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The recurring ones: insuring to market value instead of rebuild cost, carrying minimum liability, skipping flood and earthquake without deciding on purpose, never scheduling valuable items, and filing small claims that raise renewal pricing more than the payment was worth.
What you need to know
Set-it-and-forget-it policies
A policy written five years ago rarely matches today's home, contents, or construction costs.
Chasing price alone
Cheaper often means ACV roofs, low sub-limits, and thin loss of use — differences that only surface at claim time.
Not reading the endorsement list
The endorsements, not the marketing, define what your policy actually does.
Common mistakes
- Insuring the home to market value or loan balance instead of today's rebuild cost.
- Leaving liability at the lowest available limit with no umbrella above it.
- Assuming flood and earthquake are included — both are separate in California.
- Never scheduling jewelry, art or other items that carry low special limits.
- Filing small claims that cost more in renewal pricing than they paid out.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent when your premium jumps, when you renovate or rent out the home, when you are told you are being non-renewed, or any time you cannot tell from the declarations page what your policy would actually pay.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.