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Having a copy of your car insurance declaration page is important because it offers an overview of your car insurance policy. Provided by your insurance company, your auto insurance declaration page can help you understand how you are (and aren’t) covered, among other crucial information — which is why it matters to know how you read yours.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to read a car insurance declaration page and also explain how to get an insurance declaration page.

What Is an Insurance Declaration Page?

You can think of your automobile insurance declaration page as a summary of your overall policy, containing key information about your coverage, including which vehicles are covered and how to contact your car insurance agent. (You may hear this summary referred to as a “dec page” for short.)

The information detailed in your dec page is important for each insured driver to have on hand. If you’re involved in an accident or otherwise need to file a claim or contact your agent, this page can guide you through who to contact and what coverages you have. It can also help if you decide to compare policies to see if you’ve got the best deal for the premiums you’re paying.

Sample Car Insurance Declaration Page

Elements of your auto insurance declaration page will typically include the following:

•   Contact information

•   Loss payee (lender/lessor)

•   Policy number and coverage dates

•   Premium amounts

•   Insured drivers

•   Vehicle information

•   Coverages

•   Limits

•   Discounts

•   Deductibles

Here’s more about each.

Contact Information

This includes contact information for your insurance agent as well as your own name, address, and phone number.

Loss Payee

This will list any other party with an interest in the vehicle, typically the lender if you’ve financed or the lessor if you’ve leased the vehicle.

Policy Number and Coverage Dates

Just like with your mortgage, credit card account, car loan, and so forth, your auto insurance policy comes with a unique account number so that coverage specifics can be accessed when needed. The insurance policy will also have a beginning and end date, perhaps for a six-month period that can then be automatically renewed. Those dates will appear on the declaration page, allowing you to ensure that you have the current version on hand.

Premium Amounts

This page will also list your current premium amount so you know how much to pay (or how much will be automatically deducted from your account). If the declaration page is for a six-month term, it may show an amount of $660 — and, if the agent accepts quarterly payments, then that would be half of that amount: $660 for six months divided by two, which amounts to $330 for three months. If payments are broken down monthly, that would be $660 divided by six, which comes out to a monthly payment of $110.

Insured Drivers

If only one person is on the policy, then this section is pretty simple: their name will be listed as the insured driver. If multiple people are covered on the policy, then all of the household drivers would be listed by name. A person must be added to and listed on the policy before they can be covered by the insurance. If they’re removed from the policy, an updated auto insurance declaration page should be issued without their name.

Vehicle Information

If only one vehicle is insured under this policy then, again, this section is pretty straightforward. It will include the year, make, model, and vehicle identification number (VIN) for the covered vehicle. If multiple household vehicles are covered, information will be listed about each one.

Recommended: How Does Car Insurance Work?

Coverages

The automobile insurance declaration page will list the types of coverage included on the auto policy as well as the dollar amounts associated with them. Categories can include:

•   Bodily injury: This covers costs if you cause injuries to other people through an auto accident.

•   Property damage: This covers damage to another person’s car or property (such as a fence or building) if you’re at fault in an auto accident. It can also cover costs for the removal of trees, signs, and other debris as needed after an accident.

•   Medical coverage: This covers medical payments and lost wages if you or a passenger gets injured in the accident. It can also cover funeral costs.

•   Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury: If the other person in the accident isn’t insured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages incurred, this will kick in to help pay for repairs and other costs.

Limits

For each type of coverage listed, there will be limits — sometimes per person and other times per incident. Nearly every state requires liability insurance, although laws vary regarding the amounts needed. (New Hampshire drivers aren’t required to have car insurance but do need proof of financial responsibility.) Some states will require bodily injury and property damage liability, while others may also require uninsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection.

Note that these state requirements list the minimum required, not necessarily how much auto insurance you may really need in case of an accident. If you have a loan on the car, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverage, even though your state laws don’t require them.

Recommended: 5 Steps to Switching Your Car Insurance

Discounts

You may receive discounts on your policy, perhaps because of vehicle features (anti-lock brakes or stability control, for example) or because of your driving history. These should be listed on your declaration page along with the vehicles they apply to. Your insurance agent may provide multiple car discounts and/or discounts if you also have a homeowners policy with them.

