🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 78 (from laksa027)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa078.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://lifehacker.com/three-ways-to-raise-your-confidence-1792836603\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://lifehacker.com/three-ways-to-raise-your-confidence-1792836603\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/three-ways-to-raise-your-confidence-1792836603","crawl_time":1775734816,"first_indexed_time":1490407145,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,lifehacker!\/three-ways-to-raise-your-confidence-1792836603 s443","src_root_hash":"12890689076636109878","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How Insurance Companies Use Drones to Raise Your Rates (and What to Do About It)","meta_descriptions":["Confidence seems like an elusive quality that some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and boost their confidence, b"],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Add as a preferred source on Google\nTable of Contents\nConfidence seems like an elusive quality\nthat some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and  boost their confidence, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This TED-Ed video explains where confidence comes from and three tips to feel more confident about yourself.\nSeveral factors can determine someone’s confidence, including genes, environment, and the choices that they make in life. Choices are what we have control over. In the video, you learn that you can boost confidence by:\n1.\nVisualizing your success.\nBelief is a powerful thing. If you feel doubt, try listening to music with deep bass or\ndoing power poses\nto fake a little more  assuredness and continue to push yourself in spite of doubt.\n2.\nUnderstanding the “growth” mindset.\nWhen you believe that your abilities and skills can grow and get better with extra, diligent practice, you have a “growth” mindset. This matters because this influences how you respond to challenges and setbacks. If you had a “fixed” mindset, you might simply give up.\n3.\nAccepting that you’ll make mistakes.\nEveryone trips and falls flat on their face. Rarely does anyone “get it right” the first time. It’s far more important that you have the will to get up and try again to keep striving for better and better results.\nWhat do you think so far?\nAll of these together means you grow more confident and as a person. Check out the video for more inspiration.\n3 tips to boost your confidence\n| TED-Ed\nThe Daily Newsletter\nReady to do everything better?\nJordan Calhoun\nGet daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.\nThe Daily Newsletter\nReady to do everything better?\nGet daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\nAdd as a preferred source on Google\nWe may earn a commission from links on this page.\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\nTable of Contents\nWelcome to “\nCookbook of the Week.\n” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own.\n \nBaking bread isn't for everyone, and I get it: Spending hours (or days) making one “simple” staple item that you could easily purchase at the store for a few dollars is arguably absurd. I fully accept that I may never be able to bring folks who feel this way over to the other side, and that’s fine.\nBut what about the home cooks who are intrigued, rather than bothered, by the idea of bread baking? Despite generations-worth of recipes and tips, yeast-raised loaves are notoriously finicky, and nothing will defeat your spirit quite like tossing your third dense and doughy sourdough attempt into the compost bin. That’s why I chose to spotlight\nBread Baking for Beginners\nthis week. This cookbook creates a safe space where you can build the confidence and know-how you'll need for your illustrious future as a bread baker. \nA bit about the book\nAs you can tell from the title,\nBread Baking for Beginners\nhas clear intentions. Author Bonnie Ohara has been the owner and baker of\nAlchemy Bread\nsince 2014, and her experience of slingin' dough comes through on every page. She has a kind and teacherly way of instructing you on bread baking in this cookbook, and frankly, it’s a breath of fresh air in contrast to the aloof, know-it-all approach you’ll find all over the internet.\nThis cookbook has a somewhat curriculum-style progression, but without ever feeling like a textbook. It’s actually quite approachable: Starting with terminology and equipment, and then moving from simple no-knead breads over to kneaded breads, and proceeding to enriched breads and sourdough starters, Ohara teaches you how to walk before you run.\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\nA great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head\nBeing a beginner at something is a vulnerable state. A messed up loaf of bread is akin to rejection, and a lot of people can’t handle that feeling. That’s why it’s important to have a good teacher. Throughout the pages of\nBread Baking for Beginners,\nOhara is there to cheer you on, and I fully believe that kind of supportive encouragement is what can keep a new baker coming back to the kitchen after a failed loaf or two.\nOhara’s encouragement is never exaggerated or disingenuous. She has her own way of letting you know that perfection isn’t the goal. A little wiggle to your ficelle? It’s character! Your dough hasn’t risen enough? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to adjust the proofing time on the fly. \nEvery recipe is easy to start, with a short headnote and even shorter ingredient list, and the instructions are always clear. I appreciate that each recipe includes how to shape and how to check for proofing, because that can look and feel different depending on the type of bread you’re making. \nAnd what’s a lesson without a Q&A session? Common problems and helpful FAQs sections appear throughout. You’ll get likely answers for why your dough was too dense and why it exploded out of the bottom instead of the score mark. She'll offer suggestions on what to do if your loaf is seemingly ruined. Of course this is helpful for next time, but it also normalizes the act of messing up: It's all a part of learning. But unlike in math class, you can snack on your mistakes.\n4\nWhat do you think so far?\nThe bread I made this week\nI don’t normally go for no-knead breads, but I think they are the most welcoming recipes for new bread bakers. Clearly Ohara agrees, because they’re in the first chapter. From her offerings, I made the Master Recipe for No-Knead Breads.\nAs may be expected, it is a classic four-ingredient lean bread. You can’t get simpler than flour, water, salt, and yeast. I’m not new to bread baking (you can peep\nmy sourdough boule recipe here\n), so I was a little surprised to see all-purpose flour used. Bread flour is usually the go-to for its higher gluten content, which leads to better structure and increased elasticity.\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\nI flipped to the front to check out the author’s thoughts on the ingredient choice and she makes it clear that not only has she had success with regular all-purpose flour, but that it’s more accessible for most home cooks. I respect this choice. If a person can be successful with fewer obstacles, then they can make the switch on their own if and when they choose. However, a kitchen scale is also required (all of the measurements are in grams with no volume option), so there is still some expectation you'll acquire the right tools before getting started. (Personally, I'd switch to bread flour for this type of recipe.)\nHer no-knead bread is as simple as promised. I weighed my ingredients and mashed them all up with a wooden spoon as thoroughly as I could without it qualifying as kneading. As long as you aren't using expired yeast, I can’t see this bread failing to come to life. Ohara is very clear about ambient temperatures and reminds you of the ideal conditions for the best rise. Even with that advice, and a decade of bread baking under my belt, I managed to overproof my no-knead dough, but I’m not mad about it. The loaf came out light and evenly aerated. It strikes me as a good sandwich bread. And it's Bread Baking 101 that it takes a few trials to learn the personality of a new bread recipe. I’ll try it again soon enough. \nHow to buy it\nI normally grab\nthe hardcover\nfor cookbooks, but I actually went with\nthe softcover\nthis week. It’s a great price, and since it’s more of a learning cookbook than a display piece, I figure I won’t feel as bad if the pages get flour, oil, or water marks on them. If you haven’t been lately, take a walk to your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it on the shelves. \nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\nAdd as a preferred source on Google\nCredit: akiyoko \/ \tiStock Editorial \/ Getty Images Plus\nTable of Contents\nIf you own a home, you know that\nhomeowners insurance\nusually requires inspections—at least once, when you initially take out the policy, and often periodically when the renewal comes around. You usually can’t avoid this—the insurer has a right to ensure that they’re not taking on\nexcessive risk\n. They don’t want to be on the hook for a huge repair bill because you didn’t bother maintaining your roof properly, after all.\nNormally, you know when those inspections are coming, so you can prepare your home. But increasingly, insurance companies are using less visible tools to check out the exterior of your home, employing drones and satellite imagery to check that your roof is in good shape, that you’re doing proper maintenance to the exterior walls and landscaping, and that you’re not using your property in a manner that conflicts with your policy agreement. And you need to worry about this because it changes the core dynamic around home inspections. Here’s what you need to know—and how to react.\nThere are several reasons why drone and satellite-powered inspections are problematic for you as a homeowner:\nUnreliable.\nThe images secured via drone and satellite are usually pretty low-quality. A man living in Florida had his insurance canceled when a drone photographed his roof—he described the photo as looking “\nlike it was taken in 1936\n.” These images are often plagued by shadows and artifacts that are misinterpreted as damage, and insurers are sometimes picking up satellite images that are years out of date and using them to justify rate increases or policy cancellations.\nUnpredictable.\nUnlike a scheduled inspection, a drone can fly over and around your house at any time. That means if you’re in the process of repairing some aspect of the home’s exterior or have the work scheduled, the photos can show an inaccurate glimpse of the state of the property. That can lead to false accusations of deferred maintenance or damage, leading to unfair rate hikes or cancelations.\nLack of warning.\nThese inspections often happen without your knowledge, so the first time you hear about them might be when you receive a notice that your rates are rising or your policy won’t be renewed. At that point, it might be much more difficult to fight the decision if the physical state of your house has changed. And it removes your chance to make adjustments in advance of the inspection if you’re doing something with the property you know could be misunderstood or misconstrued.\nPrecautions you can take\nWe’re living in the age of drone inspections, so it’s time to start taking some extra precautions. Your first line of defense against a shocking cancelation or rate hike due to a drone or satellite inspection is to know the basics about your homeowners insurance:\nCancelation notices:\nKnow the\nnotice requirements\nfor cancelations in your state. If your insurer is relying on an automated system, you might receive a cancelation notice without the proper notice, and you can fight that.\nComplaint process:\nDon’t wait to research your insurer’s process for disputing changes to your coverage until you’re fighting cancelation—you might only have a few weeks to fight back. Know how to file complaints so you don’t waste time. You should also know how to contact your\nstate’s insurance department\nin case you need to file a complaint about your insurer’s handling of the situation.\nReview the exterior.\nYou might not even be aware of aspects of your home’s exterior that could be flagged on drone footage or satellite images. If your roof is in good shape but has moss growing on it, for example, that could be flagged. Consider what your home looks like from\nabove\n.\nAlso consider that areas of your home you might consider private are actually exposed to drones and satellites. For example, a trampoline or treehouse in your backyard might seem harmless—and safely hidden from public view. But if a drone spots them on your property, that could be an excuse to cancel your coverage or raise your rates.\nWhat to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation\nOne way to avoid surprise events resulting from drones and satellite photos is to stop waiting for inspections to do\nnecessary maintenance\n. If you normally wait until your homeowners insurance announces an inspection to get\nroof repairs\nand other work done on the house, well, stop doing that. Regular maintenance and repair of the exterior of the home will insulate you from nasty drone-related surprises.\nIf you receive a rate or cancelation notice from your insurer based on photos taken by drone or satellite that misrepresent the reality of the situation, demand to see the photos used to make the determination. If they’re blurry, low-res, or showing deceptive shadows or angles, take your own photos and submit them as part of the dispute process with your insurer. Chances are, your photos will be clearer and refute the claims.\nYou can also hire a home inspector to submit a report. If the drone inspection showed signs of disrepair or roof failure, a certified inspector’s report stating the age and condition of the roof may be persuasive.\n4\nWhat do you think so far?\nThese days, any dispute about an inspection probably starts online or via email—but it can be worth it to\nget a human being on the phone\n. Automated systems often lack flexibility, leading to nonsensical rejections of disputes or requests. If inaccurate, old, or misinterpreted drone photos are ruining your homeowners insurance, getting a person on the phone might be your best chance of flipping that script.\nIf you know there are aspects of your house that might be flagged by a drone or satellite review of your property—a pool you didn’t inform your insurer about, or that aforementioned trampoline—there’s one final rule: Don’t try to hide it. Covering things with tarps or other camouflage won’t work, and in fact might lead to a policy cancelation all by themselves as they might be seen as red flags.\nIf you’re concerned about something on your property in regards to your insurance coverage, it’s best to either get rid of it or see if you can add coverage for it to your existing policy. Trying to hide it from the eye in the sky will almost certainly backfire.\nSmarter Home & Living Newsletter\nNever miss a story\nJordan Calhoun\nGet the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team.\nSmarter Home & Living Newsletter\nNever miss a story.\nGet the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team.\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/three-ways-to-raise-your-confidence-1792836603#main \"Skip to main content\")\n\n[![Lifehacker Logo](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/lifehacker-logo.svg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/)\n\n- [View our Bluesky Page (Opens in a new tab)](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/lifehacker.com)\n- [View our Instagram Page (Opens in a new tab)](https:\/\/instagram.com\/lifehackerdotcom)\n- [View on Facebook Page (Opens in a new tab)](https:\/\/facebook.com\/lifehacker)\n- [View our Youtube Page (Opens in a new 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Diaries](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/health\/training-diaries) [All Health](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/health)\n\n[Reviews](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/reviews)\n\nHome & Garden\n\n[Cleaning](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/home\/cleaning) [All Home & Garden](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/home)\n\n[Deals](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/deals) [Comparisons](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/comparisons) [Hacks](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/hacks)\n\n- Copied\n# Three Ways to Raise Your Confidence\n\n[Stephanie Lee](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/superlee7)\n\nStephanie Lee  Editorial Author\n\nExperience\n\nAreas of Expertise\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/superlee7)\n\nMarch 4, 2017\n\n0 Comments\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n## Table of Contents\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\n***\n[Confidence seems like an elusive quality](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 \"open in a new window\") that some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and boost their confidence, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This TED-Ed video explains where confidence comes from and three tips to feel more confident about yourself.