Questions to Ask Your Home Insurer
Home insurance policies differ in their covered events, exclusions,
limits and conditions. Use these questions to understand your protection
before a loss occurs and to prepare for conversations with your insurer.
| No. | Question | What to confirm with your insurer |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | What events are covered? | Ask what perils are insured, what is excluded and which risks require an endorsement. |
| 02 | How would a major building loss be settled? | Ask how the dwelling value was calculated, what settlement basis applies and what conditions or limits affect replacement-cost protection. |
| 03 | What deductibles apply? | Ask whether deductibles differ by coverage or event and whether they are fixed amounts or percentages. |
| 04 | What internal water losses are covered? | Ask about sudden escape of water, appliance failure, gradual leakage, seepage, maintenance and equipment repair. |
| 05 | Do I have sewer-backup coverage? | Confirm the endorsement, limit, deductible, exclusions and treatment of finished basements and contents. |
| 06 | Do I have overland-flood coverage? | Confirm eligibility, definition, limits, deductibles and treatment of groundwater, seepage, storm surge and sump failure. |
| 07 | What happens during an absence or vacancy? | Ask how the contract defines vacant, unoccupied or unattended and what notice, heat, shutoff or inspection conditions apply. |
| 08 | Is freeze-related damage covered? | Ask about heating-season conditions, water shutoff, inspections and seasonal properties. |
| 09 | What additional living expenses are available? | Confirm triggers, dollar and time limits, approved expenses, receipts and authorization. |
| 10 | Are my belongings adequately covered? | Ask about replacement cost, sublimits, scheduled property, storage locations and proof of ownership. |
| 11 | Is a home-based business covered? | Ask about equipment, inventory, visitors, liability and the need for separate business insurance. |
| 12 | Are protective measures recognized? | Ask whether installed security, fire or water measures affect underwriting or pricing. Do not assume or promise a discount. |
| 13 | What is maintenance versus insured damage? | Ask how the policy treats deterioration, wear, corrosion, seepage and known defects. |
| 14 | What should I do after a loss? | Confirm after-hours reporting, emergency mitigation authority, documentation and disposal rules. |
| 15 | When should I review the policy? | Review before renewal and after renovations, additions, occupancy changes, business use or acquisition of valuable property. |
Claims readiness
Keep essential information organized so you can respond more
confidently if damage occurs.
- Save the insurer and after-hours claim numbers.
- Keep a current home inventory, receipts, serial numbers and photographs.
- Know what emergency mitigation work may be authorized.
- Document damage when safe and retain damaged items unless they create a hazard or the insurer directs otherwise.
- Keep claim notes, names, dates, receipts and written decisions.
Understand the division of coverage
Understand the division between the condominium corporation’s policy
and the owner’s unit policy, including improvements, deductibles
and loss assessment. Confirm responsibilities against the governing
documents and applicable insurance policies.
Protect belongings and liability
A landlord’s insurance generally protects the landlord’s property
and interests; it does not normally replace tenant insurance for
a renter’s personal belongings or personal liability. Confirm the
protection available under your own policy.