Deductibles

Deductible specifics should be listed on the auto insurance declaration page as well. The deductible (an important auto insurance term to know) is the amount you’re required to pay out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in to pay the rest, subject to policy limits.

Coverage types, such as collision, personal injury, and uninsured motorist, can each have their own deductibles — perhaps $500 or $1,000 each. In general, a low deductible policy comes with higher premiums, while a high deductible generally has lower premiums.

How to Get Your Insurance Declaration Page

When you buy a new car insurance policy or change a current one, you should receive a copy of your new or updated automobile declaration insurance page. If you can’t find your copy, you can often download one from your insurance agent’s website or through their mobile app.

If the website doesn’t have that feature or you don’t want to go that route, there are other options for how to get an insurance declaration page. In that case, you could contact your agent for another copy, which could be a hard copy or a digital one.

The Takeaway

The auto insurance declaration page serves as a summary of your policy, including coverages, premiums, covered vehicles, deductibles, and more. Knowing how to read yours will allow you to know how much you’re protected in case of an accident and how to contact your insurer. It makes sense to have a current copy of your declaration insurance page in your records where it’s easily accessible. Additionally, your auto insurance declaration can be helpful if you want to shop around for auto insurance rates.

When you’re ready to shop for auto insurance, SoFi can help. Our online auto insurance comparison tool lets you see quotes from a network of top insurance providers within minutes, saving you time and hassle.

Photo credit: iStock/Drazen_

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered trademark of Experian.
SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC. (“”SoFi””) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through the SoFi-Experian partnership.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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What can you do if you’re buying or living in a home that’s considered “high risk” because of its location or other factors, and you can’t find the insurance protection you need? In some states, including Florida and California, where insurers are limiting their coverage or exiting the market altogether, it can be challenging to find a renters or homeowners policy. You may even find the insurer you’ve had for years is no longer willing to provide coverage.

There’s no need to panic just yet, or give up on your efforts to get the policy you want or need. There may be options you haven’t thought about that are just a few computer taps away.

What Makes a Home, Area, or State High Risk?

There are a few different factors that can make a home, neighborhood, region, or state high risk when it comes to getting insurance coverage. Some of these factors may affect homeowners only, while others can affect both homeowners and renters.

Sometimes a home is determined to be high risk because it’s fallen into a state of disrepair. The insurance company may say, for example, that the home needs a new roof, the foundation is unsafe, or the plumbing or electricity needs updating. If that’s the case, following through on those repairs may make it easier to keep or qualify for a traditional homeowners policy.

It’s also possible that the way the home is constructed — with certain types of building materials or a roof style that doesn’t meet the insurer’s underwriting standards — is making it harder to get insurance. Or it could be that the home is in an area that makes it more vulnerable to certain crimes, such as burglary or vandalism. Sometimes, a person’s own history (a criminal background, What Can You Do If You’re Denied Coverage?

Though homeowners and renters insurance policies aren’t mandated by any state or federal laws, mortgage lenders and landlords can and often do require a certain amount of coverage. Even if yours doesn’t, you may find it makes sense to get a policy to protect yourself, your home, and/or your belongings.

It can be frustrating and scary to find out you’ve been denied the insurance you want or need, or that the policy you have is being canceled. Here are a few things you can do to find protection:

Shop Around

There are many insurance companies out there, so don’t feel as though you have to give up just because the carrier you wanted won’t cover you. You may be able to find a similar or better policy online, or you could search the old-fashioned way and call around. While you’re looking, try not to limit your options based on brand names or because you have car insurance or another type of policy through a certain company.

If you’re buying homeowners insurance: Before you start shopping, consider how much and what types of coverage you need and what your lender requires. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy additional protection for flooding, earthquakes, sinkholes, etc. This coverage is usually not a part of a basic homeowners policy.

If you’re buying a home, you may want to ask the current homeowners or your new neighbors what coverage they think is necessary.

If you’re buying renters insurance: Keep in mind that even though your landlord might have insurance that covers the building you’re living in, that policy won’t cover your possessions should they be damaged or stolen. And the landlord’s policy probably won’t pay for additional living expenses if you need to move out while your unit undergoes repairs.