\n\n[Why Confidence Is So Important (and How to Improve Yours)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 \"open in a new window\")  [Read More](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 \"open in a new window\")\n\nSeveral factors can determine someone’s confidence, including genes, environment, and the choices that they make in life. Choices are what we have control over. In the video, you learn that you can boost confidence by:\n\n1\\. **Visualizing your success.** Belief is a powerful thing. If you feel doubt, try listening to music with deep bass or [doing power poses](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/adopt-a-power-pose-to-think-more-assertively-5796445 \"open in a new window\") to fake a little more assuredness and continue to push yourself in spite of doubt.\n\n2\\. **Understanding the “growth” mindset.** When you believe that your abilities and skills can grow and get better with extra, diligent practice, you have a “growth” mindset. This matters because this influences how you respond to challenges and setbacks. If you had a “fixed” mindset, you might simply give up.\n\n3\\. **Accepting that you’ll make mistakes.** Everyone trips and falls flat on their face. Rarely does anyone “get it right” the first time. It’s far more important that you have the will to get up and try again to keep striving for better and better results.\n\n0\n\nWhat do you think so far?\n\nBe the first to post a comment.\n\nAll of these together means you grow more confident and as a person. Check out the video for more inspiration.\n\n[3 tips to boost your confidence](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=l_NYrWqUR40 \"open in a new window\") \\| TED-Ed\n\nThe Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better?\n\n![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/team\/Jordan.png)\n\nJordan Calhoun\n\nEditor in chief\n\nGet daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.\n\nThe Daily NewsletterReady to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.\n\nUse this instead\n\nBy clicking Sign Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our  [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.ziffdavis.com\/terms-of-use \"(opens in a new tab)\") and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.ziffdavis.com\/ztg-privacy-policy \"(opens in a new tab)\").\n\n![Stephanie Lee](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/authors\/01HF2FBDMRK7DDNNFNGWE42KNY\/image.fill.size_150x150.v1699836009.jpg)\n\nStephanie Lee\n\n[Read Stephanie's full bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/superlee7)\n\nMore by Stephanie\n***\n\n[Health](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/health)\n\n[How and Why to Do Barbell Squats](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/why-squats-are-the-best-strength-building-exercise-for-1760732712)\n\nJune 11, 2021\n\n[![How and Why to Do Barbell Squats](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/defaults\/fallback-thumbnail.fill.size_75x75.1.png)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/why-squats-are-the-best-strength-building-exercise-for-1760732712)\n***\n[Fitness](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/health\/fitness)\n\n[What to Eat Before and After a Strength-Training Workout](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/what-to-eat-before-and-after-a-strength-training-workou-1798556343)\n\nNovember 18, 2020\n\n[![What to Eat Before and After a Strength-Training Workout](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01HF2GXB2N4QKDV0G5QME96Y3T\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1699836558.png)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/what-to-eat-before-and-after-a-strength-training-workou-1798556343)\n***\n\n[![Stephanie Lee](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/authors\/01HF2FBDMRK7DDNNFNGWE42KNY\/image.fill.size_1280x852.v1699836009.jpg) Stephanie Lee](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/superlee7)\n\nLatest\n***\n[See More](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/latest)\n\n[\\# Strands](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/strands)\n\n[Today's NYT Strands Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 9, 2026](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/strands-nyt-hint-today-in-the-paint-april-9-2026)\n\nApril 9, 2026\n\n[![NYT Strands art](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KNPYXK8S5C9WT4FV0R50J6JK\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775665860.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/strands-nyt-hint-today-in-the-paint-april-9-2026)\n***\n[Connections](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/connections)\n\n[Today's NYT Connections Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 9, 2026](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/nyt-connections-answer-today-april-9-2026)\n\nApril 9, 2026\n\n[![Connections art](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KNPYGHKWR2NZRJD994QQWY83\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775665432.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/nyt-connections-answer-today-april-9-2026)\n***\n[Wordle](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/wordle)\n\n[Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 9, 2026](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-9-2026)\n\nApril 9, 2026\n\n[![wordle art](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KNDHYFE214K4J1C7EFNJQEMC\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775350267.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-9-2026)\n***\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\n\n[Home](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/)\n\n[Food](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/food-drink)\n\n- Copied\n# ‘Bread Baking for Beginners’ Will Give You All the Confidence You Need\nYour last loaf of deflated bread got you down? This cookbook has the tips, answers, and guidance you need.\n\n[Allie Chanthorn Reinmann](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/alliechanthornreinmann)\n\nAllie Chanthorn Reinmann  Food Editor\n\nExperience\n\nAllie has been Lifehacker’s Food Writer since 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College in drama and studied at the Institute of Culinary Education to earn her diploma in Pastry and Baking Arts. Allie worked professionally as a private chef for over a decade, honing her craft in New York at places like Balthazar, Bien Cuit, The Chocolate Room, Billy’s Bakery, and Whole Foods. She spent evenings as a chef instructor, and also earned a master’s degree at Hunter College for teaching English. Allie’s YouTube channel, [Thainybites](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCEzLrb52qVgiUJ2516uqArg \"open in a new window\"), features recipes and baking tricks. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.\n\nAreas of Expertise\n\n[Food](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/food-drink) [Home & Garden](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/home) [Travel](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/travel)\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/alliechanthornreinmann)\n\nMay 16, 2025\n\n4 Comments\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\nWe may earn a commission from links on this page.\n\n![Bread Baking for Beginners cookbook on a counter top.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ\/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1747338889.jpg)\n\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\n\n## Table of Contents\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nA bit about the book\n\nA great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head\n\nThe bread I made this week\n\nHow to buy it\n\n***\n*Welcome to “*Cookbook of the Week.*” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own.*\n\nBaking bread isn't for everyone, and I get it: Spending hours (or days) making one “simple” staple item that you could easily purchase at the store for a few dollars is arguably absurd. I fully accept that I may never be able to bring folks who feel this way over to the other side, and that’s fine.\n\nBut what about the home cooks who are intrigued, rather than bothered, by the idea of bread baking? Despite generations-worth of recipes and tips, yeast-raised loaves are notoriously finicky, and nothing will defeat your spirit quite like tossing your third dense and doughy sourdough attempt into the compost bin. That’s why I chose to spotlight *Bread Baking for Beginners* this week. This cookbook creates a safe space where you can build the confidence and know-how you'll need for your illustrious future as a bread baker.\n\n## A bit about the book\nAs you can tell from the title, *Bread Baking for Beginners* has clear intentions. Author Bonnie Ohara has been the owner and baker of [Alchemy Bread](https:\/\/www.alchemybread.com\/ \"open in a new window\") since 2014, and her experience of slingin' dough comes through on every page. She has a kind and teacherly way of instructing you on bread baking in this cookbook, and frankly, it’s a breath of fresh air in contrast to the aloof, know-it-all approach you’ll find all over the internet.\n\nThis cookbook has a somewhat curriculum-style progression, but without ever feeling like a textbook. It’s actually quite approachable: Starting with terminology and equipment, and then moving from simple no-knead breads over to kneaded breads, and proceeding to enriched breads and sourdough starters, Ohara teaches you how to walk before you run.\n\n![A ball of bread dough on a wooden counter.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ\/images-1.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg)\n\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\n## A great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head\nBeing a beginner at something is a vulnerable state. A messed up loaf of bread is akin to rejection, and a lot of people can’t handle that feeling. That’s why it’s important to have a good teacher. Throughout the pages of *Bread Baking for Beginners,* Ohara is there to cheer you on, and I fully believe that kind of supportive encouragement is what can keep a new baker coming back to the kitchen after a failed loaf or two.\n\nOhara’s encouragement is never exaggerated or disingenuous. She has her own way of letting you know that perfection isn’t the goal. A little wiggle to your ficelle? It’s character! Your dough hasn’t risen enough? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to adjust the proofing time on the fly.\n\nEvery recipe is easy to start, with a short headnote and even shorter ingredient list, and the instructions are always clear. I appreciate that each recipe includes how to shape and how to check for proofing, because that can look and feel different depending on the type of bread you’re making.\n\nAnd what’s a lesson without a Q\\&A session? Common problems and helpful FAQs sections appear throughout. You’ll get likely answers for why your dough was too dense and why it exploded out of the bottom instead of the score mark. She'll offer suggestions on what to do if your loaf is seemingly ruined. Of course this is helpful for next time, but it also normalizes the act of messing up: It's all a part of learning. But unlike in math class, you can snack on your mistakes.\n\n4\n\nWhat do you think so far?\n\nPost a comment.\n## The bread I made this week\nI don’t normally go for no-knead breads, but I think they are the most welcoming recipes for new bread bakers. Clearly Ohara agrees, because they’re in the first chapter. From her offerings, I made the Master Recipe for No-Knead Breads.\n\nAs may be expected, it is a classic four-ingredient lean bread. You can’t get simpler than flour, water, salt, and yeast. I’m not new to bread baking (you can peep [my sourdough boule recipe here](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/food-drink\/dutch-oven-sourdough-recipe)), so I was a little surprised to see all-purpose flour used. Bread flour is usually the go-to for its higher gluten content, which leads to better structure and increased elasticity.\n\n![Bread dough in a silver bowl.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ\/images-2.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg)\n\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\n\nI flipped to the front to check out the author’s thoughts on the ingredient choice and she makes it clear that not only has she had success with regular all-purpose flour, but that it’s more accessible for most home cooks. I respect this choice. If a person can be successful with fewer obstacles, then they can make the switch on their own if and when they choose. However, a kitchen scale is also required (all of the measurements are in grams with no volume option), so there is still some expectation you'll acquire the right tools before getting started. (Personally, I'd switch to bread flour for this type of recipe.)\n\nHer no-knead bread is as simple as promised. I weighed my ingredients and mashed them all up with a wooden spoon as thoroughly as I could without it qualifying as kneading. As long as you aren't using expired yeast, I can’t see this bread failing to come to life. Ohara is very clear about ambient temperatures and reminds you of the ideal conditions for the best rise. Even with that advice, and a decade of bread baking under my belt, I managed to overproof my no-knead dough, but I’m not mad about it. The loaf came out light and evenly aerated. It strikes me as a good sandwich bread. And it's Bread Baking 101 that it takes a few trials to learn the personality of a new bread recipe. I’ll try it again soon enough.\n\n## How to buy it\nI normally grab [the hardcover](https:\/\/zdcs.link\/9l3LlN?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20hardcover&short_url=9l3LlN&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20hardcover \"open in a new window\") for cookbooks, but I actually went with [the softcover](https:\/\/zdcs.link\/aDgKDo?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20softcover&short_url=aDgKDo&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20softcover \"open in a new window\") this week. It’s a great price, and since it’s more of a learning cookbook than a display piece, I figure I won’t feel as bad if the pages get flour, oil, or water marks on them. If you haven’t been lately, take a walk to your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it on the shelves.\n\n[Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads \\$9.99 at Amazon \\$19.99 Save \\$10.00 Shop Now ![Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/product\/05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY\/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1747338100.jpg) ![Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/product\/05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY\/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1747338100.jpg) Shop Now \\$9.99 at Amazon \\$19.99 Save \\$10.00](https:\/\/cc.lifehacker.com\/v1\/otc\/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBread-Baking-Beginners-Essential-No-Knead%2Fdp%2F1641521198%2Fref%3Dasc_df_1641521198&template=Opinions&module=shop-card&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=1&element_label=Bread+Baking+for+Beginners%3A+The+Essential+Guide+to+Baking+Kneaded+Breads%2C+No-Knead+Breads%2C+and+Enriched+Breads&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review%3Fas-embeddable%3D1%26usedNewsletters%255B0%255D%3Dthe-daily%26usedUlids%255B0%255D%3D01HF2GJDE2ATB8YB0AZ0GDNFY4%26usedUlids%255B1%255D%3D01JGCCSRT2B10N4Z7VTME8HCKH%26usedUlids%255B2%255D%3D01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ%26usedUlids%255B3%255D%3D01JX0FEVHA8GPK2611S28J5RYX%26usedUlids%255B4%255D%3D01K07P7H88NWWSZKVTDDQXBAXM%26usedUlids%255B5%255D%3D01KNDHYFE214K4J1C7EFNJQEMC%26usedUlids%255B6%255D%3D01KNPYGHKWR2NZRJD994QQWY83%26usedUlids%255B7%255D%3D01KNPYXK8S5C9WT4FV0R50J6JK&product_uuid=05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY&offer_uuid=05fx15sHrVukWy4v0rM1ECF&object_type=05fx15sHrVukWy4v0rM1ECF&object_uuid=05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY&data-aps-asin=1641521198&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=05fx15sHrVukWy4v0rM1ECF \"(opens in a new window)\")\n\n![Allie Chanthorn Reinmann](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/authors\/01HF2FBE5PRYK04SA12SWW1VDV\/image.fill.size_150x150.v1727899588.png)\n\nAllie Chanthorn Reinmann\n\nFood Editor\n\nCovering kitchen appliances, cooking hacks, and more.