The bad news: Someone passed a bum personal check to you as a payment. The good news: Your homeowners insurance policy might cover you — even if you got stiffed with bogus cash.

Individual policies vary, but most often cover fraudulent payments you’ve received as well as the usual purchases and money transfers you’ve paid for on your own credit or debit card.

Plus your homeowners insurance might also protect you if, for some reason, you get sued for libel. Yes, that’s right, home insurance for libel.

For those of us who don’t own our own homes, it’s good to know that renters insurance can also come with these — and some extra benefits, too!

But again, read your policy carefully before just assuming you’ll be covered.

File this under W for “Who knew?” from Consumer Reports‘ ShopSmart magazine.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.