As you shop renters policies, it’s important to compare apples to apples, and to be sure you’re getting the renters insurance coverage you might need in a worst-case scenario. Remember: Most renters policies won’t cover damage from flooding. To be sure you’re protected, you’ll likely need to purchase a separate renters policy from the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by FEMA.

Use a Broker or Independent Insurance Agent

If you don’t have the time to shop for a policy yourself, you may want to hire an insurance broker or independent insurance agent to get quotes from multiple insurers for you. Before you get started in this process, it’s a good idea to be clear on how your insurance professional will be paid (fee, commission, or both), and how broad or limited the policy search will be.

Contact Your State Department of Insurance

The consumer division of your state insurance department can provide you with a list of insurers that are writing policies in your area. And they may be able to help you work with your current provider regarding a nonrenewal — that is, if the company isn’t pulling out of the state altogether.

Ask Your Current Insurance Professional for Advice

If your current insurance company is leaving your region or state and you need to change your homeowners insurance, your representative — who is familiar with your policy needs — may have suggestions for which companies you could try next.

Consider a FAIR Plan

Many states have Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans available for homeowners who can’t get a traditional homeowners policy. FAIR insurance coverage is different for each state, but generally, these are bare-bones policies provided by a pool of insurance companies. They often do not include personal liability coverage, and you may have to make upgrades to your property to get or keep your policy.

A FAIR plan may be your last resort if you can’t get a policy anywhere else. Still, it’s important to be clear on what you are getting — and what your premium will be — before moving forward.

Look into Beach and Windstorm Plans

If you live in a coastal state that is prone to wind and hail damage, you may want to look into getting a beach and windstorm insurance plan. These plans are similar to FAIR plans and can provide coverage to homeowners in areas that aren’t insured through the voluntary insurance market.

Recommended: Renters and Homeowners Insurance Definitions

Can You Go Without Insurance If You Can’t Get Coverage?

Although you aren’t legally required to purchase a renters or homeowners policy, you may not have a choice. If you’re renting, your landlord might say it’s a must. And if you’re buying or still owe money on your home, your mortgage company will let you know how much homeowners insurance you need.

If you can’t get a policy, or if the coverage is deemed insufficient, your mortgage company might buy “force-placed” insurance for your home. With force-placed insurance, the lender typically pays upfront for the insurance, then adds the premium cost to your monthly mortgage payment. You won’t have control over the type of coverage you get, or the policy limits, and it might be more expensive than the policy you would purchase for yourself.

You also may be required to have homeowners insurance if you live in a condominium or co-op.

Recommended: Is Homeowners Insurance Required to Buy a Home?

What Are the Downsides of Going Without Coverage?

Even if you don’t have to get insurance, you may want to seriously consider the downsides of going without coverage. You might discover that the security a policy can offer is worth the extra effort or cost involved with finding coverage.

If you’re a homeowner: It’s quite likely your home is your biggest asset, and insurance can help you protect that investment and your overall financial wellness. Your homeowners policy doesn’t just cover the structure you live in; it also insures your belongings and provides liability protection in case of an injury or property damage.

If you’re a renter: Your personal property (furniture, electronics, clothes, jewelry, etc.) may be worth more than you think, and renters insurance can help you pay to replace belongings that are damaged or stolen. Renters insurance also typically includes coverage for property damage, or if a guest is accidentally hurt, or if your pet bites someone.

Recommended: What Does Renters Insurance Cover?

Worried about how much renters insurance costs and if it’s worth it? Usually, renters insurance is much less expensive than homeowners insurance, so you may want to at least check the price before passing on coverage.

The Takeaway

It can be frustrating and stressful to learn that you can’t get the insurance coverage you need for your home and belongings, or that you’re losing the coverage you thought you could count on. But just because one company won’t offer you a policy doesn’t mean you don’t have other options. You may have to spend a little extra time searching for the right policy, though, or get a little help finding the appropriate amount of coverage at an affordable price.

When the unexpected happens, it’s good to know you have a plan to protect your loved ones and your finances. SoFi has teamed up with some of the best insurance companies in the industry to provide members with fast, easy, and reliable insurance.