\n\n[Read Allie's full bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/alliechanthornreinmann)\n\nMore by Allie\n***\n\n[The Best Air Fryers of 2026](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/roundup\/best-air-fryers)\n\nNovember 24, 2025\n\n[![french fries cooking in an air fryer](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/roundups\/01JC1074DB3XEBFVVTGQ5KF1PM\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1730931245.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/roundup\/best-air-fryers)\n***\n[The Instant Vortex Is an Air Fryer With No Learning Curve](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/review\/instant-vortex-air-fryer-review)\n\nNovember 24, 2025\n\n[![An air fryer on a counter top.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01JQW3TSKHBFDB2ST5J3JFAQBC\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1743689319.png)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/review\/instant-vortex-air-fryer-review)\n***\n\n[![Allie Chanthorn Reinmann](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/authors\/01HF2FBE5PRYK04SA12SWW1VDV\/image.fill.size_2048x2048.v1727899588.png) Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Food Editor](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/alliechanthornreinmann)\n\nCovering kitchen appliances, cooking hacks, and more.\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/alliechanthornreinmann)\n\nLatest\n***\n[See More](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/latest)\n\n[Tech](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech)\n\n[10 Hacks Every Apple Vision Pro User Should Know](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/10-hacks-every-apple-vision-pro-user-should-know)\n\nApril 8, 2026\n\n[![two vision pros in two hands ](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KN60T7DTE33K2RYY2YWH6JAZ\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775252343.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/10-hacks-every-apple-vision-pro-user-should-know)\n***\n[Android](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/android)\n\n[Android 17 Will Finally Let You Remap Your Gaming Controllers](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/android-17-will-let-you-remap-your-controllers)\n\nApril 8, 2026\n\n[![xbox controller with smartphone](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KNQ9FXSX62T71NZR9B3J7GCT\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775677533.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/android-17-will-let-you-remap-your-controllers)\n***\n[Tech](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech)\n\n[This Compact Bose Portable Bluetooth Speaker Is Cheaper Than Ever Right Now](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/bose-soundlink-micro-deal-april-2026)\n\nApril 8, 2026\n\n[![Bose SoundLink Micro on a colorful background.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JEP6ANYRZG01FTFJ6AS4RCV6\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775677286.png)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/bose-soundlink-micro-deal-april-2026)\n***\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\n\n[Home](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/)\n\n[Home & Garden](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/home)\n\n- Copied\n# How Insurance Companies Use Drones to Raise Your Rates (and What to Do About It)\nInsurers are increasingly using satellite images, drone video, and even Google Maps to virtually inspect the exterior of your home.\n\n[Jeff Somers](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/thejeffsomers)\n\nJeff Somers  Freelance Writer\n\nExperience\n\nJeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012.\n\nJeff has published nine novels and more than 70 short stories; his story *Ringing the Changes* was selected for inclusion in *The Best American Mystery Stories* *2006*. In 2018, Jeff published the book *Writing Without Rules: How to Write & Sell a Novel Without Guidelines, Experts, or (Occasionally) Pants*. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and previously worked in medical publishing as a production editor.\n\nWhen not writing, Jeff spends his free time fixing up his old house. He has tackled a wide range of DIY projects, including remodeling a bathroom entirely on his own in two weeks, and building a roof deck that hasn't fallen down yet. You can find him on [Bluesky](https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/jeffsomers.bsky.social \"open in a new window\").\n\nAreas of Expertise\n\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment) [Tech](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech)\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/thejeffsomers)\n\nJune 5, 2025\n\n4 Comments\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n![drone flying in the sky in a neighborhood](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JX0FEVHA8GPK2611S28J5RYX\/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1749142839.png)\n\nCredit: akiyoko \/ iStock Editorial \/ Getty Images Plus\n\n## Table of Contents\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nTable of Contents\n\nPrecautions you can take\n\nWhat to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation\n\n***\nIf you own a home, you know that [homeowners insurance](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/money\/what-homeowners-insurance-covers-how-much-you-need) usually requires inspections—at least once, when you initially take out the policy, and often periodically when the renewal comes around. You usually can’t avoid this—the insurer has a right to ensure that they’re not taking on [excessive risk](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/avoid-these-mistakes-that-can-void-your-homeowner-s-ins-1849672874). They don’t want to be on the hook for a huge repair bill because you didn’t bother maintaining your roof properly, after all.\n\nNormally, you know when those inspections are coming, so you can prepare your home. But increasingly, insurance companies are using less visible tools to check out the exterior of your home, employing drones and satellite imagery to check that your roof is in good shape, that you’re doing proper maintenance to the exterior walls and landscaping, and that you’re not using your property in a manner that conflicts with your policy agreement. And you need to worry about this because it changes the core dynamic around home inspections. Here’s what you need to know—and how to react.\n\nThere are several reasons why drone and satellite-powered inspections are problematic for you as a homeowner:\n\n- **Unreliable.** The images secured via drone and satellite are usually pretty low-quality. A man living in Florida had his insurance canceled when a drone photographed his roof—he described the photo as looking “[like it was taken in 1936](https:\/\/www.realtor.com\/news\/trends\/home-insurance-drone-spied-on-my-house-policy-premium-hiked\/ \"open in a new window\").” These images are often plagued by shadows and artifacts that are misinterpreted as damage, and insurers are sometimes picking up satellite images that are years out of date and using them to justify rate increases or policy cancellations.\n- **Unpredictable.** Unlike a scheduled inspection, a drone can fly over and around your house at any time. That means if you’re in the process of repairing some aspect of the home’s exterior or have the work scheduled, the photos can show an inaccurate glimpse of the state of the property. That can lead to false accusations of deferred maintenance or damage, leading to unfair rate hikes or cancelations.\n- **Lack of warning.** These inspections often happen without your knowledge, so the first time you hear about them might be when you receive a notice that your rates are rising or your policy won’t be renewed. At that point, it might be much more difficult to fight the decision if the physical state of your house has changed. And it removes your chance to make adjustments in advance of the inspection if you’re doing something with the property you know could be misunderstood or misconstrued.\n## Precautions you can take\nWe’re living in the age of drone inspections, so it’s time to start taking some extra precautions. Your first line of defense against a shocking cancelation or rate hike due to a drone or satellite inspection is to know the basics about your homeowners insurance:\n\n- **Cancelation notices:** Know the [notice requirements](https:\/\/www.policygenius.com\/homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-cancellation-laws-by-state\/ \"open in a new window\") for cancelations in your state. If your insurer is relying on an automated system, you might receive a cancelation notice without the proper notice, and you can fight that.\n- **Complaint process:** Don’t wait to research your insurer’s process for disputing changes to your coverage until you’re fighting cancelation—you might only have a few weeks to fight back. Know how to file complaints so you don’t waste time. You should also know how to contact your [state’s insurance department](https:\/\/content.naic.org\/state-insurance-departments \"open in a new window\") in case you need to file a complaint about your insurer’s handling of the situation.\n- **Review the exterior.** You might not even be aware of aspects of your home’s exterior that could be flagged on drone footage or satellite images. If your roof is in good shape but has moss growing on it, for example, that could be flagged. Consider what your home looks like from *above*.\n  Also consider that areas of your home you might consider private are actually exposed to drones and satellites. For example, a trampoline or treehouse in your backyard might seem harmless—and safely hidden from public view. But if a drone spots them on your property, that could be an excuse to cancel your coverage or raise your rates.\n## What to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation\nOne way to avoid surprise events resulting from drones and satellite photos is to stop waiting for inspections to do [necessary maintenance](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/the-true-costs-of-deferred-home-maintenance-1849355574). If you normally wait until your homeowners insurance announces an inspection to get [roof repairs](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/home\/conduct-annual-home-inspection-to-identify-problems) and other work done on the house, well, stop doing that. Regular maintenance and repair of the exterior of the home will insulate you from nasty drone-related surprises.\n\nIf you receive a rate or cancelation notice from your insurer based on photos taken by drone or satellite that misrepresent the reality of the situation, demand to see the photos used to make the determination. If they’re blurry, low-res, or showing deceptive shadows or angles, take your own photos and submit them as part of the dispute process with your insurer. Chances are, your photos will be clearer and refute the claims.\n\nYou can also hire a home inspector to submit a report. If the drone inspection showed signs of disrepair or roof failure, a certified inspector’s report stating the age and condition of the roof may be persuasive.\n\n4\n\nWhat do you think so far?\n\nPost a comment.\n\nThese days, any dispute about an inspection probably starts online or via email—but it can be worth it to [get a human being on the phone](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/secret-ways-to-reach-an-actual-person-in-customer-servi-1848377153). Automated systems often lack flexibility, leading to nonsensical rejections of disputes or requests. If inaccurate, old, or misinterpreted drone photos are ruining your homeowners insurance, getting a person on the phone might be your best chance of flipping that script.\n\nIf you know there are aspects of your house that might be flagged by a drone or satellite review of your property—a pool you didn’t inform your insurer about, or that aforementioned trampoline—there’s one final rule: Don’t try to hide it. Covering things with tarps or other camouflage won’t work, and in fact might lead to a policy cancelation all by themselves as they might be seen as red flags.\n\nIf you’re concerned about something on your property in regards to your insurance coverage, it’s best to either get rid of it or see if you can add coverage for it to your existing policy. Trying to hide it from the eye in the sky will almost certainly backfire.\n\nSmarter Home & Living Newsletter Never miss a story\n\n![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/team\/Jordan.png)\n\nJordan Calhoun\n\nEditor in chief\n\nGet the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team.\n\nSmarter Home & Living NewsletterNever miss a story. Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team.\n\nUse this instead\n\nBy clicking Sign Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our  [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.ziffdavis.com\/terms-of-use \"(opens in a new tab)\") and [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.ziffdavis.com\/ztg-privacy-policy \"(opens in a new tab)\").\n\n![Photo of Jeff Somers](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/authors\/01HF2FBCXPYGW932B49BS1SERF\/image.fill.size_150x150.v1699836614.jpg)\n\nJeff Somers\n\nJeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012.\n\n[Read Jeff's full bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/thejeffsomers)\n\nMore by Jeff\n***\n\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment)\n\n[The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Check Out After Watching ‘The Boys’](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/the-boys-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts)\n\nMarch 31, 2026\n\n[![Antony Starr as Homelander in ‘The Boys’](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KN2DRXARMGWRYJQ5QZ85PV4J\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1774976791.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/the-boys-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts)\n***\n[Entertainment](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment)\n\n[The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Check Out After Watching 'Heated Rivalry'](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/heated-rivalry-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts)\n\nMarch 30, 2026\n\n[![Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in ‘Heated Rivalry.’](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KMZTN78KCPRM6Y867GXECV8X\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1774889639.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/entertainment\/heated-rivalry-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts)\n***\n\n[![Photo of Jeff Somers](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/authors\/01HF2FBCXPYGW932B49BS1SERF\/image.fill.size_982x640.v1699836614.jpg) Jeff Somers Freelance Writer](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/thejeffsomers)\n\nJeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012.\n\n[Read Full Bio](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/author\/thejeffsomers)\n\nLatest\n***\n[See More](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/latest)\n\n[Tech](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech)\n\n[10 Hacks Every Apple Vision Pro User Should Know](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/10-hacks-every-apple-vision-pro-user-should-know)\n\nApril 8, 2026\n\n[![two vision pros in two hands ](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KN60T7DTE33K2RYY2YWH6JAZ\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775252343.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/10-hacks-every-apple-vision-pro-user-should-know)\n***\n[Android](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/android)\n\n[Android 17 Will Finally Let You Remap Your Gaming Controllers](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/android-17-will-let-you-remap-your-controllers)\n\nApril 8, 2026\n\n[![xbox controller with smartphone](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01KNQ9FXSX62T71NZR9B3J7GCT\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775677533.jpg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/android-17-will-let-you-remap-your-controllers)\n***\n[Tech](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech)\n\n[This Compact Bose Portable Bluetooth Speaker Is Cheaper Than Ever Right Now](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/bose-soundlink-micro-deal-april-2026)\n\nApril 8, 2026\n\n[![Bose SoundLink Micro on a colorful background.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JEP6ANYRZG01FTFJ6AS4RCV6\/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775677286.png)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/tech\/bose-soundlink-micro-deal-april-2026)\n***\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\n\n[![Lifehacker Logo](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/lifehacker-logo.svg)](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/)\n\nLifehacker has been a go-to source of tech help and life advice since 2005. 