Home Insurance Renewal Checklist

Most people blindly renew their policy every year without checking anything. Then a disaster hits, and they find out they were underinsured or missing coverage altogether. Use this checklist once a year so your policy actually matches your real risks.

For deeper explanations of how insurers judge your risk, see How Insurers Evaluate Risk.

1. Update Your Dwelling Coverage

• [ ] Check if your home’s rebuild cost increased this year
• [ ] Adjust coverage if you remodeled or upgraded
• [ ] Confirm your policy uses replacement cost, not actual cash value
• [ ] Verify detached structures are listed correctly

2. Review Personal Property Coverage

• [ ] Update high-value item lists (jewelry, tools, electronics)
• [ ] Check if you need scheduled coverage for expensive items
• [ ] Confirm personal property is covered at replacement cost
• [ ] Make sure your limits match what you actually own

3. Check Liability Coverage

• [ ] Verify at least $300k–$500k in liability coverage
• [ ] Add umbrella insurance if your assets increased
• [ ] Ensure dog breeds or home-based businesses are disclosed

4. Review Deductibles

• [ ] Confirm your standard deductible is affordable in a real emergency
• [ ] Review wind/hail or hurricane deductibles if applicable
• [ ] Check if disaster deductibles have changed since last year

5. Evaluate Exclusions

• [ ] Flood damage requires a separate policy—verify coverage
• [ ] Earthquake or landslide coverage may need add-ons
• [ ] Check if sewer backup is included or needs an endorsement
• [ ] Confirm limits on mold, roof age, and long-term leaks

6. Update Discounts and Credits

• [ ] Add discounts for new security systems or cameras
• [ ] Add discounts for recent roof replacement
• [ ] Check for multi-policy or loyalty discounts
• [ ] Confirm fire sprinkler or alarm discounts are applied

7. Home Changes in the Last Year

• [ ] Renovations (kitchen, bath, flooring, additions)
• [ ] New outbuildings or sheds
• [ ] Major appliance replacements
• [ ] New pets, long-term guests, or lifestyle changes

8. Compare Quotes (Don’t Skip This)

• [ ] Get at least 2–3 renewal quotes
• [ ] Compare deductibles and coverage line by line
• [ ] Look for hidden changes in your renewal offer

9. Final Checks Before You Renew

• [ ] Confirm your mortgage company has updated proof of insurance
• [ ] Save digital and physical copies of your declarations page
• [ ] Store policy docs in your home inventory folder
• [ ] Set a calendar reminder for next year

A 10-minute review once a year prevents the worst-case scenario: finding out your coverage was wrong when you actually need it.