Explore renters insurance options offered through SoFi via Experian.

FAQ

Is homeowners insurance required to buy a home?

While homeowners insurance isn’t required by state or federal laws, if you’re financing the home, your mortgage lender will likely require that you have a certain amount of coverage.

Is renters insurance required?

Renters insurance isn’t required by law, but your landlord or property management company may require that you purchase a renters policy.

How much renters insurance do I need?

To determine how much renters insurance you should purchase, you may want to do a quick inventory of what you own, including clothing, jewelry, electronics, artwork, furniture, etc. Then, using receipts if you have them, estimate how much it’s all worth.

How much homeowners insurance do I need?

If you’re financing your home, your mortgage lender will likely require a certain amount of insurance coverage. But you may want to purchase additional coverage based on your assets and the types of protection you want. Your insurance company can help you determine the appropriate amount of coverage.

Photo credit: iStock/svetikd

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered trademark of Experian.
SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC. (“”SoFi””) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through the SoFi-Experian partnership.

Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Once you’ve decided it’s time to buy life insurance, the big question is whether a term or whole life insurance policy is right for you.

Both achieve the same goal: protecting your loved ones from financial hardship when you aren’t there to provide for them. But they go about doing this in very different ways. To decide which one to buy, a little knowledge is an important thing.

Let’s take a look at what each policy offers and highlight some considerations. By the end of this article, you should have a good idea of whether buying term or whole life insurance is right for you.

What Is Term Life Insurance?

Just as the name implies, term life insurance provides coverage for a set term or number of years. What that means is, if you die during the term of the policy, your beneficiaries receive a lump sum payment.

Here’s an example of how that works. Let’s say you take out $500,000 of term life insurance for 20 years. If you, the policy holder, were to die at year 19, your beneficiaries would receive the half-million dollars. But if the policy ends after 20 years, and you were to die a few months later, there’s no benefit at all.

What’s good about term life insurance is that it can offer coverage when you may need it most. With terms typically running between 10 and 30 years (though other variations are available), this kind of policy can give you the reassurance that, even in the worst-case scenario of your death, expenses like tuition, housing, and daily living costs can still be covered.

Many people purchase a term that will see them through the end of a mortgage or a child’s graduation from college. Some insurance providers offer the option of extending a policy as it comes to its conclusion. This is known as renewable term life insurance; check prices in advance as these extensions can be for a brief time period and tend to be costly.

It’s worth noting that if you buy, say, a 30-year term life insurance policy and are alive at the end of that time period, you don’t get a refund of the funds you’ve doled out. You have paid for protection but you didn’t use it. This may strike some people as “throwing away” their money.

For people who have that sentiment, there are options like “return-of-premium” policies that could help you recoup costs. This kind of life insurance is usually considerably more affordable than whole life, which we’ll explore in a minute. Because you are only buying protection for a specific time period, the premiums (the monthly fee you pay for coverage) are typically lower and are fixed.

What Is Whole Life Insurance?

Whole life insurance is a popular type of permanent life insurance that offers coverage for a lifetime.

Generally speaking, once you get a policy, it stays in effect for the rest of your life, unless you cancel it. When the policy owner passes away, their beneficiaries receive a lump sum payment. This can offer peace of mind and may feel like a necessity if, say, you have a loved one who has a chronic health condition and/or cannot live independently.

Whole life insurance is a more complex financial product than term life insurance. It’s essentially a bundled insurance policy plus a savings account. What’s known as “cash value” is built into the policy so you are building equity. Part of your premium is usually diverted into a separate account; that account can earn interest and may be tapped, as a loan.

This is not the only kind of life insurance policy with a cash account attached to it. For those who want their cash account to grow in different ways, there are also these kinds of permanent life insurance:

•   Universal life insurance, which earns interest on the cash value account and may allow for flexible monthly payments.

•   Variable life insurance, which allows you to invest the cash part of your policy in stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While these can grow your money faster, they also bring some degree of financial risk if the market drops.

•   Variable universal life, which gives you the ability to invest your savings account in stocks, bonds, and the like, as well as flexible premiums depending on how your cash value performs.