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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.\n\nLifehacker is a federally registered trademark of Ziff Davis and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of Lifehacker. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant.\n\n- AdChoices Image ![AdChoices Image Pixel](https:\/\/c.evidon.com\/pub\/icong1.png) AdChoices\n- [Better Business Bureau (BBB) Logo ![Better Business Bureau (BBB) Logo](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/bbb.png)](https:\/\/www.bbb.org\/us\/ny\/new-york\/profile\/digital-media\/ziff-davis-llc-0121-531\/#sealclick \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n- [TRUSTe Logo ![TRUSTe Logo](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/truste.png)](https:\/\/privacy.truste.com\/privacy-seal\/validation?rid=ce211316-dfd0-4abb-8bfb-9cb70de1e37c \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Ziffmedia Logo](https:\/\/ziffmedia.com\/ \"(Opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[CNET Logo](https:\/\/www.cnet.com\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[ZDNET Logo](https:\/\/www.zdnet.com\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[PCMag Logo](https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Mashable Logo](https:\/\/www.mashable.com\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Askmen Logo](https:\/\/www.askmen.com\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[ExtremeTech Logo](https:\/\/www.extremetech.com\/ \"opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[IGN Logo](https:\/\/www.ign.com\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\n[Speedtest Logo](https:\/\/www.speedtest.net\/ \"(opens in a new tab)\")\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\n\n![](https:\/\/sb.scorecardresearch.com\/p?c1=2&c2=6036202&cv=3.6&cj=1)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n## Table of Contents\n***\n[Confidence seems like an elusive quality](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 \"open in a new window\") that some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and boost their confidence, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This TED-Ed video explains where confidence comes from and three tips to feel more confident about yourself.\n\nSeveral factors can determine someone’s confidence, including genes, environment, and the choices that they make in life. Choices are what we have control over. In the video, you learn that you can boost confidence by:\n\n1\\. **Visualizing your success.** Belief is a powerful thing. If you feel doubt, try listening to music with deep bass or [doing power poses](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/adopt-a-power-pose-to-think-more-assertively-5796445 \"open in a new window\") to fake a little more assuredness and continue to push yourself in spite of doubt.\n\n2\\. **Understanding the “growth” mindset.** When you believe that your abilities and skills can grow and get better with extra, diligent practice, you have a “growth” mindset. This matters because this influences how you respond to challenges and setbacks. If you had a “fixed” mindset, you might simply give up.\n\n3\\. **Accepting that you’ll make mistakes.** Everyone trips and falls flat on their face. Rarely does anyone “get it right” the first time. It’s far more important that you have the will to get up and try again to keep striving for better and better results.\n\nWhat do you think so far?\n\nAll of these together means you grow more confident and as a person. Check out the video for more inspiration.\n\n[3 tips to boost your confidence](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=l_NYrWqUR40 \"open in a new window\") \\| TED-Ed\n\nThe Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better?\n\n![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/team\/Jordan.png) Jordan Calhoun\n\nGet daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.\n\nThe Daily NewsletterReady to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team.\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\nWe may earn a commission from links on this page.\n\n![Bread Baking for Beginners cookbook on a counter top.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ\/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1747338889.jpg)\n\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\n\n## Table of Contents\n***\n*Welcome to “*Cookbook of the Week.*” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own.*\n\nBaking bread isn't for everyone, and I get it: Spending hours (or days) making one “simple” staple item that you could easily purchase at the store for a few dollars is arguably absurd. I fully accept that I may never be able to bring folks who feel this way over to the other side, and that’s fine.\n\nBut what about the home cooks who are intrigued, rather than bothered, by the idea of bread baking? Despite generations-worth of recipes and tips, yeast-raised loaves are notoriously finicky, and nothing will defeat your spirit quite like tossing your third dense and doughy sourdough attempt into the compost bin. That’s why I chose to spotlight *Bread Baking for Beginners* this week. This cookbook creates a safe space where you can build the confidence and know-how you'll need for your illustrious future as a bread baker.\n\n## A bit about the book\nAs you can tell from the title, *Bread Baking for Beginners* has clear intentions. Author Bonnie Ohara has been the owner and baker of [Alchemy Bread](https:\/\/www.alchemybread.com\/ \"open in a new window\") since 2014, and her experience of slingin' dough comes through on every page. She has a kind and teacherly way of instructing you on bread baking in this cookbook, and frankly, it’s a breath of fresh air in contrast to the aloof, know-it-all approach you’ll find all over the internet.\n\nThis cookbook has a somewhat curriculum-style progression, but without ever feeling like a textbook. It’s actually quite approachable: Starting with terminology and equipment, and then moving from simple no-knead breads over to kneaded breads, and proceeding to enriched breads and sourdough starters, Ohara teaches you how to walk before you run.\n\n![A ball of bread dough on a wooden counter.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ\/images-1.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg)\n\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\n## A great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head\nBeing a beginner at something is a vulnerable state. A messed up loaf of bread is akin to rejection, and a lot of people can’t handle that feeling. That’s why it’s important to have a good teacher. Throughout the pages of *Bread Baking for Beginners,* Ohara is there to cheer you on, and I fully believe that kind of supportive encouragement is what can keep a new baker coming back to the kitchen after a failed loaf or two.\n\nOhara’s encouragement is never exaggerated or disingenuous. She has her own way of letting you know that perfection isn’t the goal. A little wiggle to your ficelle? It’s character! Your dough hasn’t risen enough? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to adjust the proofing time on the fly.\n\nEvery recipe is easy to start, with a short headnote and even shorter ingredient list, and the instructions are always clear. I appreciate that each recipe includes how to shape and how to check for proofing, because that can look and feel different depending on the type of bread you’re making.\n\nAnd what’s a lesson without a Q\\&A session? Common problems and helpful FAQs sections appear throughout. You’ll get likely answers for why your dough was too dense and why it exploded out of the bottom instead of the score mark. She'll offer suggestions on what to do if your loaf is seemingly ruined. Of course this is helpful for next time, but it also normalizes the act of messing up: It's all a part of learning. But unlike in math class, you can snack on your mistakes.\n\n4\n\nWhat do you think so far?\n## The bread I made this week\nI don’t normally go for no-knead breads, but I think they are the most welcoming recipes for new bread bakers. Clearly Ohara agrees, because they’re in the first chapter. From her offerings, I made the Master Recipe for No-Knead Breads.\n\nAs may be expected, it is a classic four-ingredient lean bread. You can’t get simpler than flour, water, salt, and yeast. I’m not new to bread baking (you can peep [my sourdough boule recipe here](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/food-drink\/dutch-oven-sourdough-recipe)), so I was a little surprised to see all-purpose flour used. Bread flour is usually the go-to for its higher gluten content, which leads to better structure and increased elasticity.\n\n![Bread dough in a silver bowl.](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ\/images-2.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg)\n\nCredit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann\n\nI flipped to the front to check out the author’s thoughts on the ingredient choice and she makes it clear that not only has she had success with regular all-purpose flour, but that it’s more accessible for most home cooks. I respect this choice. If a person can be successful with fewer obstacles, then they can make the switch on their own if and when they choose. However, a kitchen scale is also required (all of the measurements are in grams with no volume option), so there is still some expectation you'll acquire the right tools before getting started. (Personally, I'd switch to bread flour for this type of recipe.)\n\nHer no-knead bread is as simple as promised. I weighed my ingredients and mashed them all up with a wooden spoon as thoroughly as I could without it qualifying as kneading. As long as you aren't using expired yeast, I can’t see this bread failing to come to life. Ohara is very clear about ambient temperatures and reminds you of the ideal conditions for the best rise. Even with that advice, and a decade of bread baking under my belt, I managed to overproof my no-knead dough, but I’m not mad about it. The loaf came out light and evenly aerated. It strikes me as a good sandwich bread. And it's Bread Baking 101 that it takes a few trials to learn the personality of a new bread recipe. I’ll try it again soon enough.\n\n## How to buy it\nI normally grab [the hardcover](https:\/\/zdcs.link\/9l3LlN?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20hardcover&short_url=9l3LlN&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20hardcover \"open in a new window\") for cookbooks, but I actually went with [the softcover](https:\/\/zdcs.link\/aDgKDo?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20softcover&short_url=aDgKDo&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20softcover \"open in a new window\") this week. It’s a great price, and since it’s more of a learning cookbook than a display piece, I figure I won’t feel as bad if the pages get flour, oil, or water marks on them. If you haven’t been lately, take a walk to your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it on the shelves.\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article\n\n[Add as a preferred source on Google](https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=lifehacker.com)\n\n![drone flying in the sky in a neighborhood](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/imagery\/articles\/01JX0FEVHA8GPK2611S28J5RYX\/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1749142839.png)\n\nCredit: akiyoko \/ iStock Editorial \/ Getty Images Plus\n\n## Table of Contents\n***\nIf you own a home, you know that [homeowners insurance](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/money\/what-homeowners-insurance-covers-how-much-you-need) usually requires inspections—at least once, when you initially take out the policy, and often periodically when the renewal comes around. You usually can’t avoid this—the insurer has a right to ensure that they’re not taking on [excessive risk](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/avoid-these-mistakes-that-can-void-your-homeowner-s-ins-1849672874). They don’t want to be on the hook for a huge repair bill because you didn’t bother maintaining your roof properly, after all.\n\nNormally, you know when those inspections are coming, so you can prepare your home. But increasingly, insurance companies are using less visible tools to check out the exterior of your home, employing drones and satellite imagery to check that your roof is in good shape, that you’re doing proper maintenance to the exterior walls and landscaping, and that you’re not using your property in a manner that conflicts with your policy agreement. And you need to worry about this because it changes the core dynamic around home inspections. Here’s what you need to know—and how to react.\n\nThere are several reasons why drone and satellite-powered inspections are problematic for you as a homeowner:\n\n- **Unreliable.** The images secured via drone and satellite are usually pretty low-quality. A man living in Florida had his insurance canceled when a drone photographed his roof—he described the photo as looking “[like it was taken in 1936](https:\/\/www.realtor.com\/news\/trends\/home-insurance-drone-spied-on-my-house-policy-premium-hiked\/ \"open in a new window\").” These images are often plagued by shadows and artifacts that are misinterpreted as damage, and insurers are sometimes picking up satellite images that are years out of date and using them to justify rate increases or policy cancellations.\n- **Unpredictable.** Unlike a scheduled inspection, a drone can fly over and around your house at any time. That means if you’re in the process of repairing some aspect of the home’s exterior or have the work scheduled, the photos can show an inaccurate glimpse of the state of the property. That can lead to false accusations of deferred maintenance or damage, leading to unfair rate hikes or cancelations.\n- **Lack of warning.** These inspections often happen without your knowledge, so the first time you hear about them might be when you receive a notice that your rates are rising or your policy won’t be renewed. At that point, it might be much more difficult to fight the decision if the physical state of your house has changed. And it removes your chance to make adjustments in advance of the inspection if you’re doing something with the property you know could be misunderstood or misconstrued.\n## Precautions you can take\nWe’re living in the age of drone inspections, so it’s time to start taking some extra precautions. Your first line of defense against a shocking cancelation or rate hike due to a drone or satellite inspection is to know the basics about your homeowners insurance:\n\n- **Cancelation notices:** Know the [notice requirements](https:\/\/www.policygenius.com\/homeowners-insurance\/home-insurance-cancellation-laws-by-state\/ \"open in a new window\") for cancelations in your state. If your insurer is relying on an automated system, you might receive a cancelation notice without the proper notice, and you can fight that.\n- **Complaint process:** Don’t wait to research your insurer’s process for disputing changes to your coverage until you’re fighting cancelation—you might only have a few weeks to fight back. Know how to file complaints so you don’t waste time. You should also know how to contact your [state’s insurance department](https:\/\/content.naic.org\/state-insurance-departments \"open in a new window\") in case you need to file a complaint about your insurer’s handling of the situation.\n- **Review the exterior.** You might not even be aware of aspects of your home’s exterior that could be flagged on drone footage or satellite images. If your roof is in good shape but has moss growing on it, for example, that could be flagged. Consider what your home looks like from *above*.\n  Also consider that areas of your home you might consider private are actually exposed to drones and satellites. For example, a trampoline or treehouse in your backyard might seem harmless—and safely hidden from public view. But if a drone spots them on your property, that could be an excuse to cancel your coverage or raise your rates.\n## What to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation\nOne way to avoid surprise events resulting from drones and satellite photos is to stop waiting for inspections to do [necessary maintenance](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/the-true-costs-of-deferred-home-maintenance-1849355574). If you normally wait until your homeowners insurance announces an inspection to get [roof repairs](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/home\/conduct-annual-home-inspection-to-identify-problems) and other work done on the house, well, stop doing that. Regular maintenance and repair of the exterior of the home will insulate you from nasty drone-related surprises.\n\nIf you receive a rate or cancelation notice from your insurer based on photos taken by drone or satellite that misrepresent the reality of the situation, demand to see the photos used to make the determination. If they’re blurry, low-res, or showing deceptive shadows or angles, take your own photos and submit them as part of the dispute process with your insurer. Chances are, your photos will be clearer and refute the claims.\n\nYou can also hire a home inspector to submit a report. If the drone inspection showed signs of disrepair or roof failure, a certified inspector’s report stating the age and condition of the roof may be persuasive.\n\n4\n\nWhat do you think so far?\n\nThese days, any dispute about an inspection probably starts online or via email—but it can be worth it to [get a human being on the phone](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/secret-ways-to-reach-an-actual-person-in-customer-servi-1848377153). Automated systems often lack flexibility, leading to nonsensical rejections of disputes or requests. If inaccurate, old, or misinterpreted drone photos are ruining your homeowners insurance, getting a person on the phone might be your best chance of flipping that script.\n\nIf you know there are aspects of your house that might be flagged by a drone or satellite review of your property—a pool you didn’t inform your insurer about, or that aforementioned trampoline—there’s one final rule: Don’t try to hide it. Covering things with tarps or other camouflage won’t work, and in fact might lead to a policy cancelation all by themselves as they might be seen as red flags.\n\nIf you’re concerned about something on your property in regards to your insurance coverage, it’s best to either get rid of it or see if you can add coverage for it to your existing policy. Trying to hide it from the eye in the sky will almost certainly backfire.\n\nSmarter Home & Living Newsletter Never miss a story\n\n![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https:\/\/lifehacker.com\/images\/team\/Jordan.png) Jordan Calhoun\n\nGet the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team.\n\nSmarter Home & Living NewsletterNever miss a story. Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team.\n\nKeep Scrolling for Next Article","meta_canonical":"com,lifehacker!\/home\/how-insurance-companies-use-drones-to-raise-your-rates s443"}

