30 Questions to ask home insurance agent
The best questions to ask a home insurance agent fall into a few areas: what's covered and excluded, deductibles and premiums, discounts, local disaster risks, liability, rebuilding cost and inflation, and how claims affect your rate. Asking across all of them surfaces coverage gaps before you buy — not after a loss.
1. What's excluded — and do I need separate flood or earthquake cover? 2. Is my dwelling limit enough to fully rebuild, with an inflation guard? 3. What's my deductible, including any separate wind or water deductible? 4. Which discounts can I qualify for? 5. How will filing a claim affect my future premiums?
Pair this with our guide on how to choose an insurance agent to find the right person to ask.
Policy coverage and exclusions
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What does the policy cover, including sub-limits for items like jewellery or electronics? | Sub-limits can cap reimbursement on high-value items well below their worth. |
| What's excluded — and do perils like floods or earthquakes need separate policies? | Exclusions reveal the gaps you may need to fill with endorsements or standalone cover. |
| Are there policy limits for specific items such as antiques or collectibles? | Valuables often need scheduled endorsements to be fully covered. |
Claims process
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How do I file a claim, what documentation is needed, and how are disputes resolved? | Knowing the process and dispute path prepares you to act quickly after a loss. |
| How do state laws affect the claims process where I live? | State rules can change timelines and how claims are settled. |
| What's the claims history for my area? | Local claim patterns highlight the risks you should plan for. |
Deductibles and premiums
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What deductible options exist, and are there separate deductibles for wind vs water? | Separate percentage deductibles can mean a much larger out-of-pocket cost. |
| How are premiums determined, and how can I lower mine? | Understanding the drivers reveals where improvements can cut cost. |
| How does my home's location affect premiums and coverage? | Crime, weather, and distance to a fire station all move the rate. |
| Can I get a detailed breakdown of how my premium is calculated? | A breakdown shows exactly where you might save. |
Discounts and savings
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What discounts are available — security systems, claims-free, bundling — and how do I qualify? | Stacking discounts can meaningfully lower your premium. |
| Are there state-specific discounts, such as for storm-proofing in hurricane areas? | Some states reward local risk-mitigation with lower rates. |
Local risks and natural disasters
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What are the common risks and disasters in my area, and how do I protect against them? | Local risk drives which endorsements you actually need. |
| Does this policy cover disasters common here, like earthquakes or hurricanes? | Standard policies often exclude these, requiring add-ons. |
| How are floods or earthquakes handled for coverage and claims? | These usually need separate policies with their own rules. |
Liability and legal considerations
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What are the liability limits, and do they cover incidents off my property (e.g. a dog bite in a park)? | Liability follows you beyond the home; limits should match your exposure. |
| What state-specific legal protections do I have as a policyholder? | State law can add rights and security beyond the policy. |
Rebuilding cost, ALE, and inflation
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How is my home's rebuilding cost determined, and how often is it reassessed? | An accurate figure is what lets you actually rebuild after a total loss. |
| Does the policy include an inflation guard? | Rising material and labour costs can leave a fixed limit short. |
| Does it cover bringing my home up to current building codes after a loss (ordinance or law)? | Code upgrades on a rebuild can add major, unbudgeted cost. |
| Will it cover temporary living expenses (ALE) if my home is uninhabitable? | ALE funds housing and extra costs during a long displacement. |
Water damage specifics
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What exactly does water damage cover, including mold and roof leaks, and what are the limits? | Water claims are common and costly, and coverage varies widely. |
Endorsements and customization
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which optional endorsements suit my area, such as flood or earthquake? | Tailored endorsements close the gaps a standard policy leaves. |
| What high-value personal property coverage is available, and how does it affect my premium? | Scheduling valuables ensures they're covered to full value. |
| Are there other riders I should consider to fill coverage gaps? | A quick review can surface protections you didn't know you needed. |
Policy management and changes
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How do I cancel, and are there penalties or refunds mid-term? | Knowing the rules avoids surprise costs when switching insurers. |
| How often should I review my policy, and do you provide reviews or alerts? | Regular reviews keep cover aligned with life changes. |
| What happens if I renovate or improve the home? | Improvements change your home's value and your coverage needs. |
Tax considerations
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Are home insurance premiums or any home expenses ever tax-deductible (e.g. rentals or a home office)? | Premiums usually aren't deductible, but exceptions exist worth knowing. |
Credit and claims impact
| Question to ask | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| How does my credit score affect my premium, and how can I mitigate it? | In many states, credit is a significant rating factor. |
| How will filing a claim affect my future premiums? | Helps you decide when a small claim is worth filing at all. |
Heading into a dispute over repairs? See our sample letter asking for the homeowner's right to repair.
Frequently asked questions
Ask first, claim with confidence
Understanding your policy before a loss is what protects your investment. Work through these questions, identify the gaps, and revisit them whenever your home or circumstances change.
Next steps
Find the right adviser to ask, and make sure your wider cover is in order.
How to choose an insurance agent Certificate of insurance guide
ACORD cancellation
Homeowner right to repair for insurance. Questions? Answers.
What is the homeowner’s right to repair?
The homeowner's right to repair refers to the policyholder's option to choose their own contractors to perform repair work on their property following an insurance claim, rather than using contractors selected by the insurance company.
Why would I choose to exercise my right to repair instead of using the insurance company’s contractors?
Exercising your right to repair allows you to have more control over the quality of materials and workmanship, ensures that trusted and reputable contractors handle the repairs, and can often lead to a faster resolution as you are directly involved in managing the project.
What should be included in the request letter to the insurance company?
The request letter should include:
- Your personal and contact information.
- Details of the incident (e.g., date of the fire or flood).
- Your policy number.
- A formal request to exercise your right to repair.
- Information about the chosen contractors, including their credentials and estimates.
- An invitation for the claims adjuster to inspect the property.
How do I choose the right contractors for the repairs?
When selecting contractors, consider their experience with the specific type of damage (e.g., fire or flood), their reputation, licensing and insurance status, references from previous clients, and their ability to provide a detailed estimate and scope of work.
What if the insurance company denies my request to use my own contractors?
If the insurance company denies your request, you should ask for a detailed explanation. It may be helpful to review your policy to understand your rights and, if necessary, seek assistance from a public adjuster or legal counsel to advocate on your behalf.
Can the insurance company impose any conditions on my right to repair?
Yes, the insurance company may impose conditions such as requiring detailed estimates, using licensed and insured contractors, and ensuring that the repairs meet certain standards. It’s important to comply with these conditions to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
What should I do if the repairs exceed the initial estimates?
Inform your insurance company as soon as you become aware of additional costs. Provide them with updated estimates and an explanation of why the additional expenses are necessary. Most policies will have a procedure for handling cost overruns, but it’s important to get prior approval from the insurer.
Can I be reimbursed for temporary living expenses while repairs are being made?
Yes, if your home is uninhabitable due to the damage, your policy may include additional living expenses (ALE) coverage, which can reimburse you for temporary housing, food, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired. Check your policy details and discuss this with your insurance adjuster.
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