•   Indexed universal life, in which your cash account is linked to a stock market index. It earns interest based on this index, but often there is a minimum rate of return (as well as a limit on how high the interest can go), which makes it less risky than a variable universal life plan.

In general, whole life and the other kinds of permanent life insurance usually have higher initial premiums than term life insurance (its cost may even be a multiple of what you would pay for term insurance). This is due to its lifelong “in effect” status and the way it can help you grow the money in your cash value account.

Recommended: 8 Popular Types of Life Insurance for Any Age

How Do Term and Whole Life Insurance Differ?

Some people hear the differences between term and whole life insurance policies and know in an instant which one is right for them. Other people have to mull the options for a while and maybe want to make a “pros vs. cons” list. If you fall into the latter camp, don’t worry. Let us help by summarizing some of the key differences right here.

Difference 1: Policy Features

Difference 2: Costs

The cost of a policy is undoubtedly a huge factor in your decision. So let’s cut to the chase: Whole life insurance costs up to 15 times more than term life for the same amount of coverage.

That’s because whole life insurance provides lifelong coverage and also includes that “cash value” savings component. It’s a more complex financial product, while term insurance is just straightforward coverage for a certain number of years.

Also know that while the cash value portion of a whole life policy can be tax-deferred over the life of the policy, when you redeem the cash value, there are usually tax implications due to the interest accrued.

Recommended: How to Buy Life Insurance in 9 Steps

How to Choose Between Term and Whole Life Insurance

When deciding which kind of policy to buy, there is no hard and fast rule. All that matters is what’s right for you. Consider these questions to help figure out your best option.

1. How long do you need coverage to last?

Do you need coverage to last your entire life, perhaps to fuel a trust for your children or provide a death benefit for a family member with a disability? Then you may be happiest with whole life insurance, meaning a death benefit will be paid, even if you live well past age 100.

If, however, you only need to know that a certain time frame is covered (say, the length of your mortgage or until your youngest graduates from college), then term life may work best for you. A policy can usually be purchased in various increments between 10 and 30 years.

2. Do you want just coverage or savings too?

Some people are just shopping for a policy that offers protection and peace of mind. They want to know that, should they die within a certain time frame, their loved ones would receive money to help cover expenses. For this insurance shopper, a term policy may make sense. It will pay a lump sum benefit if the policy holder dies within the term.

But if you are looking for a product that doesn’t just offer coverage but also helps you save, then a whole life plan may be a good move. These policies also have a cash value account that can grow over the years.

3. How much can you spend on life insurance?

There’s a pretty big disparity in the price of the two main kinds of life insurance. Whole life policies, which deliver ongoing, permanent coverage, typically cost much more than term insurance, which is only active for a limited number of years. Estimates say that a person will have to spend anywhere up to 15 times more for whole life versus term insurance. Also, the interest on the cash value of a whole life policy is usually subject
to taxes as well.

4. Does my age determine whether I should get term or whole life insurance?

In general, your age doesn’t determine whether you should buy term or whole life insurance. For instance, people often purchase a policy when they marry or are expecting their first child. These milestone events mean you have people depending on you, and you may well think now is the time to get life insurance coverage. However, deciding on term insurance that runs until your child’s 21st birthday or whole life insurance which delivers permanent coverage is a matter of personal preference and finances.

There are some cases in which term insurance is likely to be the better bet. For instance, if you and your partner took out a mortgage together, you might want term insurance that covers the length of your home loan. That way, if anything were to happen to you, your spouse doesn’t wind up being solely liable for all that debt.

Another scenario is buying life insurance when you are quite old and want to get coverage. In this case, term life insurance is likely to again be a good bet. You could buy a term of 10 or 20 years if you are in good health.

For those with medical issues, what’s called simplified issue or guaranteed issue term insurance may be best. These are typically small policies that cover end-of-life expenses, and they require no medical exams.

5. What if I Already Have Life Insurance and Want to Change My Policy?

It’s human to change your mind. No matter how much research you do, time and circumstances can make you rethink your purchase. Some term life insurance policies can be turned into whole life or other types of permanent insurance. This may have to occur within a certain time window, and it’s likely to trigger pricier premiums. Talk to your insurance company about your options. Your term may also be renewable or extendable.