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Boilerpipe Text	Add as a preferred source on Google Table of Contents Confidence seems like an elusive quality that some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and boost their confidence, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This TED-Ed video explains where confidence comes from and three tips to feel more confident about yourself. Several factors can determine someone’s confidence, including genes, environment, and the choices that they make in life. Choices are what we have control over. In the video, you learn that you can boost confidence by: 1. Visualizing your success. Belief is a powerful thing. If you feel doubt, try listening to music with deep bass or doing power poses to fake a little more assuredness and continue to push yourself in spite of doubt. 2. Understanding the “growth” mindset. When you believe that your abilities and skills can grow and get better with extra, diligent practice, you have a “growth” mindset. This matters because this influences how you respond to challenges and setbacks. If you had a “fixed” mindset, you might simply give up. 3. Accepting that you’ll make mistakes. Everyone trips and falls flat on their face. Rarely does anyone “get it right” the first time. It’s far more important that you have the will to get up and try again to keep striving for better and better results. What do you think so far? All of these together means you grow more confident and as a person. Check out the video for more inspiration. 3 tips to boost your confidence \| TED-Ed The Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better? Jordan Calhoun Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team. The Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team. Keep Scrolling for Next Article Add as a preferred source on Google We may earn a commission from links on this page. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Table of Contents Welcome to “ Cookbook of the Week. ” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. Baking bread isn't for everyone, and I get it: Spending hours (or days) making one “simple” staple item that you could easily purchase at the store for a few dollars is arguably absurd. I fully accept that I may never be able to bring folks who feel this way over to the other side, and that’s fine. But what about the home cooks who are intrigued, rather than bothered, by the idea of bread baking? Despite generations-worth of recipes and tips, yeast-raised loaves are notoriously finicky, and nothing will defeat your spirit quite like tossing your third dense and doughy sourdough attempt into the compost bin. That’s why I chose to spotlight Bread Baking for Beginners this week. This cookbook creates a safe space where you can build the confidence and know-how you'll need for your illustrious future as a bread baker. A bit about the book As you can tell from the title, Bread Baking for Beginners has clear intentions. Author Bonnie Ohara has been the owner and baker of Alchemy Bread since 2014, and her experience of slingin' dough comes through on every page. She has a kind and teacherly way of instructing you on bread baking in this cookbook, and frankly, it’s a breath of fresh air in contrast to the aloof, know-it-all approach you’ll find all over the internet. This cookbook has a somewhat curriculum-style progression, but without ever feeling like a textbook. It’s actually quite approachable: Starting with terminology and equipment, and then moving from simple no-knead breads over to kneaded breads, and proceeding to enriched breads and sourdough starters, Ohara teaches you how to walk before you run. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann A great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head Being a beginner at something is a vulnerable state. A messed up loaf of bread is akin to rejection, and a lot of people can’t handle that feeling. That’s why it’s important to have a good teacher. Throughout the pages of Bread Baking for Beginners, Ohara is there to cheer you on, and I fully believe that kind of supportive encouragement is what can keep a new baker coming back to the kitchen after a failed loaf or two. Ohara’s encouragement is never exaggerated or disingenuous. She has her own way of letting you know that perfection isn’t the goal. A little wiggle to your ficelle? It’s character! Your dough hasn’t risen enough? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to adjust the proofing time on the fly. Every recipe is easy to start, with a short headnote and even shorter ingredient list, and the instructions are always clear. I appreciate that each recipe includes how to shape and how to check for proofing, because that can look and feel different depending on the type of bread you’re making. And what’s a lesson without a Q&A session? Common problems and helpful FAQs sections appear throughout. You’ll get likely answers for why your dough was too dense and why it exploded out of the bottom instead of the score mark. She'll offer suggestions on what to do if your loaf is seemingly ruined. Of course this is helpful for next time, but it also normalizes the act of messing up: It's all a part of learning. But unlike in math class, you can snack on your mistakes. 4 What do you think so far? The bread I made this week I don’t normally go for no-knead breads, but I think they are the most welcoming recipes for new bread bakers. Clearly Ohara agrees, because they’re in the first chapter. From her offerings, I made the Master Recipe for No-Knead Breads. As may be expected, it is a classic four-ingredient lean bread. You can’t get simpler than flour, water, salt, and yeast. I’m not new to bread baking (you can peep my sourdough boule recipe here ), so I was a little surprised to see all-purpose flour used. Bread flour is usually the go-to for its higher gluten content, which leads to better structure and increased elasticity. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I flipped to the front to check out the author’s thoughts on the ingredient choice and she makes it clear that not only has she had success with regular all-purpose flour, but that it’s more accessible for most home cooks. I respect this choice. If a person can be successful with fewer obstacles, then they can make the switch on their own if and when they choose. However, a kitchen scale is also required (all of the measurements are in grams with no volume option), so there is still some expectation you'll acquire the right tools before getting started. (Personally, I'd switch to bread flour for this type of recipe.) Her no-knead bread is as simple as promised. I weighed my ingredients and mashed them all up with a wooden spoon as thoroughly as I could without it qualifying as kneading. As long as you aren't using expired yeast, I can’t see this bread failing to come to life. Ohara is very clear about ambient temperatures and reminds you of the ideal conditions for the best rise. Even with that advice, and a decade of bread baking under my belt, I managed to overproof my no-knead dough, but I’m not mad about it. The loaf came out light and evenly aerated. It strikes me as a good sandwich bread. And it's Bread Baking 101 that it takes a few trials to learn the personality of a new bread recipe. I’ll try it again soon enough. How to buy it I normally grab the hardcover for cookbooks, but I actually went with the softcover this week. It’s a great price, and since it’s more of a learning cookbook than a display piece, I figure I won’t feel as bad if the pages get flour, oil, or water marks on them. If you haven’t been lately, take a walk to your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it on the shelves. Keep Scrolling for Next Article Add as a preferred source on Google Credit: akiyoko / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus Table of Contents If you own a home, you know that homeowners insurance usually requires inspections—at least once, when you initially take out the policy, and often periodically when the renewal comes around. You usually can’t avoid this—the insurer has a right to ensure that they’re not taking on excessive risk . They don’t want to be on the hook for a huge repair bill because you didn’t bother maintaining your roof properly, after all. Normally, you know when those inspections are coming, so you can prepare your home. But increasingly, insurance companies are using less visible tools to check out the exterior of your home, employing drones and satellite imagery to check that your roof is in good shape, that you’re doing proper maintenance to the exterior walls and landscaping, and that you’re not using your property in a manner that conflicts with your policy agreement. And you need to worry about this because it changes the core dynamic around home inspections. Here’s what you need to know—and how to react. There are several reasons why drone and satellite-powered inspections are problematic for you as a homeowner: Unreliable. The images secured via drone and satellite are usually pretty low-quality. A man living in Florida had his insurance canceled when a drone photographed his roof—he described the photo as looking “ like it was taken in 1936 .” These images are often plagued by shadows and artifacts that are misinterpreted as damage, and insurers are sometimes picking up satellite images that are years out of date and using them to justify rate increases or policy cancellations. Unpredictable. Unlike a scheduled inspection, a drone can fly over and around your house at any time. That means if you’re in the process of repairing some aspect of the home’s exterior or have the work scheduled, the photos can show an inaccurate glimpse of the state of the property. That can lead to false accusations of deferred maintenance or damage, leading to unfair rate hikes or cancelations. Lack of warning. These inspections often happen without your knowledge, so the first time you hear about them might be when you receive a notice that your rates are rising or your policy won’t be renewed. At that point, it might be much more difficult to fight the decision if the physical state of your house has changed. And it removes your chance to make adjustments in advance of the inspection if you’re doing something with the property you know could be misunderstood or misconstrued. Precautions you can take We’re living in the age of drone inspections, so it’s time to start taking some extra precautions. Your first line of defense against a shocking cancelation or rate hike due to a drone or satellite inspection is to know the basics about your homeowners insurance: Cancelation notices: Know the notice requirements for cancelations in your state. If your insurer is relying on an automated system, you might receive a cancelation notice without the proper notice, and you can fight that. Complaint process: Don’t wait to research your insurer’s process for disputing changes to your coverage until you’re fighting cancelation—you might only have a few weeks to fight back. Know how to file complaints so you don’t waste time. You should also know how to contact your state’s insurance department in case you need to file a complaint about your insurer’s handling of the situation. Review the exterior. You might not even be aware of aspects of your home’s exterior that could be flagged on drone footage or satellite images. If your roof is in good shape but has moss growing on it, for example, that could be flagged. Consider what your home looks like from above . Also consider that areas of your home you might consider private are actually exposed to drones and satellites. For example, a trampoline or treehouse in your backyard might seem harmless—and safely hidden from public view. But if a drone spots them on your property, that could be an excuse to cancel your coverage or raise your rates. What to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation One way to avoid surprise events resulting from drones and satellite photos is to stop waiting for inspections to do necessary maintenance . If you normally wait until your homeowners insurance announces an inspection to get roof repairs and other work done on the house, well, stop doing that. Regular maintenance and repair of the exterior of the home will insulate you from nasty drone-related surprises. If you receive a rate or cancelation notice from your insurer based on photos taken by drone or satellite that misrepresent the reality of the situation, demand to see the photos used to make the determination. If they’re blurry, low-res, or showing deceptive shadows or angles, take your own photos and submit them as part of the dispute process with your insurer. Chances are, your photos will be clearer and refute the claims. You can also hire a home inspector to submit a report. If the drone inspection showed signs of disrepair or roof failure, a certified inspector’s report stating the age and condition of the roof may be persuasive. 4 What do you think so far? These days, any dispute about an inspection probably starts online or via email—but it can be worth it to get a human being on the phone . Automated systems often lack flexibility, leading to nonsensical rejections of disputes or requests. If inaccurate, old, or misinterpreted drone photos are ruining your homeowners insurance, getting a person on the phone might be your best chance of flipping that script. If you know there are aspects of your house that might be flagged by a drone or satellite review of your property—a pool you didn’t inform your insurer about, or that aforementioned trampoline—there’s one final rule: Don’t try to hide it. Covering things with tarps or other camouflage won’t work, and in fact might lead to a policy cancelation all by themselves as they might be seen as red flags. If you’re concerned about something on your property in regards to your insurance coverage, it’s best to either get rid of it or see if you can add coverage for it to your existing policy. Trying to hide it from the eye in the sky will almost certainly backfire. Smarter Home & Living Newsletter Never miss a story Jordan Calhoun Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team. Smarter Home & Living Newsletter Never miss a story. Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team. Keep Scrolling for Next Article
