My friends lived in hotels for one whole year before getting their house back. They chose to use their own contractor instead of the contractor that the insurance company preferred. As a result, they paid the contractor directly, using savings or borrowed money. The insurance company has made some payments to my friends, but only after long and protracted hassling. Before they will pay the difference, the insurance company must come to an agreement with my friends on the value of the loss . They still have not settled. Insurance is an intangible. That is one of the reasons why people don't like to pay for it. The contents of a policy are just so many words on a page - until something happens that gives rise to a claim. It is only then, when your coverage is put to the test, that you find out how good your coverage is. My best advice to you is simple: do your homework. I also suggest that you seek out an independent insurance broker. Independent insurance brokers almost always represent more than one insurance company. more... See more text