With whole life insurance, changes to the policy may result in surrender charges, since the policy is a permanent one. Check with the policy provider to know what to expect.

The Takeaway

While no one wants to think about their death, the silver lining to life insurance shopping is you know you’ll secure a way to provide for your loved ones when you’re no longer here.

To recap the two different approaches: Term life insurance has a time limit on coverage, and tends to be considerably more affordable. Whole life is a form of permanent life insurance that offers lifelong protection and an additional cash account, but tends to cost much more than term. As you weigh your needs and options, don’t be swayed by what others buy. This is an important financial decision that should be tailored to your specific situation, finances, and aspirations.

SoFi has partnered with Ladder to offer competitive term life insurance policies that are quick to set up and easy to understand. Apply in just minutes and get an instant decision. As your circumstances change, you can update or cancel your policy with no fees and no hassles.

Coverage and pricing is subject to eligibility and underwriting criteria.
Ladder Insurance Services, LLC (CA license # OK22568; AR license # 3000140372) distributes term life insurance products issued by multiple insurers- for further details see ladderlife.com. All insurance products are governed by the terms set forth in the applicable insurance policy. Each insurer has financial responsibility for its own products.
Ladder, SoFi and SoFi Agency are separate, independent entities and are not responsible for the financial condition, business, or legal obligations of the other, SoFi Technologies, Inc. (SoFi) and SoFi Insurance Agency, LLC (SoFi Agency) do not issue, underwrite insurance or pay claims under LadderlifeTM policies. SoFi is compensated by Ladder for each issued term life policy.
Ladder offers coverage to people who are between the ages of 20 and 60 as of their nearest birthday. Your current age plus the term length cannot exceed 70 years.
All services from Ladder Insurance Services, LLC are their own. Once you reach Ladder, SoFi is not involved and has no control over the products or services involved. The Ladder service is limited to documents and does not provide legal advice. Individual circumstances are unique and using documents provided is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice.

Tax Information: This article provides general background information only and is not intended to serve as legal or tax advice or as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult your own attorney and/or tax advisor if you have a question requiring legal or tax advice.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

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The healthier you are, the less you will pay for life insurance, but age, lifestyle choices and how much insurance you need are also important factors.

Whether it’s a cozy micro-cabin or a rambling Colonial, your home is probably the single largest purchase you’ll ever make and your biggest physical asset. An investment like that is worth protecting.

That’s where homeowners insurance comes in. It gives you peace of mind that if you were to have major damage or get robbed, there would be funds to repair and restore your home. But what happens when you think it’s time to change your policy?

Here’s what you need to know about switching your homeowners insurance policy, as well as a step-by-step guide to getting it done as quickly as possible and with minimum hassle.

Can I Switch Homeowners Insurance at Any Time?

Good news: yes! No matter the reason, you’re allowed to change your homeowner’s insurance at any time. This is good, since shopping around for the right policy can save you a lot of money in some instances.

If you’re shopping for a new home as we speak, it can be a good idea to start looking at house insurance before you sign the purchase agreement. And if you’re an existing homeowner looking to save money or simply find a new policy, you absolutely can do so whenever you like. But it’s important to follow the steps in order to ensure you don’t accidentally have a lapse in coverage.

When Should I Change My Homeowners Insurance?

There are certain events that should also trigger a review of your insurance, including paying off your mortgage (your rates may well go down) and adding a pool (your rates may go up). Also, you may find you are offered deals if you bundle your homeowners insurance with, say, your car insurance; that might be a savings you want to consider.

You never know what options might be available out there to help you save some money. And since homeowners insurance can easily cost more than $2,100 per year, it can be well worth shopping around.

Recommended: Is Homeowners Insurance Required to Buy a Home?

How Often Should I Change My Homeowners Insurance?

You’re really the only person who can answer this one, but in general, it’s a good idea to at least review your coverage annually.

However, it does take time and effort. Sometimes, a cheaper policy means less coverage, so it’s not always a good deal. Be sure you’re able to thoroughly review all the fine print and make sure you know what you’re getting.

