3 minute readHome
At every renewal, and immediately after any change: a renovation, a new roof, a pool, a home business, a rental arrangement, a marriage, a big purchase, or a premium jump you did not expect. Fifteen minutes once a year prevents most of the gaps we find.
What you need to know
Annual review checklist
Dwelling limit vs. rebuild cost, contents basis, liability limit, loss of use, deductibles, and endorsement list.
Life events that trigger a review
Moving, remodeling, renting, adding a driver, starting a business, or acquiring valuables.
Bring the declarations page
Everything a review needs is on the dec page and the endorsement schedule.
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.