Life Event
Buying a Home
A home purchase is the single largest insurance decision most households make — lender requirements, replacement cost, and umbrella exposure all shift at once.
Timing: Lock the policy 14–30 days before closing to compare and negotiate.
Coverage adjustments
Homeowners
Extended or guaranteed replacement cost — never market value
Flood
Required in FEMA zones; recommended within 1 mile of water
Auto
Re-quote with bundle — typical savings 13–22%
Umbrella
Liability exposure rises with property ownership; consider $1M+
Priorities
- Bind homeowners before closing
- Choose replacement cost vs market value
- Bundle auto + home
- Evaluate flood and earthquake riders
Checklist
- Get 3 homeowner quotes 30 days pre-close
- Match dwelling coverage to rebuild estimate (not market)
- Schedule jewelry, art, electronics over policy sub-limits
- Confirm wind/hail deductible % vs flat
Risk alerts
- Trampolines, pools, aggressive dog breeds may void coverage
- Knob-and-tube wiring often uninsurable