Compare Home Insurance

A solid home insurance policy goes beyond covering your home’s structure. Here are key coverages you may need:

• Dwelling: A mandatory coverage based on the value of the structure of the building.
• Personal property: Also called personal belongings coverage, this is the amount needed to replace your personal property in case of a large claim.
• Other structures: This coverage includes any structures on the property not directly attached to the home, like a shed, barn, or pool.
• Personal liability: This coverage protects you if you're sued or someone is injured on your property.
• Medical payments: If someone is hurt on your property, this coverage will pay up to a specified amount for their medical bills.
• Additional living expenses: If you are displaced from your home due to a covered claim, this coverage will pay for a hotel or rental home for you to stay in until your home is repaired.
• Add-ons: These vary by company and can include sewer backup, earthquake or landslide coverage, identity theft coverage and more.

To get an accurate quote, insurers will ask about your home and personal details. Have the following ready:

• Current insurance policy (if applicable)
• Home details (square footage, number of rooms, age of roof, etc.)
• Household information (ages, occupations, etc.)
• Home appraisal or inspection report
• List of valuable items needing extra coverage (jewelry, art, firearms, etc.)
• Existing insurance policies (bundling may offer discounts)
• Mortgage company details

Being prepared speeds up the process and ensures you get the best coverage for your needs.

Want to reduce your home insurance costs? Here are some smart strategies to save money:

🏡  Take Advantage of Discounts

Many insurers offer discounts that can lower your premium. Ask your insurer about:

• Bundling Discounts: Save by combining home and auto insurance.
• Security System Discounts: Installing smoke detectors, burglar alarms, or smart home security can lead to savings.
• New Home Discounts: If your home is newly built, you may qualify for lower rates.
• Loyalty Discounts: Some insurers reward long-term customers with lower premiums.
• Claims-Free Discounts: If you haven’t filed a claim in several years, you might get a reduced rate.
• Senior or Retiree Discounts: Some companies offer lower rates for homeowners over a certain age.
• HOA or Gated Community Discounts: Living in a secure neighborhood can sometimes qualify you for savings.

💰 Other Ways to Cut Costs

• Raise Your Deductible: A higher deductible lowers your premium—but make sure you can afford it in case of a claim.
• Upgrade Your Home: Updating your roof, plumbing, or electrical system may qualify you for lower rates.
• Be Selective with Claims: Small claims can increase your rates. If the repair cost is close to your deductible, consider paying out of pocket.

By taking advantage of discounts and smart savings strategies, you can keep your home insurance affordable without sacrificing coverage.

You’ve got your questions answered and made the decision on your home insurance. Now what? It’s time to finalize the policy. Here are some essential things to check before you accept the policy:

• Effective date. This could be your closing date if you purchase a new home or the end date of your current home insurance policy. Whichever date you need, make sure it’s correct on the policy before proceeding.
• Premiums and coverage. Make sure the policy details are correct, including coverages, add-ons and exclusions. Also, check that the premium is the same as what you were quoted.
• Deductible. Another essential factor to check is that the deductible is the right amount for you. In the event of a claim, you’ll have to pay the deductible as your portion of the claim, so you don’t want any surprises then if the deductible is not correct.

If you’re paying the premium yourself, ask about payment plan options if needed. If your mortgage company is responsible, find out the steps required to ensure payment is made on your behalf by the due date.

Home insurance companies typically require an inspection after binding a policy to check for existing damage, potential hazards, and ensure accuracy in your application. Inspectors look for issues like an aging roof, unsecured pools, or outdated mechanical systems.

If discrepancies arise—such as misstating your roof’s age or forgetting to mention a security system—the insurer will update your policy accordingly. This isn’t always negative; in some cases, you might even qualify for additional discounts.

If an issue needs fixing, your insurer will set a deadline for repairs. To avoid surprises, gather accurate home details before getting quotes and ask questions during the process.

Home insurance rates and coverage options change, so shopping around at least once a year ensures you're always getting the best value. Even if you already have coverage, don't assume you’re getting the best deal—some insurers offer loyalty discounts, but others may provide better rates or coverage enhancements that make switching worthwhile.

💡 MoneyGeek makes it simple! Use our Home Insurance Calculator below to get instant quotes by entering just a few details. No need to visit multiple sites—our tool brings the best offers straight to you.

What to Look for When Comparing Policies:

• Match Coverage Levels: Ensure quotes have the same dwelling, liability, and personal property limits for a fair comparison.
• Look Beyond Price: The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider an insurer’s financial strength, customer service, and claims handling.
• Know What’s Included (or Excluded): Some companies may exclude windstorm or flood coverage, which you might need depending on your location.

By regularly comparing quotes, you can ensure your home insurance remains affordable and effective year after year.