7 things to compare before switching home insurance

A practical checklist that goes beyond the monthly premium.

Start with coverage limits

Check dwelling coverage, personal property, liability protection, other structures, and additional living expenses. A lower premium with materially lower protection may not be a better value.

Compare deductibles side by side

Look for a standard deductible and any separate percentage-based deductibles, such as those for certain wind events. Calculate how much you would pay if you had a claim.

Check common exclusions

Floods and earthquakes are commonly excluded from standard homeowners policies. Read endorsements and exclusions to understand what requires separate coverage.

Ask about the claims experience

Examine insurer complaint information, financial-strength ratings where available, and the insurer’s process for submitting and tracking claims.

Find legitimate discounts

Ask about bundling, claim-free history, qualifying security devices, and other carrier-specific discounts. Eligibility varies.

Check your home details

Roof age, square footage, construction type, and improvements can affect quoting accuracy. Keep the information consistent across carriers.

Compare total value

Evaluate price, coverage, exclusions, service, and insurer stability together. Keep your existing policy active until replacement coverage is confirmed.