How Long to Keep Homeowners Insurance Policy Records

If your policy is still active, keep your homeowners insurance policy documents until the policy expires. But the actual length of time you need to keep your home insurance records depends on whether your policy is active, expired or if you have a claim pending.

These documents serve as proof of coverage and are needed to resolve claims or disputes. Keeping these records organized helps you stay prepared for any situation, whether you need to show proof to your lender or resolve an issue after the policy ends. The table below provides a starting point for determining how long to keep your homeowners insurance documents available.

Keeping the right homeowners insurance documents ensures you have proof of coverage, claim history and property condition when you need it most. Retain these records for the recommended time frame to avoid gaps in documentation.

• Policy Documents: Your full insurance policy, including declarations, coverage details and exclusions.
• Renewal Notices: Annual or term renewal paperwork that confirms continued coverage.
• Endorsements and Riders: Any changes or additions to your policy that adjust coverage or limits.
• Claim Forms and Correspondence: All documents related to past or ongoing claims, including insurer communications.
• Inspection Reports: Home inspections or surveys conducted by the insurer or third parties.
• Receipts for Repairs or Upgrades: Proof of work or improvements that may impact coverage or claims.

If your homeowners insurance documents are lost or damaged, you can still recover them quickly to maintain proof of coverage. Quickly taking the right steps ensures you have the records you need for claims, lender requirements or policy reviews.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company: Call your insurer to request replacement copies of your policy and related documents. Most companies can send them by mail or email.
2. Check Your Online Account: Many insurers offer digital access to current and past policy documents through their customer portals.
3. Request Records From Your Lender: If your homeowners insurance is tied to a mortgage, your lender may have copies of your policy on file.
4. Update Your Storage Method: Once you’ve replaced your records, consider storing them digitally or in a fireproof safe to prevent future loss.

Your homeowners insurance documents show you have coverage when filing claims, resolving disputes or meeting lender requirements. Improper storage or premature disposal of these records could lead to challenges in proving coverage when it's most needed. This guide covers how long you should retain these documents, the best ways to keep them and how to dispose of them properly.

Keep your homeowners insurance policy records available until the policy expires. The appropriate duration can vary depending on your policy's status and whether you have filed a claim recently.

We answer common questions to help guide you on the best practices for maintaining your homeowners insurance policy records.

Why Trust MoneyGeek?

MoneyGeek analyzed quotes from multiple insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. By considering different locations and companies, we aim to give a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay, showing why it’s important to compare rates.

Methodology

MoneyGeek evaluated homeowners insurance carriers incorporating insights and premiums from the official databases of Quadrant Information Services.

Homeowner Profile

For our analysis, we created a sample homeowner profile with the following characteristics:

• Good credit score (769 to 792)
• Home constructed in 2000
• Wood-frame construction
• Composite shingle roof

Homeowners Insurance Coverage Details

Unless otherwise specified, we used the following coverage limits to collect quotes for our comparison:

• $250,000 in dwelling coverage
• $125,000 in personal property coverage
• $200,000 in personal liability coverage
• $1,000 deductible

We also compiled data for policies with broader coverage to determine the best companies for insuring expensive homes, upping limits to $1 million in dwelling coverage, $500,000 in personal property coverage and $1 million in liability coverage.