Markdown	[Skip to Main Content](https://lifehacker.com/three-ways-to-raise-your-confidence-1792836603#main "Skip to main content") [![Lifehacker Logo](https://lifehacker.com/images/lifehacker-logo.svg)](https://lifehacker.com/) - [View our Bluesky Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://bsky.app/profile/lifehacker.com) - [View our Instagram Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://instagram.com/lifehackerdotcom) - [View on Facebook Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://facebook.com/lifehacker) - [View our Youtube Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://www.youtube.com/user/lifehacker) - [View our Twitter Page (Opens in a new tab)](https://twitter.com/lifehacker) - [Latest](https://lifehacker.com/latest) - [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech) - [Best Picks](https://lifehacker.com/best-picks) - [Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) - [Health](https://lifehacker.com/health) - [Reviews](https://lifehacker.com/reviews) - [Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home) - [Deals](https://lifehacker.com/deals) - [Comparisons](https://lifehacker.com/comparisons) - [Hacks](https://lifehacker.com/hacks) [Latest](https://lifehacker.com/latest) Tech [AI](https://lifehacker.com/tech/ai) [TVs](https://lifehacker.com/tech/tvs) [Hardware](https://lifehacker.com/tech/hardware) [Software](https://lifehacker.com/tech/software) [Mobile Apps](https://lifehacker.com/tech/mobile-apps) [Privacy](https://lifehacker.com/tech/privacy) [All Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech) Best Picks [Best VPN to Watch Porn](https://lifehacker.com/tech/how-to-watch-pornhub-even-if-its-blocked-in-your-state) [Best Paid VPN](https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-best-paid-vpns) [Best Smartwatches](https://lifehacker.com/health/best-smart-watches-for-walking) [Best Fitness Tracker](https://lifehacker.com/health/best-fitness-trackers) [Best E-Bikes](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-e-bikes-for-every-type-of-rider) [Best Digital Notebooks](https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-best-digital-notebooks-you-can-buy-in-2025) [Best Non-Kindle E-readers](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-non-kindle-ereaders) [Best Cordless Power Tools](https://lifehacker.com/home/best-power-tools) [Best Power Tools](https://lifehacker.com/home/the-best-power-tools-you-didnt-know-existed) [Best Laptops](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-laptops) [Best Laptops for College Students](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-laptops-for-college-students) [Best 65 Inch TV](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-65-inch-tvs) [Best Budget QLED](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-budget-qled-tvs) [Best Android Phones](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-android-phones) [Best Flashcard Apps](https://lifehacker.com/tech/best-flashcard-apps-for-studying) [Best Camera Apps iPhone](https://lifehacker.com/tech/the-best-camera-apps-for-your-iphone) [All Best Picks](https://lifehacker.com/best-picks) Entertainment [Wordle](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle) [Connections](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/connections) [Strands](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/strands) [Streaming](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/streaming) [Gaming](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/gaming) [All Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) Health [Fitness](https://lifehacker.com/health/fitness) [Training Diaries](https://lifehacker.com/health/training-diaries) [All Health](https://lifehacker.com/health) [Reviews](https://lifehacker.com/reviews) Home & Garden [Cleaning](https://lifehacker.com/home/cleaning) [All Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home) [Deals](https://lifehacker.com/deals) [Comparisons](https://lifehacker.com/comparisons) [Hacks](https://lifehacker.com/hacks) - Copied # Three Ways to Raise Your Confidence [Stephanie Lee](https://lifehacker.com/author/superlee7) Stephanie Lee Editorial Author Experience Areas of Expertise [Read Full Bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/superlee7) March 4, 2017 0 Comments [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) ## Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents * [Confidence seems like an elusive quality](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 "open in a new window") that some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and boost their confidence, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This TED-Ed video explains where confidence comes from and three tips to feel more confident about yourself. [Why Confidence Is So Important (and How to Improve Yours)](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 "open in a new window") [Read More](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 "open in a new window") Several factors can determine someone’s confidence, including genes, environment, and the choices that they make in life. Choices are what we have control over. In the video, you learn that you can boost confidence by: 1\. Visualizing your success. Belief is a powerful thing. If you feel doubt, try listening to music with deep bass or [doing power poses](https://lifehacker.com/adopt-a-power-pose-to-think-more-assertively-5796445 "open in a new window") to fake a little more assuredness and continue to push yourself in spite of doubt. 2\. Understanding the “growth” mindset. When you believe that your abilities and skills can grow and get better with extra, diligent practice, you have a “growth” mindset. This matters because this influences how you respond to challenges and setbacks. If you had a “fixed” mindset, you might simply give up. 3\. Accepting that you’ll make mistakes. Everyone trips and falls flat on their face. Rarely does anyone “get it right” the first time. It’s far more important that you have the will to get up and try again to keep striving for better and better results. 0 What do you think so far? Be the first to post a comment. All of these together means you grow more confident and as a person. Check out the video for more inspiration. [3 tips to boost your confidence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_NYrWqUR40 "open in a new window") \\| TED-Ed The Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better? ![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https://lifehacker.com/images/team/Jordan.png) Jordan Calhoun Editor in chief Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team. The Daily NewsletterReady to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team. Use this instead By clicking Sign Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Service](https://www.ziffdavis.com/terms-of-use "(opens in a new tab)") and [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new tab)"). ![Stephanie Lee](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/authors/01HF2FBDMRK7DDNNFNGWE42KNY/image.fill.size_150x150.v1699836009.jpg) Stephanie Lee [Read Stephanie's full bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/superlee7) More by Stephanie * [Health](https://lifehacker.com/health) [How and Why to Do Barbell Squats](https://lifehacker.com/why-squats-are-the-best-strength-building-exercise-for-1760732712) June 11, 2021 [![How and Why to Do Barbell Squats](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/defaults/fallback-thumbnail.fill.size_75x75.1.png)](https://lifehacker.com/why-squats-are-the-best-strength-building-exercise-for-1760732712) * [Fitness](https://lifehacker.com/health/fitness) [What to Eat Before and After a Strength-Training Workout](https://lifehacker.com/what-to-eat-before-and-after-a-strength-training-workou-1798556343) November 18, 2020 [![What to Eat Before and After a Strength-Training Workout](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01HF2GXB2N4QKDV0G5QME96Y3T/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1699836558.png)](https://lifehacker.com/what-to-eat-before-and-after-a-strength-training-workou-1798556343) * [![Stephanie Lee](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/authors/01HF2FBDMRK7DDNNFNGWE42KNY/image.fill.size_1280x852.v1699836009.jpg) Stephanie Lee](https://lifehacker.com/author/superlee7) Latest * [See More](https://lifehacker.com/latest) [\# Strands](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/strands) [Today's NYT Strands Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 9, 2026](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/strands-nyt-hint-today-in-the-paint-april-9-2026) April 9, 2026 [![NYT Strands art](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KNPYXK8S5C9WT4FV0R50J6JK/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775665860.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/strands-nyt-hint-today-in-the-paint-april-9-2026) * [Connections](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/connections) [Today's NYT Connections Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 9, 2026](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/nyt-connections-answer-today-april-9-2026) April 9, 2026 [![Connections art](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KNPYGHKWR2NZRJD994QQWY83/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775665432.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/nyt-connections-answer-today-april-9-2026) * [Wordle](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle) [Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Thursday, April 9, 2026](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-9-2026) April 9, 2026 [![wordle art](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KNDHYFE214K4J1C7EFNJQEMC/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775350267.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/wordle-nyt-hint-today-april-9-2026) * Keep Scrolling for Next Article [Home](https://lifehacker.com/) [Food](https://lifehacker.com/food-drink) - Copied # ‘Bread Baking for Beginners’ Will Give You All the Confidence You Need Your last loaf of deflated bread got you down? This cookbook has the tips, answers, and guidance you need. [Allie Chanthorn Reinmann](https://lifehacker.com/author/alliechanthornreinmann) Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Food Editor Experience Allie has been Lifehacker’s Food Writer since 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College in drama and studied at the Institute of Culinary Education to earn her diploma in Pastry and Baking Arts. Allie worked professionally as a private chef for over a decade, honing her craft in New York at places like Balthazar, Bien Cuit, The Chocolate Room, Billy’s Bakery, and Whole Foods. She spent evenings as a chef instructor, and also earned a master’s degree at Hunter College for teaching English. Allie’s YouTube channel, [Thainybites](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEzLrb52qVgiUJ2516uqArg "open in a new window"), features recipes and baking tricks. She lives in Brooklyn, NY. Areas of Expertise [Food](https://lifehacker.com/food-drink) [Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home) [Travel](https://lifehacker.com/travel) [Read Full Bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/alliechanthornreinmann) May 16, 2025 4 Comments [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) We may earn a commission from links on this page. ![Bread Baking for Beginners cookbook on a counter top.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1747338889.jpg) Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann ## Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents A bit about the book A great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head The bread I made this week How to buy it *** Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week.” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. Baking bread isn't for everyone, and I get it: Spending hours (or days) making one “simple” staple item that you could easily purchase at the store for a few dollars is arguably absurd. I fully accept that I may never be able to bring folks who feel this way over to the other side, and that’s fine. But what about the home cooks who are intrigued, rather than bothered, by the idea of bread baking? Despite generations-worth of recipes and tips, yeast-raised loaves are notoriously finicky, and nothing will defeat your spirit quite like tossing your third dense and doughy sourdough attempt into the compost bin. That’s why I chose to spotlight Bread Baking for Beginners this week. This cookbook creates a safe space where you can build the confidence and know-how you'll need for your illustrious future as a bread baker. ## A bit about the book As you can tell from the title, Bread Baking for Beginners has clear intentions. Author Bonnie Ohara has been the owner and baker of [Alchemy Bread](https://www.alchemybread.com/ "open in a new window") since 2014, and her experience of slingin' dough comes through on every page. She has a kind and teacherly way of instructing you on bread baking in this cookbook, and frankly, it’s a breath of fresh air in contrast to the aloof, know-it-all approach you’ll find all over the internet. This cookbook has a somewhat curriculum-style progression, but without ever feeling like a textbook. It’s actually quite approachable: Starting with terminology and equipment, and then moving from simple no-knead breads over to kneaded breads, and proceeding to enriched breads and sourdough starters, Ohara teaches you how to walk before you run. ![A ball of bread dough on a wooden counter.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ/images-1.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg) Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann ## A great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head Being a beginner at something is a vulnerable state. A messed up loaf of bread is akin to rejection, and a lot of people can’t handle that feeling. That’s why it’s important to have a good teacher. Throughout the pages of Bread Baking for Beginners, Ohara is there to cheer you on, and I fully believe that kind of supportive encouragement is what can keep a new baker coming back to the kitchen after a failed loaf or two. Ohara’s encouragement is never exaggerated or disingenuous. She has her own way of letting you know that perfection isn’t the goal. A little wiggle to your ficelle? It’s character! Your dough hasn’t risen enough? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to adjust the proofing time on the fly. Every recipe is easy to start, with a short headnote and even shorter ingredient list, and the instructions are always clear. I appreciate that each recipe includes how to shape and how to check for proofing, because that can look and feel different depending on the type of bread you’re making. And what’s a lesson without a Q\&A session? Common problems and helpful FAQs sections appear throughout. You’ll get likely answers for why your dough was too dense and why it exploded out of the bottom instead of the score mark. She'll offer suggestions on what to do if your loaf is seemingly ruined. Of course this is helpful for next time, but it also normalizes the act of messing up: It's all a part of learning. But unlike in math class, you can snack on your mistakes. 4 What do you think so far? Post a comment. ## The bread I made this week I don’t normally go for no-knead breads, but I think they are the most welcoming recipes for new bread bakers. Clearly Ohara agrees, because they’re in the first chapter. From her offerings, I made the Master Recipe for No-Knead Breads. As may be expected, it is a classic four-ingredient lean bread. You can’t get simpler than flour, water, salt, and yeast. I’m not new to bread baking (you can peep [my sourdough boule recipe here](https://lifehacker.com/food-drink/dutch-oven-sourdough-recipe)), so I was a little surprised to see all-purpose flour used. Bread flour is usually the go-to for its higher gluten content, which leads to better structure and increased elasticity. ![Bread dough in a silver bowl.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ/images-2.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg) Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I flipped to the front to check out the author’s thoughts on the ingredient choice and she makes it clear that not only has she had success with regular all-purpose flour, but that it’s more accessible for most home cooks. I respect this choice. If a person can be successful with fewer obstacles, then they can make the switch on their own if and when they choose. However, a kitchen scale is also required (all of the measurements are in grams with no volume option), so there is still some expectation you'll acquire the right tools before getting started. (Personally, I'd switch to bread flour for this type of recipe.) Her no-knead bread is as simple as promised. I weighed my ingredients and mashed them all up with a wooden spoon as thoroughly as I could without it qualifying as kneading. As long as you aren't using expired yeast, I can’t see this bread failing to come to life. Ohara is very clear about ambient temperatures and reminds you of the ideal conditions for the best rise. Even with that advice, and a decade of bread baking under my belt, I managed to overproof my no-knead dough, but I’m not mad about it. The loaf came out light and evenly aerated. It strikes me as a good sandwich bread. And it's Bread Baking 101 that it takes a few trials to learn the personality of a new bread recipe. I’ll try it again soon enough. ## How to buy it I normally grab [the hardcover](https://zdcs.link/9l3LlN?