Step 1: Review Your Coverage Limits

Your home's replacement cost changes over time due to inflation, construction cost increases, and improvements you have made. Your coverage should keep pace.

• Check that your dwelling limit is enough to rebuild at current construction costs
• Review your personal property limit to make sure it covers your belongings
• Confirm your liability limit is adequate for your assets and lifestyle
• Check your deductible amounts and whether a higher deductible makes sense
• Make sure you have inflation guard or extended replacement cost endorsements

Step 2: Check for Coverage Gaps

Standard homeowner policies have limitations and exclusions. An audit helps you identify areas where you may need additional coverage.

• Ordinance and law coverage: Pays for bringing your home up to current building codes after a loss
• Sewer and drain backup: Standard policies exclude this, but it can be added as an endorsement
• Flood insurance: Not included in any standard homeowner policy. Separate flood policy required.
• High-value items: Jewelry, art, firearms, and collectibles have low sub-limits. Schedule them separately.
• Home business coverage: If you run a business from home, standard policies offer limited coverage.

Step 3: Shop Around

Even if you are happy with your current carrier, getting quotes from other companies keeps them honest. Your renewal premium is not the only price available.

• Get quotes from at least three carriers with the same coverage limits and deductibles
• Use the quotes as leverage to negotiate with your current carrier
• Check each company's financial strength rating and customer service reviews
• Ask about all available discounts including bundling, claims-free, security, and loyalty
• Consider working with an independent agent who can compare carriers for you