Buying a home—whether it’s your first starter, a forever nest, or a vacation escape—is thrilling and sometimes stressful. Along with choosing price, neighborhood, layout, and that dreamy front porch view, there’s a critical but often overlooked factor: homeowners insurance.
Working with an independent insurance agency can help ensure you’re fully protected—not just meeting lender requirements but actually covering real risks. Before you say “yes” to a home, here’s a clear, step-by-step checklist to guide your decision from an insurance lens.
1. Location Matters—Big Time
While proximity to schools, work, and family is key, your home’s insurance risk is highly tied to where it sits. Be sure to consider:
- Flood risk: Standard policies usually don’t cover floods. If you’re eyeing a property near rivers, lakes, or coastlines, you may need separate flood insurance.
- Fire safety access: Homes far from fire hydrants or a fire department (especially in rural or wooded areas) typically come with higher insurance rates.
2. The House’s Age & Condition
Older homes charm us, but they often carry insurance challenges:
- Roof age – Roofs under 10 years old typically qualify for better coverage and lower premiums. A well-kept, newer roof is a big plus.
- Plumbing & electrical – Galvanized pipes and outdated wiring (like knob-and-tube or old panels) are red flags that can make insurance expensive or impossible without upgrades.
What to Do:
- Have sellers disclose roof replacements or provide documentation.
- Use a home inspection to assess wear and system integrity.
- Consider preemptive updates before moving in.
3. Past Insurance Claims History
Every home has a history of claims that can affect your coverage options and costs. Here’s why that matters:
- Multiple damage claims (like water or wind damage) can signal ongoing or hidden problems.
- A history of frequent claims may lead to higher premiums—or difficulty finding coverage at all.
Tip: Pull the home’s CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report to review claims over the past 5–7 years.
4. Security Features & Discounts
Adding security isn’t just smart, it can save you money. Many insurers offer discounts for features like:
- Monitored burglar or alarm systems
- Deadbolts or smart locks
- Smoke alarms and fire detection
- Storm shutters, impact-resistant windows, or fire sprinklers
Ask your agent which upgrades make sense and how much they could reduce your premium.
5. Landscaping & External Risks
Trees, plants, and yard features enhance curb appeal, but can create insurance vulnerabilities:
- Overhanging branches can fall during storms, threatening roofs or windows
- Root systems may damage foundations or underground lines
- Dense vegetation near the home could elevate fire risk
Action item: Have an arborist inspect large trees and trim or remove any that pose a threat.
6. Construction Materials & Disaster Resistance
The materials and building of a home significantly affect its insurability:
- Brick or masonry is generally more fire-resistant and potentially cheaper to insure
- Wood-framed homes may carry higher insurance rates due to fire vulnerability
- Manufactured/mobile homes often require specialty insurance
- In areas prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes, features like reinforced structures, storm shutters, and safe rooms can make a big difference in both safety and premiums
7. Get Insurance Quotes Early
Don’t wait until closing to check insurance rates. Here’s why early quotes are smart:
- They give you a clear picture of your total housing budget
- You may uncover coverage gaps (like flood or wind insurance needs) before committing
- You can explore savings through discounts from security systems, renovations, or bundled policies
Bottom Line
When buying a home, insurance isn’t just paperwork, it’s crucial protection for your investment and family’s future. By evaluating location, home age and condition, claims history, security features, landscaping risks, and construction type—and getting quotes early—you’ll be much better equipped to make a confident, informed decision.
Next Step:
Reach out to your independent insurance agent to:
- Explore standard homeowners coverage and any required add-ons (flood, wind, etc.)
- Review home-specific risk factors and possible discounts
- Get comparative quotes before finalizing your purchase
Protect what matters—your home, your loved ones, and your security.