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20hardcover&short_url=9l3LlN&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20hardcover "open in a new window") for cookbooks, but I actually went with [the softcover](https://zdcs.link/aDgKDo?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20softcover&short_url=aDgKDo&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20softcover "open in a new window") this week. It’s a great price, and since it’s more of a learning cookbook than a display piece, I figure I won’t feel as bad if the pages get flour, oil, or water marks on them. If you haven’t been lately, take a walk to your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it on the shelves. [Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads \$9.99 at Amazon \$19.99 Save \$10.00 Shop Now ![Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1747338100.jpg) ![Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/product/05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY/hero-image.fill.size_autoxauto.v1747338100.jpg) Shop Now \$9.99 at Amazon \$19.99 Save \$10.00](https://cc.lifehacker.com/v1/otc/06ZVRiLmglGs4QA6plTXzTC?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBread-Baking-Beginners-Essential-No-Knead%2Fdp%2F1641521198%2Fref%3Dasc_df_1641521198&template=Opinions&module=shop-card&element=offer&item=offer-btn&position=1&element_label=Bread+Baking+for+Beginners%3A+The+Essential+Guide+to+Baking+Kneaded+Breads%2C+No-Knead+Breads%2C+and+Enriched+Breads&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review%3Fas-embeddable%3D1%26usedNewsletters%255B0%255D%3Dthe-daily%26usedUlids%255B0%255D%3D01HF2GJDE2ATB8YB0AZ0GDNFY4%26usedUlids%255B1%255D%3D01JGCCSRT2B10N4Z7VTME8HCKH%26usedUlids%255B2%255D%3D01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ%26usedUlids%255B3%255D%3D01JX0FEVHA8GPK2611S28J5RYX%26usedUlids%255B4%255D%3D01K07P7H88NWWSZKVTDDQXBAXM%26usedUlids%255B5%255D%3D01KNDHYFE214K4J1C7EFNJQEMC%26usedUlids%255B6%255D%3D01KNPYGHKWR2NZRJD994QQWY83%26usedUlids%255B7%255D%3D01KNPYXK8S5C9WT4FV0R50J6JK&product_uuid=05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY&offer_uuid=05fx15sHrVukWy4v0rM1ECF&object_type=05fx15sHrVukWy4v0rM1ECF&object_uuid=05fabdc2tZ26fO8yJc1SqFY&data-aps-asin=1641521198&data-aps-asc-tag=lifehack088-20&data-aps-asc-subtag=05fx15sHrVukWy4v0rM1ECF "(opens in a new window)") ![Allie Chanthorn Reinmann](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/authors/01HF2FBE5PRYK04SA12SWW1VDV/image.fill.size_150x150.v1727899588.png) Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Food Editor Covering kitchen appliances, cooking hacks, and more. [Read Allie's full bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/alliechanthornreinmann) More by Allie * [The Best Air Fryers of 2026](https://lifehacker.com/roundup/best-air-fryers) November 24, 2025 [![french fries cooking in an air fryer](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/roundups/01JC1074DB3XEBFVVTGQ5KF1PM/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1730931245.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/roundup/best-air-fryers) * [The Instant Vortex Is an Air Fryer With No Learning Curve](https://lifehacker.com/review/instant-vortex-air-fryer-review) November 24, 2025 [![An air fryer on a counter top.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/reviews/01JQW3TSKHBFDB2ST5J3JFAQBC/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1743689319.png)](https://lifehacker.com/review/instant-vortex-air-fryer-review) * [![Allie Chanthorn Reinmann](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/authors/01HF2FBE5PRYK04SA12SWW1VDV/image.fill.size_2048x2048.v1727899588.png) Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Food Editor](https://lifehacker.com/author/alliechanthornreinmann) Covering kitchen appliances, cooking hacks, and more. [Read Full Bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/alliechanthornreinmann) Latest * [See More](https://lifehacker.com/latest) [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech) [10 Hacks Every Apple Vision Pro User Should Know](https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-apple-vision-pro-user-should-know) April 8, 2026 [![two vision pros in two hands ](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KN60T7DTE33K2RYY2YWH6JAZ/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775252343.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/tech/10-hacks-every-apple-vision-pro-user-should-know) * [Android](https://lifehacker.com/tech/android) [Android 17 Will Finally Let You Remap Your Gaming Controllers](https://lifehacker.com/tech/android-17-will-let-you-remap-your-controllers) April 8, 2026 [![xbox controller with smartphone](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KNQ9FXSX62T71NZR9B3J7GCT/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775677533.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/tech/android-17-will-let-you-remap-your-controllers) * [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech) [This Compact Bose Portable Bluetooth Speaker Is Cheaper Than Ever Right Now](https://lifehacker.com/tech/bose-soundlink-micro-deal-april-2026) April 8, 2026 [![Bose SoundLink Micro on a colorful background.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JEP6ANYRZG01FTFJ6AS4RCV6/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1775677286.png)](https://lifehacker.com/tech/bose-soundlink-micro-deal-april-2026) *** Keep Scrolling for Next Article [Home](https://lifehacker.com/) [Home & Garden](https://lifehacker.com/home) - Copied # How Insurance Companies Use Drones to Raise Your Rates (and What to Do About It) Insurers are increasingly using satellite images, drone video, and even Google Maps to virtually inspect the exterior of your home. [Jeff Somers](https://lifehacker.com/author/thejeffsomers) Jeff Somers Freelance Writer Experience Jeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012. Jeff has published nine novels and more than 70 short stories; his story Ringing the Changes was selected for inclusion in The Best American Mystery Stories 2006. In 2018, Jeff published the book Writing Without Rules: How to Write & Sell a Novel Without Guidelines, Experts, or (Occasionally) Pants. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English and previously worked in medical publishing as a production editor. When not writing, Jeff spends his free time fixing up his old house. He has tackled a wide range of DIY projects, including remodeling a bathroom entirely on his own in two weeks, and building a roof deck that hasn't fallen down yet. You can find him on [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/jeffsomers.bsky.social "open in a new window"). Areas of Expertise [Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) [Tech](https://lifehacker.com/tech) [Read Full Bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/thejeffsomers) June 5, 2025 4 Comments [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) ![drone flying in the sky in a neighborhood](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JX0FEVHA8GPK2611S28J5RYX/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1749142839.png) Credit: akiyoko / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus ## Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of Contents Precautions you can take What to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation * If you own a home, you know that [homeowners insurance](https://lifehacker.com/money/what-homeowners-insurance-covers-how-much-you-need) usually requires inspections—at least once, when you initially take out the policy, and often periodically when the renewal comes around. You usually can’t avoid this—the insurer has a right to ensure that they’re not taking on [excessive risk](https://lifehacker.com/avoid-these-mistakes-that-can-void-your-homeowner-s-ins-1849672874). They don’t want to be on the hook for a huge repair bill because you didn’t bother maintaining your roof properly, after all. Normally, you know when those inspections are coming, so you can prepare your home. But increasingly, insurance companies are using less visible tools to check out the exterior of your home, employing drones and satellite imagery to check that your roof is in good shape, that you’re doing proper maintenance to the exterior walls and landscaping, and that you’re not using your property in a manner that conflicts with your policy agreement. And you need to worry about this because it changes the core dynamic around home inspections. Here’s what you need to know—and how to react. There are several reasons why drone and satellite-powered inspections are problematic for you as a homeowner: - Unreliable. The images secured via drone and satellite are usually pretty low-quality. A man living in Florida had his insurance canceled when a drone photographed his roof—he described the photo as looking “[like it was taken in 1936](https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/home-insurance-drone-spied-on-my-house-policy-premium-hiked/ "open in a new window").” These images are often plagued by shadows and artifacts that are misinterpreted as damage, and insurers are sometimes picking up satellite images that are years out of date and using them to justify rate increases or policy cancellations. - Unpredictable. Unlike a scheduled inspection, a drone can fly over and around your house at any time. That means if you’re in the process of repairing some aspect of the home’s exterior or have the work scheduled, the photos can show an inaccurate glimpse of the state of the property. That can lead to false accusations of deferred maintenance or damage, leading to unfair rate hikes or cancelations. - Lack of warning. These inspections often happen without your knowledge, so the first time you hear about them might be when you receive a notice that your rates are rising or your policy won’t be renewed. At that point, it might be much more difficult to fight the decision if the physical state of your house has changed. And it removes your chance to make adjustments in advance of the inspection if you’re doing something with the property you know could be misunderstood or misconstrued. ## Precautions you can take We’re living in the age of drone inspections, so it’s time to start taking some extra precautions. Your first line of defense against a shocking cancelation or rate hike due to a drone or satellite inspection is to know the basics about your homeowners insurance: - Cancelation notices: Know the [notice requirements](https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/home-insurance-cancellation-laws-by-state/ "open in a new window") for cancelations in your state. If your insurer is relying on an automated system, you might receive a cancelation notice without the proper notice, and you can fight that. - Complaint process: Don’t wait to research your insurer’s process for disputing changes to your coverage until you’re fighting cancelation—you might only have a few weeks to fight back. Know how to file complaints so you don’t waste time. You should also know how to contact your [state’s insurance department](https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments "open in a new window") in case you need to file a complaint about your insurer’s handling of the situation. - Review the exterior.** You might not even be aware of aspects of your home’s exterior that could be flagged on drone footage or satellite images. If your roof is in good shape but has moss growing on it, for example, that could be flagged. Consider what your home looks like from above. Also consider that areas of your home you might consider private are actually exposed to drones and satellites. For example, a trampoline or treehouse in your backyard might seem harmless—and safely hidden from public view. But if a drone spots them on your property, that could be an excuse to cancel your coverage or raise your rates. ## What to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation One way to avoid surprise events resulting from drones and satellite photos is to stop waiting for inspections to do [necessary maintenance](https://lifehacker.com/the-true-costs-of-deferred-home-maintenance-1849355574). If you normally wait until your homeowners insurance announces an inspection to get [roof repairs](https://lifehacker.com/home/conduct-annual-home-inspection-to-identify-problems) and other work done on the house, well, stop doing that. Regular maintenance and repair of the exterior of the home will insulate you from nasty drone-related surprises. If you receive a rate or cancelation notice from your insurer based on photos taken by drone or satellite that misrepresent the reality of the situation, demand to see the photos used to make the determination. If they’re blurry, low-res, or showing deceptive shadows or angles, take your own photos and submit them as part of the dispute process with your insurer. Chances are, your photos will be clearer and refute the claims. You can also hire a home inspector to submit a report. If the drone inspection showed signs of disrepair or roof failure, a certified inspector’s report stating the age and condition of the roof may be persuasive. 4 What do you think so far? Post a comment. These days, any dispute about an inspection probably starts online or via email—but it can be worth it to [get a human being on the phone](https://lifehacker.com/secret-ways-to-reach-an-actual-person-in-customer-servi-1848377153). Automated systems often lack flexibility, leading to nonsensical rejections of disputes or requests. If inaccurate, old, or misinterpreted drone photos are ruining your homeowners insurance, getting a person on the phone might be your best chance of flipping that script. If you know there are aspects of your house that might be flagged by a drone or satellite review of your property—a pool you didn’t inform your insurer about, or that aforementioned trampoline—there’s one final rule: Don’t try to hide it. Covering things with tarps or other camouflage won’t work, and in fact might lead to a policy cancelation all by themselves as they might be seen as red flags. If you’re concerned about something on your property in regards to your insurance coverage, it’s best to either get rid of it or see if you can add coverage for it to your existing policy. Trying to hide it from the eye in the sky will almost certainly backfire. Smarter Home & Living Newsletter Never miss a story ![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https://lifehacker.com/images/team/Jordan.png) Jordan Calhoun Editor in chief Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team. Smarter Home & Living NewsletterNever miss a story. Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team. Use this instead By clicking Sign Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our [Terms of Service](https://www.ziffdavis.com/terms-of-use "(opens in a new tab)") and [Privacy Policy](https://www.ziffdavis.com/ztg-privacy-policy "(opens in a new tab)"). ![Photo of Jeff Somers](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/authors/01HF2FBCXPYGW932B49BS1SERF/image.fill.size_150x150.v1699836614.jpg) Jeff Somers Jeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012. [Read Jeff's full bio](https://lifehacker.com/author/thejeffsomers) More by Jeff * [Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) [The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Check Out After Watching ‘The Boys’](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/the-boys-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts) March 31, 2026 [![Antony Starr as Homelander in ‘The Boys’](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KN2DRXARMGWRYJQ5QZ85PV4J/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1774976791.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/the-boys-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts) * [Entertainment](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment) [The Best Books, Movies, Video Games, and Podcasts to Check Out After Watching 'Heated Rivalry'](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/heated-rivalry-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts) March 30, 2026 [![Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie in ‘Heated Rivalry.’](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01KMZTN78KCPRM6Y867GXECV8X/hero-image.fill.size_75x75.v1774889639.jpg)](https://lifehacker.com/entertainment/heated-rivalry-streamalikes-books-movies-video-games-and-podcasts) * [![Photo of Jeff Somers](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/authors/01HF2FBCXPYGW932B49BS1SERF/image.fill.size_982x640.v1699836614.jpg) Jeff Somers Freelance Writer](https://lifehacker.com/author/thejeffsomers) Jeff Somers is a freelancer who has been writing about writing, books, personal finance, and home maintenance since 2012. 