74 articles
Expert guides, comparisons and tips tagged "insurance basics".
insurance newsThe 2027 health FSA limit is expected around $3,500 when the IRS announces it this fall, while the dependent care FSA limit stays at its new $7,500. The rules, deadlines and how much an FSA can save you before open enrollment.
insurance newsDeer season is here: October to December brings 41% of animal-collision claims. What to do right after you hit a deer, whether it is a comprehensive or collision claim, if liability covers it, and whether your rates will go up.
insurance newsThe IRS has set 2027 HSA contribution limits at $4,500 for self-only and $9,000 for family coverage, with a $1,000 catch-up at 55. The 2027 HDHP rules, who can now contribute, key deadlines, and how to get the most from your HSA.
insurance newsSenators Warren and Hawley are questioning State Farm, Allstate, USAA and three other insurers about claims closed without payment. Why claims get denied, how to appeal, and where to complain if your insurer won't pay.
insurance newsThe 2027 Social Security COLA is announced October 14, 2026, with forecasts around 3.5% to 3.6%. Here is what it could add to your check, how much the projected Medicare Part B increase takes back, and what the hold-harmless rule protects.
pet insurancePet insurance usually covers prescription medication for a covered accident or illness, but prescription food, supplements and preventives are where policies split. Here is what two real policies say, with worked examples for long-term meds.
insurance guidesBeing named an additional insured gives someone else limited coverage under your policy. Here is what that means, how it differs from a named insured, certificate holder and loss payee, and how the endorsement works.
insurance guidesYou can usually withdraw an insurance claim before it is paid, but the record may stay on your claims history. Here is when cancelling makes sense, how to do it, and when you cannot.
insurance guidesIn a fully insured plan the insurer pays claims; in a self-insured plan your employer does. Here is how each works, what level funding and stop-loss are, and why it matters to employees.
insurance guidesAn insurance agent represents one or more insurers; a broker represents you. Here is how captive agents, independent agents and brokers differ, how each gets paid, and which one to use.
insurance guidesAn insurance score is a credit-based number insurers use to help price car and home insurance. Here is how it differs from your credit score, what goes into it, which states ban it, and how to improve it.
insurance guidesReplacement cost pays to replace what you lost; actual cash value pays what it was worth after depreciation. Here is how each settles a claim, plus extended, guaranteed and functional replacement cost explained.