Items to line up and verify so every quote you collect is comparable.
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Comparing homeowners quotes goes wrong when each carrier quietly quotes a different limit, deductible or endorsement set. This checklist is a workflow for making quotes comparable before you look at price. Work through each group in order and tick items as you confirm them, either by asking the agent or by reading the quote documents.
The first group covers preparation, because most quote differences begin with the data you provide. A wrong square footage or an outdated roof age can move a premium by hundreds of dollars and can cause trouble at claim time if the insurer later finds the information was inaccurate.
The second and third groups make sure the policies are truly equivalent. Matching limits and deductibles is not enough if one policy pays roofs on a depreciation schedule and another pays full replacement cost. Gaps such as water backup, ordinance or law, flood and earthquake deserve a deliberate yes or no.
The final groups address carrier quality and the purchase itself. Price is only part of the story if a claim is slow or disputed. Your progress is saved in your browser only, so revisit it each renewal.
Exclusions, Terms and Claims
A plain list of what standard homeowners policies leave out, from flood and earthquake to wear and tear, sewer backup, mold and business property, with fixes.
Exclusions, Terms and Claims
Why standard homeowners insurance excludes flood and earthquake, how NFIP and private flood policies work, waiting periods, limits and how to decide whether you need them.
Exclusions, Terms and Claims
What to do in the first 48 hours, how to document damage, work with an adjuster, understand payment timing and dispute a low offer after a homeowners loss.
Eligibility, Renewal and Requirements
What a nonrenewal or cancellation notice means, your rights to notice, how to find replacement coverage, and how state FAIR Plans and insurers of last resort fit in.
Eligibility, Renewal and Requirements
What states, mortgage lenders, condo associations and loan programs actually require for homeowners insurance, minimum coverage rules, force-placed insurance and how to check.
Eligibility, Renewal and Requirements
Who is required or advised to carry homeowners insurance, which policy fits owner-occupied homes, condos, rentals and vacant properties, and what insurers look at to accept you.