Ready to change your homeowners insurance? Follow these steps in order to ensure you don’t accidentally sustain a loss in coverage.

Step One: Check the Terms and Conditions of Your Existing Policy

The first step toward changing your homeowners insurance policy is ensuring that you actually want to change it in the first place.

Take a look at your existing policy and see what your coverage is like, and be sure to look closely to see if there are any specific terms about early termination. While you always have the right to change your homeowners insurance policy, there could be a fee involved. In many instances, you may have to wait a bit to receive a prorated refund for unused coverage.

Step Two: Think about Your Coverage Needs

Once you have a handle on what your current insurance covers, you can start shopping for new insurance in an informed way. You probably don’t want to “save money” by accidentally purchasing a less comprehensive plan. But do think about how your coverage needs may have shifted since you last purchased homeowners insurance.

For example, the value of your home may have changed (lucky you if your once “up and coming” neighborhood is now officially a hot market). Or perhaps you’ve added on additional structures or outbuildings and need to bump up your policy to cover those.

Recommended: What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?

Step Three: Research Different Insurance Companies

Now comes the labor-intensive part: looking around at other available insurance policies to see what’s on offer. Keep your current premiums and deductibles in mind as you shop around. Saving money is likely one of the main objectives of this exercise, though sometimes, higher costs are worth it for better coverage.

Make sure you are carefully comparing coverage limits, deductibles, and premiums to get the best policy for your needs. Also consider whether the policy is providing actual cash value or replacement value. You may want to opt for a slightly pricier “replacement value” so you have funds to go out and buy new versions of any lost or damaged items, versus getting a lower, depreciated amount.

In addition, it’s a good idea to stick with insurers with a good reputation. All the coverage in the world doesn’t matter if it’s only on paper; you need to be able to get through to customer service and file a claim when and if the time comes.

Fortunately, many online reviews are available that make this vetting process a lot easier. A few reputable sources for ratings: The Better Business Bureau and J.D. Power’s Customer Satisfaction Survey, and Property Claims Satisfaction Study. You can also do some of the footwork yourself by calling around to get quotes, though this is time-intensive. You might want to simply use an online comparison tool instead.

Step Four: Start Your New Policy, Then Cancel Your Old One

Found a new insurance plan that suits your needs better than your current one? Great news! But here’s the really important part: You want to get that new policy started before you cancel your old one.

That’s because even a short lapse in coverage could jeopardize your valuable investment, as well as drive up premiums in the future. Once you’ve made the new insurance purchase call and have your new declarations page in hand, you are ready to make the old insurance cancellation call. Be sure to verify the following with your old insurer:

•   The cancellation date is on or after the new insurance policy’s start date.

•   The old insurance policy won’t be automatically renewed and is fully canceled.

•   If you’re entitled to a prorated refund, find out how it will be issued and how long it will take to arrive.

Congratulations: You’ve got new homeowners insurance!

Step Five: Let Your Lender Know

The last step, but still a very important one, is to notify your mortgage lender about your homeowners insurance change. Most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance, and they need to be kept up-to-date on who’s got your back should calamity strike. Additionally, if you still owe more than 80% the home value to your lender, they may still be paying the insurer for you through an escrow account — so you definitely want to make sure those payments are going to the right company.

The Takeaway

Homeowners insurance is an important but often expensive form of financial protection. It can help you cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home if you undergo a covered loss or damage. Since our homes are such valuable investments, they’re worth safeguarding. Plus, most mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance.

Sometimes, changing your policy can help you save money for comparable or better coverage. Reviewing and possibly rethinking your homeowners insurance is an important process, especially as your needs and lifestyle evolve. If you’ve added on to your home, put in a pool, bought a prized piece of art, or are enduring more punishing weather, all are signals that you should take a fresh look at your policy and make sure you’re well protected.

If you’re a new homebuyer, SoFi Protect can help you look into your insurance options. SoFi and Lemonade offer homeowners insurance that requires no brokers and no paperwork. Secure the coverage that works best for you and your home.

Photo credit: iStock/MonthiraYodtiwong

Auto Insurance: Must have a valid driver’s license. Not available in all states.
Home and Renters Insurance: Insurance not available in all states.
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Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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