Information About the Process of Obtaining House Insurance

Obtaining homeowner's insurance isn’t difficult. In most cases, you can get the coverage you need from the comfort of your own home. Most insurance companies allow you to get a quote over the phone or on the Internet. You still have the option, in most cases, to head to an agent’s office to get your policy, as well.

In order to get the process of insuring your home started, you will have to get a quote on at least one policy. To do so, you fill out a quote request form. To ensure an accurate quote, you must:

• Gather your information before starting a quote. You need to know basic information about your home, such as the year it was built, how many square feet, the estimated cost to rebuild, the age of your roof, the type of frame and the type of foundation.


• Provide accurate information on the quote request form. In some cases, an insurance company will verify information provided before writing a policy. The information may also have to be verified if you have to file a claim.


• Include information about special circumstances. Your insurance company will need to know if you have any hazards like swimming pools, a deck or a trampoline. You also need to include information about pets you own and buildings on the property that aren’t attached to the house.


• Claim any potential discounts. Many insurers give discounts for smoke-free homes, alarm systems, fire extinguishers and deadbolt locks.

Once you have your quote, speak to an agent in person or over the phone so you can purchase the policy. Most companies won’t let you purchase a policy without speaking to the agent to ensure that you are adequately covered. You will then be able to pay the initial installment on the policy to get it started. In most cases, your policy will start at midnight; however, you can usually start the policy on a different date if desired.

If you purchased your policy online or over the phone, you will get a copy of your policy in the mail. Most companies have you sign paperwork that is included in the packet, but your policy start date likely won’t be affected unless you fail to return the forms in a timely manner. If you started your policy in an agent’s office, you should get your paperwork (or at least temporary paperwork) before you leave the agent’s office.