Frequently Asked Questions

Standard home insurance typically covers:

• Dwelling Coverage: The structure of your home, including walls, roof, floors, and built-in appliances
• Personal Property: Your belongings like furniture, electronics, clothing, and other personal items
• Liability Protection: Coverage if someone is injured on your property or if you accidentally damage someone else's property
• Additional Living Expenses: Temporary housing costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss

Coverage levels and specific inclusions can vary by policy, which is why we help you compare options to find the best fit for your needs.

Standard home insurance policies typically exclude:

• Floods (requires separate flood insurance)
• Earthquakes (may require additional coverage)
• Normal wear and tear or maintenance issues
• Pest damage (termites, rodents, etc.)
• Business equipment or inventory
• High-value items without additional coverage (jewelry, art, etc.)

We can help you identify gaps in coverage and find additional protection if needed.

The amount of coverage you need depends on several factors:

• Dwelling Coverage: Should equal the cost to rebuild your home (not market value)
• Personal Property: Typically 50-70% of dwelling coverage
• Liability: At least $300,000, though $1 million is recommended
• Additional Living Expenses: Usually 10-30% of dwelling coverage

Our experts will help you calculate the right coverage amounts based on your home's specifics, location, and personal situation.

Home insurance costs vary significantly based on factors like:

• Home value and replacement cost
• Location and local risks (weather, crime, etc.)
• Coverage amounts and deductible levels
• Home's age, construction, and safety features
• Your claims history and credit score

The national average is around $1,200-$1,500 annually, but your rate could be much different. That's why we compare quotes from 50+ insurers to find you the best price.

There are many ways to reduce your home insurance costs:

• Bundle policies: Combine home and auto insurance
• Increase your deductible: Higher deductibles mean lower premiums
• Install safety features: Smoke detectors, security systems, storm shutters
• Maintain good credit: Better credit often means better rates
• Stay claims-free: Avoid filing small claims when possible
• Shop around: Compare quotes from multiple insurers

We automatically apply all available discounts when providing your quotes.

You have several payment options for home insurance:

• Annual payment: Pay the full premium once per year (often includes a discount)
• Semi-annual: Pay twice per year
• Quarterly: Pay four times per year
• Monthly: Monthly payments (may include small fees)
• Escrow: Paid through your mortgage company with property taxes

Most policies require the first payment before coverage begins. We'll help you understand payment options for any policy you choose.

Filing a claim typically involves these steps:

• Contact your insurer immediately: Report the incident as soon as possible
• Document everything: Take photos, make lists of damaged items
• Prevent further damage: Make temporary repairs to prevent additional loss
• Meet with the adjuster: Cooperate with the insurance company's investigation
• Keep records: Save receipts for temporary repairs and additional expenses

We work with insurers known for fair, fast claims handling to make this process as smooth as possible.

Claim processing times vary depending on:

• Simple claims: 1-2 weeks for straightforward damage
• Complex claims: Several weeks to months for major damage
• Disputed claims: Longer if there are coverage questions or disputes
• Catastrophic events: Extended timelines during major disasters

Most insurers are required to acknowledge your claim within 24-48 hours and begin the investigation promptly. We connect you with insurers known for efficient claims processing.

Filing a claim may affect your premium, but it depends on:

• Type of claim: Weather-related claims typically have less impact
• Claim frequency: Multiple claims can lead to higher increases
• Claim amount: Larger claims may have more impact on rates
• Your history: First-time claims may be forgiven by some insurers
• Insurance company: Different insurers have different claim forgiveness policies

Sometimes it's better to pay for small repairs yourself rather than file a claim. We can help you understand your insurer's claim policies.

Our instant quote process takes less than 5 minutes! You'll need to provide:

• Your home address and basic property details
• Information about your home's construction and age
• Desired coverage amounts
• Basic personal information

You'll receive personalized rates from multiple top insurers immediately, with no obligation to purchase.

Home inspections for insurance depend on various factors:

• New purchases: Usually not required for recently inspected homes
• Older homes: May require inspection for homes over 30-40 years old
• High-value homes: Expensive homes often require detailed inspections
• Claims history: Homes with previous claims may need inspections
• Risk factors: Homes in high-risk areas may require special inspections

If an inspection is needed, the insurance company will arrange it. Most quotes can be provided without an inspection.

Yes, you can switch home insurance companies, but consider these factors:

• Timing: Best to switch at your policy renewal date
• Mortgage requirements: Notify your lender of the change
• Coverage gaps: Ensure no gaps in coverage during the transition
• Cancellation fees: Some companies charge fees for early cancellation
• Claims in progress: Complete any open claims before switching

We can help you time your switch perfectly and handle the transition process smoothly.

To get an accurate quote, have this information ready:

• Property details: Address, square footage, year built
• Construction info: Roof type, exterior materials, heating system
• Safety features: Smoke detectors, security systems, fire extinguishers
• Personal info: Your age, occupation, claims history
• Current coverage: Details of existing insurance (if any)
• Desired coverage: Coverage amounts and deductible preferences

Don't worry if you don't have all details - we can help you find missing information and provide estimates.