Secure the home
Change exterior locks and codes, test every smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, and check that fire extinguishers are accessible.
A homebuyer insurance resource
Your Home Insurance Checklist for Buying a Home
A straightforward checklist for your insurance needs when buying a home: what to do while you are under contract, how to compare homeowners insurance quotes, and the coverage steps we handle for you before and after closing.
Start the checklistBefore closing
Under contract? Do these 5 things to secure homeowner’s insurance.
The weeks before closing move quickly, and your lender will require proof of homeowners insurance before you can close. These five steps keep your home insurance coverage on schedule.
- 01
Start the homeowners insurance conversation early
Share the property address, expected closing date, lender requirements, and any inspection details with your agent. Starting early leaves time to compare home insurance quotes from multiple carriers and solve underwriting questions before closing.
- 02
Read the inspection with insurance in mind
Roof age, electrical panels, plumbing, heating systems, and prior water damage can all affect homeowners insurance eligibility and premiums. Ask for specialist evaluations or repair receipts when the inspector flags a concern.
- 03
Confirm the right dwelling coverage amount
Dwelling coverage should reflect the estimated cost to rebuild your home—not the sale price or land value. Review square footage, finishes, additions, and special features so your home insurance policy covers the full replacement cost.
- 04
Ask about flood and water damage coverage
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding, and sewer or drain backup coverage often needs to be added as an endorsement. Ask about flood exposure, sump pumps, service line coverage, and the home’s drainage history.
- 05
Coordinate your policy with your lender and closing date
Confirm the policy effective date, named insureds, mortgagee information, deductible, and the proof of homeowners insurance your lender needs at closing. A final review helps prevent last-minute delays.
After you get the keys
Your first-week home setup
A few simple actions now can make emergencies easier to handle and future claims easier to document.
Learn the systems
Locate the main water shutoff, gas shutoff, electrical panel, sump pump, HVAC filter, and sewer cleanout before you need them.
Create a home inventory
Photograph rooms, appliances, electronics, furniture, valuables, and serial numbers. Keep receipts and a copy of the inventory somewhere secure.
Build a maintenance calendar
Schedule recurring checks for gutters, filters, exterior drainage, the roof, plumbing, heating, cooling, and other major systems.
Preventive care
Home maintenance, broken down by season
Consistent maintenance can help you spot small problems before they become expensive damage.
Monthly
- Check for leaks under sinks and around toilets, appliances, and the water heater.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries as needed.
- Inspect HVAC filters and replace them according to the system and filter guidance.
- Make sure exterior drains, window wells, and sump areas are clear.
Spring & Summer
- Clean gutters and direct downspouts away from the foundation.
- Inspect the roof, siding, caulk, foundation, and grading after winter weather.
- Service cooling equipment and check outdoor faucets and hoses for leaks.
- Trim branches away from the roof, siding, and utility lines.
Fall & Winter
- Service the heating system and safely inspect fireplaces and chimneys.
- Disconnect hoses, protect exterior faucets, and insulate vulnerable pipes.
- Clear gutters after leaves fall and check for ice-dam trouble spots.
- Keep walkways lit and clear of snow and ice.
Once A Year
- Review your insurance after renovations, major purchases, or occupancy changes.
- Update your home inventory and store a backup away from the property.
- Check the water heater, sump pump, backup power, and appliance supply lines.
- Review emergency contacts and show household members where shutoffs are located.
Homebuyer questions
Helpful answers before and after closing
Every property and policy is different. These general answers are a useful starting point for a conversation with your agent.
Begin as soon as you are under contract. Your lender will usually need proof of home insurance coverage before closing, and an early start gives your agent time to review the property and compare homeowners insurance quotes from multiple carriers.
An independent insurance broker works with multiple insurance carriers instead of just one. That means comparing home insurance quotes, coverage options, and deductibles side by side to find the best fit for your new home—at no extra cost to you.
An inspection is not an insurance approval, but it can reveal conditions that affect eligibility or pricing. Older roofs, outdated electrical systems, plumbing concerns, unrepaired damage, and vacant properties may require more review.
Not necessarily. The purchase price includes factors such as land and location. Dwelling coverage is generally based on the estimated cost to rebuild the structure with comparable materials and labor.
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood damage. Sewer or drain backup coverage is also commonly handled through an added endorsement. Review both risks with your agent rather than assuming they are included.
Contact your agent before major renovations and when you add valuable items, install a pool or trampoline, begin renting part of the home, operate a business there, or make other changes that affect how the property is used.
Keep a current photo or video inventory, receipts for major purchases, serial numbers, renovation records, contractor invoices, and copies of your policy documents. Store a backup somewhere you can access if the home is damaged.
The independent broker advantage
We handle all of this for you.
You don’t have to work through this checklist alone. As an independent insurance agency, we compare homeowners insurance options across multiple carriers—not just one—so you get the right coverage at a competitive price.
- Shop multiple carriers and compare home insurance quotes, coverage, and deductibles side by side.
- Review your inspection report and flag items that could affect insurability or premiums.
- Calculate an accurate dwelling coverage amount based on rebuilding costs, not the sale price.
- Recommend the endorsements that matter for your home, like flood, sewer backup, and service line coverage.
- Coordinate policy effective dates, mortgagee details, and proof of insurance directly with your lender before closing.
- Stay with you after closing—reviewing your policy at renewal and whenever your home or life changes.
Ready for a coverage review?
Let’s make sure the home is protected from day one.
We compare home insurance quotes from multiple carriers, handle the checklist for you, and coordinate every detail with your closing timeline.