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Readable Markdown	[Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) ## Table of Contents * [Confidence seems like an elusive quality](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-build-your-confidence-and-why-it-matters-1442414831 "open in a new window") that some people just have and others don’t. The truth is, anyone can work on and boost their confidence, but it doesn’t happen overnight. This TED-Ed video explains where confidence comes from and three tips to feel more confident about yourself. Several factors can determine someone’s confidence, including genes, environment, and the choices that they make in life. Choices are what we have control over. In the video, you learn that you can boost confidence by: 1\. Visualizing your success. Belief is a powerful thing. If you feel doubt, try listening to music with deep bass or [doing power poses](https://lifehacker.com/adopt-a-power-pose-to-think-more-assertively-5796445 "open in a new window") to fake a little more assuredness and continue to push yourself in spite of doubt. 2\. Understanding the “growth” mindset. When you believe that your abilities and skills can grow and get better with extra, diligent practice, you have a “growth” mindset. This matters because this influences how you respond to challenges and setbacks. If you had a “fixed” mindset, you might simply give up. 3\. Accepting that you’ll make mistakes. Everyone trips and falls flat on their face. Rarely does anyone “get it right” the first time. It’s far more important that you have the will to get up and try again to keep striving for better and better results. What do you think so far? All of these together means you grow more confident and as a person. Check out the video for more inspiration. [3 tips to boost your confidence](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_NYrWqUR40 "open in a new window") \\| TED-Ed The Daily Newsletter Ready to do everything better? ![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https://lifehacker.com/images/team/Jordan.png) Jordan Calhoun Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team. The Daily NewsletterReady to do everything better? Get daily tips, tricks, and tech guides from our expert team. Keep Scrolling for Next Article [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) We may earn a commission from links on this page. ![Bread Baking for Beginners cookbook on a counter top.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1747338889.jpg) Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann ## Table of Contents * Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week.” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. Baking bread isn't for everyone, and I get it: Spending hours (or days) making one “simple” staple item that you could easily purchase at the store for a few dollars is arguably absurd. I fully accept that I may never be able to bring folks who feel this way over to the other side, and that’s fine. But what about the home cooks who are intrigued, rather than bothered, by the idea of bread baking? Despite generations-worth of recipes and tips, yeast-raised loaves are notoriously finicky, and nothing will defeat your spirit quite like tossing your third dense and doughy sourdough attempt into the compost bin. That’s why I chose to spotlight Bread Baking for Beginners this week. This cookbook creates a safe space where you can build the confidence and know-how you'll need for your illustrious future as a bread baker. ## A bit about the book As you can tell from the title, Bread Baking for Beginners has clear intentions. Author Bonnie Ohara has been the owner and baker of [Alchemy Bread](https://www.alchemybread.com/ "open in a new window") since 2014, and her experience of slingin' dough comes through on every page. She has a kind and teacherly way of instructing you on bread baking in this cookbook, and frankly, it’s a breath of fresh air in contrast to the aloof, know-it-all approach you’ll find all over the internet. This cookbook has a somewhat curriculum-style progression, but without ever feeling like a textbook. It’s actually quite approachable: Starting with terminology and equipment, and then moving from simple no-knead breads over to kneaded breads, and proceeding to enriched breads and sourdough starters, Ohara teaches you how to walk before you run. ![A ball of bread dough on a wooden counter.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ/images-1.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg) Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann ## A great cookbook for the wannabe bread-head Being a beginner at something is a vulnerable state. A messed up loaf of bread is akin to rejection, and a lot of people can’t handle that feeling. That’s why it’s important to have a good teacher. Throughout the pages of Bread Baking for Beginners, Ohara is there to cheer you on, and I fully believe that kind of supportive encouragement is what can keep a new baker coming back to the kitchen after a failed loaf or two. Ohara’s encouragement is never exaggerated or disingenuous. She has her own way of letting you know that perfection isn’t the goal. A little wiggle to your ficelle? It’s character! Your dough hasn’t risen enough? Don’t worry, it’s totally normal to adjust the proofing time on the fly. Every recipe is easy to start, with a short headnote and even shorter ingredient list, and the instructions are always clear. I appreciate that each recipe includes how to shape and how to check for proofing, because that can look and feel different depending on the type of bread you’re making. And what’s a lesson without a Q\&A session? Common problems and helpful FAQs sections appear throughout. You’ll get likely answers for why your dough was too dense and why it exploded out of the bottom instead of the score mark. She'll offer suggestions on what to do if your loaf is seemingly ruined. Of course this is helpful for next time, but it also normalizes the act of messing up: It's all a part of learning. But unlike in math class, you can snack on your mistakes. 4 What do you think so far? ## The bread I made this week I don’t normally go for no-knead breads, but I think they are the most welcoming recipes for new bread bakers. Clearly Ohara agrees, because they’re in the first chapter. From her offerings, I made the Master Recipe for No-Knead Breads. As may be expected, it is a classic four-ingredient lean bread. You can’t get simpler than flour, water, salt, and yeast. I’m not new to bread baking (you can peep [my sourdough boule recipe here](https://lifehacker.com/food-drink/dutch-oven-sourdough-recipe)), so I was a little surprised to see all-purpose flour used. Bread flour is usually the go-to for its higher gluten content, which leads to better structure and increased elasticity. ![Bread dough in a silver bowl.](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JVAR72WR342RZ7S9VQ05DJCZ/images-2.fill.size_2000x1124.v1747338890.jpg) Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann I flipped to the front to check out the author’s thoughts on the ingredient choice and she makes it clear that not only has she had success with regular all-purpose flour, but that it’s more accessible for most home cooks. I respect this choice. If a person can be successful with fewer obstacles, then they can make the switch on their own if and when they choose. However, a kitchen scale is also required (all of the measurements are in grams with no volume option), so there is still some expectation you'll acquire the right tools before getting started. (Personally, I'd switch to bread flour for this type of recipe.) Her no-knead bread is as simple as promised. I weighed my ingredients and mashed them all up with a wooden spoon as thoroughly as I could without it qualifying as kneading. As long as you aren't using expired yeast, I can’t see this bread failing to come to life. Ohara is very clear about ambient temperatures and reminds you of the ideal conditions for the best rise. Even with that advice, and a decade of bread baking under my belt, I managed to overproof my no-knead dough, but I’m not mad about it. The loaf came out light and evenly aerated. It strikes me as a good sandwich bread. And it's Bread Baking 101 that it takes a few trials to learn the personality of a new bread recipe. I’ll try it again soon enough. ## How to buy it I normally grab [the hardcover](https://zdcs.link/9l3LlN?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20hardcover&short_url=9l3LlN&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20hardcover "open in a new window") for cookbooks, but I actually went with [the softcover](https://zdcs.link/aDgKDo?pageview_type=Standard&template=Opinions&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=the%20softcover&short_url=aDgKDo&u=https%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Ffood-drink%2Fbread-baking-for-beginners-cookbook-review&event_label=the%20softcover "open in a new window") this week. It’s a great price, and since it’s more of a learning cookbook than a display piece, I figure I won’t feel as bad if the pages get flour, oil, or water marks on them. If you haven’t been lately, take a walk to your nearest bookstore and see if you can find it on the shelves. Keep Scrolling for Next Article [Add as a preferred source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=lifehacker.com) ![drone flying in the sky in a neighborhood](https://lifehacker.com/imagery/articles/01JX0FEVHA8GPK2611S28J5RYX/hero-image.fill.size_1248x702.v1749142839.png) Credit: akiyoko / iStock Editorial / Getty Images Plus ## Table of Contents * If you own a home, you know that [homeowners insurance](https://lifehacker.com/money/what-homeowners-insurance-covers-how-much-you-need) usually requires inspections—at least once, when you initially take out the policy, and often periodically when the renewal comes around. You usually can’t avoid this—the insurer has a right to ensure that they’re not taking on [excessive risk](https://lifehacker.com/avoid-these-mistakes-that-can-void-your-homeowner-s-ins-1849672874). They don’t want to be on the hook for a huge repair bill because you didn’t bother maintaining your roof properly, after all. Normally, you know when those inspections are coming, so you can prepare your home. But increasingly, insurance companies are using less visible tools to check out the exterior of your home, employing drones and satellite imagery to check that your roof is in good shape, that you’re doing proper maintenance to the exterior walls and landscaping, and that you’re not using your property in a manner that conflicts with your policy agreement. And you need to worry about this because it changes the core dynamic around home inspections. Here’s what you need to know—and how to react. There are several reasons why drone and satellite-powered inspections are problematic for you as a homeowner: - Unreliable. The images secured via drone and satellite are usually pretty low-quality. A man living in Florida had his insurance canceled when a drone photographed his roof—he described the photo as looking “[like it was taken in 1936](https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/home-insurance-drone-spied-on-my-house-policy-premium-hiked/ "open in a new window").” These images are often plagued by shadows and artifacts that are misinterpreted as damage, and insurers are sometimes picking up satellite images that are years out of date and using them to justify rate increases or policy cancellations. - Unpredictable. Unlike a scheduled inspection, a drone can fly over and around your house at any time. That means if you’re in the process of repairing some aspect of the home’s exterior or have the work scheduled, the photos can show an inaccurate glimpse of the state of the property. That can lead to false accusations of deferred maintenance or damage, leading to unfair rate hikes or cancelations. - Lack of warning. These inspections often happen without your knowledge, so the first time you hear about them might be when you receive a notice that your rates are rising or your policy won’t be renewed. At that point, it might be much more difficult to fight the decision if the physical state of your house has changed. And it removes your chance to make adjustments in advance of the inspection if you’re doing something with the property you know could be misunderstood or misconstrued. ## Precautions you can take We’re living in the age of drone inspections, so it’s time to start taking some extra precautions. Your first line of defense against a shocking cancelation or rate hike due to a drone or satellite inspection is to know the basics about your homeowners insurance: - Cancelation notices: Know the [notice requirements](https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/home-insurance-cancellation-laws-by-state/ "open in a new window") for cancelations in your state. If your insurer is relying on an automated system, you might receive a cancelation notice without the proper notice, and you can fight that. - Complaint process: Don’t wait to research your insurer’s process for disputing changes to your coverage until you’re fighting cancelation—you might only have a few weeks to fight back. Know how to file complaints so you don’t waste time. You should also know how to contact your [state’s insurance department](https://content.naic.org/state-insurance-departments "open in a new window") in case you need to file a complaint about your insurer’s handling of the situation. - Review the exterior.** You might not even be aware of aspects of your home’s exterior that could be flagged on drone footage or satellite images. If your roof is in good shape but has moss growing on it, for example, that could be flagged. Consider what your home looks like from above. Also consider that areas of your home you might consider private are actually exposed to drones and satellites. For example, a trampoline or treehouse in your backyard might seem harmless—and safely hidden from public view. But if a drone spots them on your property, that could be an excuse to cancel your coverage or raise your rates. ## What to do before (and after) you receive a rate increase or cancelation One way to avoid surprise events resulting from drones and satellite photos is to stop waiting for inspections to do [necessary maintenance](https://lifehacker.com/the-true-costs-of-deferred-home-maintenance-1849355574). If you normally wait until your homeowners insurance announces an inspection to get [roof repairs](https://lifehacker.com/home/conduct-annual-home-inspection-to-identify-problems) and other work done on the house, well, stop doing that. Regular maintenance and repair of the exterior of the home will insulate you from nasty drone-related surprises. If you receive a rate or cancelation notice from your insurer based on photos taken by drone or satellite that misrepresent the reality of the situation, demand to see the photos used to make the determination. If they’re blurry, low-res, or showing deceptive shadows or angles, take your own photos and submit them as part of the dispute process with your insurer. Chances are, your photos will be clearer and refute the claims. You can also hire a home inspector to submit a report. If the drone inspection showed signs of disrepair or roof failure, a certified inspector’s report stating the age and condition of the roof may be persuasive. 4 What do you think so far? These days, any dispute about an inspection probably starts online or via email—but it can be worth it to [get a human being on the phone](https://lifehacker.com/secret-ways-to-reach-an-actual-person-in-customer-servi-1848377153). Automated systems often lack flexibility, leading to nonsensical rejections of disputes or requests. If inaccurate, old, or misinterpreted drone photos are ruining your homeowners insurance, getting a person on the phone might be your best chance of flipping that script. If you know there are aspects of your house that might be flagged by a drone or satellite review of your property—a pool you didn’t inform your insurer about, or that aforementioned trampoline—there’s one final rule: Don’t try to hide it. Covering things with tarps or other camouflage won’t work, and in fact might lead to a policy cancelation all by themselves as they might be seen as red flags. If you’re concerned about something on your property in regards to your insurance coverage, it’s best to either get rid of it or see if you can add coverage for it to your existing policy. Trying to hide it from the eye in the sky will almost certainly backfire. Smarter Home & Living Newsletter Never miss a story ![Jordan Calhoun portrait](https://lifehacker.com/images/team/Jordan.png) Jordan Calhoun Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team. Smarter Home & Living NewsletterNever miss a story. Get the latest smart home news, trends, and advice from Jordan and the team. Keep Scrolling for Next Article
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