ACORD 80 form. How to fill the Homeowners Application Form
The ACORD 80 is the Homeowner Application — the standardised form used to apply for homeowners insurance. It gathers details about the applicant, the property, and the coverage wanted so an insurer can underwrite the policy. The current edition is the ACORD 80 (2016/11), a six-page form. It is an application, not proof of coverage — the evidence of property insurance a lender wants is the ACORD 27.
What is the ACORD 80 form?
It is used for single-family homes, condos, co-ops, and similar residences, and applies when writing a new policy or making changes that need full re-underwriting. For the wider set of forms, see what are ACORD insurance forms.
Do you need an ACORD 80?
| Situation | Need an ACORD 80? |
|---|---|
| Buying a home | Yes |
| Applying for new homeowners coverage | Yes |
| Switching homeowners insurers | Usually |
| Providing proof to a lender | No — ACORD 27 |
| Showing active insurance | No — ACORD 27 |
What documents do you need before completing the ACORD 80?
Have these ready before you start to avoid back-and-forth and underwriting delays:
- Property address
- Mortgage information
- Prior insurance details
- Claims history
- Home square footage
- Roof age
- Renovation records
- Security system details
Why insurers ask these questions
Every field maps to how the insurer prices and accepts the risk:
- Property characteristics affect risk — age, construction, and condition change the chance of a loss.
- Claims history predicts future losses — past claims are a strong signal for underwriters.
- Occupancy affects premiums and eligibility — how the home is used changes the policy.
- Construction type affects rebuilding costs — it drives the dwelling limit needed.
How to fill out the ACORD 80, step by step
The applicant's full name, mailing address, and contact details.
The address of the property to be insured, including county and any property identifiers — checked for accuracy.
Year built, construction type, square footage, roofing, and attached structures, plus any renovations.
Dwelling, personal property, and liability amounts wanted, plus any endorsements or riders.
The deductible for each coverage — higher deductibles usually mean lower premiums.
If financed, the mortgagee's name, address, and loan number, listing the lender as mortgagee so their interest is protected.
Prior claims — the form asks about losses over the past 5 years (date, type, and amount paid). Disclose fully; gaps can lead to denial or cancellation.
Smoke detectors, burglar alarms, fire extinguishers, or sprinklers — these can earn discounts.
Owner-occupied, rented, or secondary residence, plus any business use of the premises — see the eligibility note below.
Any lienholders or parties with a financial interest in the property.
The applicant signs to certify the information is accurate; the agent may also sign.
A non-owner-occupied property (rental, secondary, or seasonal home) may not qualify for a standard homeowners policy and may need a dwelling fire policy (DP-1, DP-2, or DP-3) instead. And running a business from home can require a home business endorsement or a separate commercial policy — standard homeowners coverage may limit or exclude business activity.
Supplements that may go with the ACORD 80
The ACORD 80 is not always submitted alone. Depending on the property and carrier, you may attach:
- ACORD 829 (Forms and Endorsements Schedule) — referenced on the form itself when more space is needed.
- ACORD 101 (Additional Remarks Schedule) — for extra notes.
- ACORD 84 (Dwelling Fire Application) — for non-owner-occupied properties.
- Scheduled personal property forms — for high-value items such as jewellery or art.
- ACORD 88 / 89 — multi-line personal application sections, used when home and auto are written together.
Other coverage decisions to consider
A few choices materially affect your premium and protection: replacement cost vs actual cash value (rebuilding with similar materials versus value minus depreciation); flood and earthquake, which standard policies exclude and may need separate coverage in high-risk areas; scheduled personal property for high-value jewellery, art, or collectibles; available discounts for bundling, security systems, or upgrades; and endorsements such as sewer backup or identity-theft protection.
Market value and rebuild cost can differ significantly — market value includes land and location, while rebuild cost is what it takes to reconstruct the home. Setting your dwelling limit to market value can leave you under- or over-insured; base it on rebuild cost.
Mold and roof-leak coverage on the ACORD 80
Standard dwelling coverage may pay for water damage — and resulting mold — when it stems from a covered peril such as a storm, but generally not when it results from wear and tear or poor maintenance. Mold is often excluded unless it follows a covered peril, so you may need a mold endorsement; for water from backed-up drains or sewers, a water backup endorsement is usually required. Note these requests in the coverage section and discuss them with your agent. For a related property-coverage example, see does renters insurance cover mold.
Example coverage selections
| Coverage | Example selection | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling | $300,000 | Reflect current rebuild costs, not market value. |
| Personal property | $150,000 (≈50% of dwelling) | Do a home inventory to size it correctly. |
| Liability | $500,000 | Raise it if you have a pool, trampoline, or entertain often. |
| Endorsement | Water backup | Covers damage from backed-up sewers or drains. |
Example: a first-time homebuyer
A first-time buyer's mortgage lender requires homeowners insurance before closing. The buyer completes the ACORD 80, the agent submits the application, and the insurer approves the policy. An ACORD 27 is then issued as evidence of property insurance for the closing.
What the ACORD 80 does not do
- Does not provide insurance — it requests coverage; it does not grant it.
- Does not guarantee approval — the insurer still underwrites the risk.
- Does not prove coverage — proof comes from a policy or evidence form.
- Does not replace your policy — the policy controls what is covered.
- Does not satisfy a lender's proof-of-insurance requirement — use the ACORD 27 for that.
Common ACORD 80 mistakes
- Underestimating dwelling value.
- Forgetting prior claims.
- Incorrect occupancy information.
- Missing mortgagee details.
- Not disclosing business use.
- Choosing limits based on market value instead of rebuild cost.
Download the ACORD 80 form
You can download a sample ACORD 80 (Homeowner Application) PDF to see the layout — confirm you are using the current 2016/11 edition before submitting. Your agent submits the live application to the insurer.
Frequently asked questions
A complete ACORD 80 means the right home coverage
Fill in every section carefully — property details, loss history, occupancy, and the coverage choices above — so your homeowners policy fits your home and your risk.
Need a different ACORD form?
See the full overview of ACORD forms, or the evidence of property insurance form your lender asks for at closing.
All ACORD forms ACORD 27 guide 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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