week after the new hire begins in their role. 
• Helps employees feel welcome. A comprehensive new-hire training plan helps make new employees feel like members of the team. They’ll meet key organization members, learn about job perks, and identify sources of support within the company. 
• Makes employees feel confident. Training makes new team members feel comfortable in their positions while giving them the knowledge, tools and skills they need to become successful and productive members of your company.
• Improves morale and reduces turnover. Training can also boost morale because it helps new hires feel like they are welcome, competent members of the team, and high employee morale decreases turnover. In contrast, new employees without proper training may get frustrated and leave their jobs soon after getting hired. 

Tip

Keep your employee handbook updated so new hires understand their job functions along with the company’s mission, vision, policies, dress code, and code of conduct.

Training mistakes to avoid

Avoid these common training program mistakes to help create the best onboarding program possible: 

• Not giving new hires a warm welcome. How you greet your new hires on their first day will color their impression of the company. It can even affect how productive they’ll be in the long term. You’ll seem callous and uncaring if you show them to their desk, give them an assignment, and let them figure out the company on their own. Instead, your hiring manager or a senior employee should greet them at the door. A tour of your facilities and team member introductions can help new employees feel more connected.
• Using too much technical jargon. Many industries have developed their own shorthand, but you shouldn’t assume a new employee speaks the lingo. Take your time introducing new hires to the industry lexicon, and give them resources to learn it at their own pace. Give them a cheat sheet with common acronyms and phrases, or connect them with an in-house mentor who can explain any unfamiliar terms. 
• Failing to nurture their interests. Many new hires are excited to start the job, and it’s possible to harness that energy to kick-start a solid connection to the company. However, just because that connection exists doesn’t mean it will last. Without guidance, a new employee’s passion for their role can fade, and their productivity will vanish along with it. Communication is crucial for maintaining a new hire’s excitement. An HR representative or manager should check in regularly with the new hire to ensure they haven’t run into trouble. Make sure they understand their responsibilities, and share exciting plans.

CR’s digital privacy and security experts offer their best advice for protecting your privacy

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Smart security cameras are a great tool for keeping an eye on your home, whether for package deliveries, critters rummaging through your garbage cans, or intruders snooping around your house. But their “all-seeing” abilities can also be co-opted by hackers to spy on you via the internet. No wonder, then, that according to the 2021 Statista Global Consumer Survey, 28 percent of U.S. respondents worried that people could spy on them through their smart home devices.

News articles about home security cameras getting hacked have become all too common. You may recall a story from January 2019, which went viral, about a California family’s Nest security camera being hacked to play fake warning messages that North Korea had launched missiles at the U.S. According to the Mercury News, the family’s 8-year-old son was so scared he hid under the living room rug. It was only after calls to 911 and Nest that the frightened family realized they were victims of a hack.

Nest (now known as Google Nest) sent an email to its customers offering tips on how they can protect themselves, but the company itself wasn’t breached. Similar hacking incidents were reported with Ring cameras in December 2019, with one of the most chilling incidents involving a hacker talking to a little girl through the camera in her bedroom. Like Nest, Amazon-owned Ring said at the time that its systems also hadn’t been breached. But reports of these incidents continue, with one as recently as April 2022. In all these cases, it’s suspected that hackers got the log-in credentials to accounts by other means.

How Hacks Happen

One way security cameras are vulnerable to hacks is through a technique called “credential stuffing.” Hackers use usernames and passwords from other data breaches (that other hackers share online) to gain access to accounts. The combination of large data breaches, such as those at Equifax and Target, and consumers reusing the same passwords—52 percent of internet users reuse or modify the same passwords—make the work easy. In recent years hackers have made the log-in credentials for over 11.7 billion online accounts available on the internet.

This type of hack doesn’t require the breach of a security camera company’s system, so every brand is at risk. “These companies aren’t technically at fault,” says Fred Garcia, who oversees CR’s privacy and security testing for home security cameras. “Most companies offer a two-factor authentication system that acts as an extra deterrent against attacks like this. But there is more that these companies could do, like encouraging people to use that added security feature by default.”

How to Protect Yourself

Data breaches and subsequent credential-stuffing attacks won’t be going away anytime soon, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce the chances that your security camera will be hacked.

1. Keep Your Camera’s Firmware Up to Date

Manufacturers that are serious about protecting their cameras will routinely release firmware updates that fix software bugs and patch security vulnerabilities. Some cameras will automatically download and install these updates, while others require that you check for them on your own. (You’ll usually find an update button under the Settings menu in your camera’s app.)

2. Change Your Camera’s Password

In a nationally representative CR survey of 1,006 U.S. adults on data privacy conducted in May 2019, 13 percent of Americans with at least one online account said they used the same password for all their accounts. That makes it a cinch for hackers to gain access to multiple accounts. Always create a unique password for each account. Here’s the best way.

Do: Use something long and complex—like a random phrase or string of characters—with numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.

Don’t: Include any personally identifiable information, such as names, birthdates, etc. Hackers can often get this information from public social media profiles, such as those on Facebook and Instagram, and then use it to guess your passwords and gain access to your accounts. You also want to avoid simple, commonly used passwords, such as Nordpass’s 200 Most Common Passwords. For more tips on strengthening your passwords, read our tips for better passwords.

3. Set Up a Password Manager

These programs generate incredibly strong, random passwords for your digital accounts, securely store and remember them for you, and even automatically insert them into log-in prompts. Many password managers are free to use and available on an array of devices and web browsers.

4. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

This is an extra layer of security. You opt to have your security camera company send you a single-use passcode via a text message, phone call, email, or authentication app that you use in addition to your username and password when you log in to the account. That way, if hackers crack your password, they still won’t be able to access your camera unless they also gain access to your passcode.

Many camera companies now offer two-factor authentication, and some even require you to use it, but there are still holdouts. That’s why we note whether cameras and doorbells offer two-factor authentication in our home security camera ratings.

All these methods can improve your chances of avoiding a hack, but they’re not foolproof. “None of these methods will work perfectly on their own,” Garcia says. “But right now, these measures are our best tools. Use them all!”

Top Cameras With Two-Factor Authentication

Consumer Reports conducts data privacy and security tests on wireless security cameras to help you find models that are as secure as possible. Cameras that include two-factor authentication receive a higher score. Our experts also inspect the user interface and network traffic from each camera and its companion smartphone app to make sure it’s using encryption, adhering to manufacturer policies, and not sharing your data. We evaluate each model’s public documentation (such as privacy policies) to see what claims the manufacturer makes about the way it handles your data.

What is You Test?

Testing is at the heart of CR. You Test is your chance to get involved. Share your experiences on the products you own and how you use them – and hear from other members what works best for them. Test your knowledge on products, services and issues that affect all of us.

* While You Test does inform our research and testing approach, it’s different from the surveys we use to calculate our reliability and satisfaction ratings.

Passwords & Firmware 101

Online privacy and security are huge issues facing a lot of people today. On the “Consumer 101” TV show, Consumer Reports expert Maria Rerecich explains why it’s not just phones and computers that people should be concerned about.