Home insurance policies can help to protect your home and belongings against unexpected damages. In the event of a covered claim, you'll receive a settlement meant to cover the costs of repairing or replacing what was lost — cue a sigh of relief. However, with over 600 homeowners insurance providers¹ in the U.S., finding the best policy for your needs can be challenging.

If you're not sure which insurer to choose, InsureMe's Advisors can streamline the process. With a deep understanding of home insurance products and the current market, your licensed agent will serve as your advocate — working to help you find a competitive policy from a top-rated provider that meets your needs.

Home insurance coverage isn't one-size-fits-all

Home insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all solution because every homeowner's risk profile is unique. Even two families living in identical homes in the same neighborhood can benefit from custom coverage due to variations in home finishes, personal belongings, risk tolerance, and more.

However, customizing a policy can be challenging if you're not well-versed in homeowners insurance. From the complex coverage options to the varied risk factors, it's a lot to navigate. That's where InsureMe's Advisors come in. They'll use their knowledge and years of experience to guide you through each step of the process.

How InsureMe's Advisors help you compare policies

The process of working with an InsureMe Advisor starts with a consultation. As experts in home insurance who have helped many U.S. homeowners, they know the questions to ask to uncover both common and uncommon needs. For example, your licensed agent will help you weigh the various types of coverage that come with a standard policy but will also probe to find out if you need customized options.

Once your InsureMe Advisor has the information they need, they'll review and compare policies from top-rated insurers. To find the best fit, they'll consider the many aspects of policies such as the coverage types, coverage limits, deductible options, exclusions, and endorsement options. In short, they do the hard work for you.

After identifying the best fits, they'll present them to you and explain the pros and cons of each option. For example, your licensed agent may help you understand how a policy's premiums and deductibles impact long-term affordability. You can then review the options, ask questions, and decide on the best fit for you.

Key factors to consider when choosing home insurance^2,3

As you review potential home insurance policies with your InsureMe Advisor, you'll discuss the following key factors:

Coverage limits

Coverage limits determine the maximum amount your insurer will pay for each type of coverage if you suffer a covered loss. For example, if your dwelling coverage limit is $500,000, that's the maximum amount you can receive to rebuild your house and its attached structures in a total loss scenario.

It's critical to have an adequate coverage limit for each type of coverage in your policy, including dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use, personal liability and medical payments. While it can be difficult to estimate the amount of coverage you need, your InsureMe Advisor can share guidelines on what to consider and common limits so you can strike the right balance.

Reimbursement options

Reimbursement options refer to how insurers reimburse you for losses or damages. The two main options are ‘replacement cost' and ‘cash value.' The replacement cost will pay you the amount you need to replace your home, while the cash value pays you what your home was worth at the time of the loss. The former costs more but helps ensure you can rebuild your home in a similar fashion while the latter is cheaper but could fall short. An agent can talk through both options in more depth and help you decide on the better fit.

Deductible

When you file a claim, the deductible is the amount of money homeowners insurance providers require you to pay before your coverage will start paying. Insurers often allow you to choose from various deductible options, with higher deductibles resulting in lower premiums. For example, a policy with a $1,000 deductible will cost less per month than the same policy with a $500 deductible. So you can opt to pay more when filing a claim in exchange for a lower premium, or vice versa. Your licensed agent can help weigh the risks and benefits of the different policy configurations.

Endorsements and riders

Endorsements and riders are types of extra coverage that you can add to the base coverage of your homeowners insurance policy for an additional fee. For example, common add-ons include coverage for floods, earthquakes, and high-value personal items like fine art or jewelry. Your licensed agent can discuss the risks a standard policy doesn't cover that an endorsement or rider could.

Exclusions/limitations

Policies often exclude coverage for certain types of damages, such as losses from mold, wear and tear, and certain natural disasters. Your Advisor can clarify exclusions and limitations so you aren't surprised by a lack of coverage in a vulnerable moment. They can also make sure you know where your coverage ends so you can seek additional coverage when necessary.

The value of working with a licensed insurance agent

A home is one of the most valuable assets most people own in their lifetime, if not the most valuable. InsureMe's Advisors help to make sure yours is fully protected. But the support doesn't end when you get a policy.

Your agent can also help if you have questions or issues during the claims process. You won't have to take on your insurance company alone, which can be a huge weight off your shoulders during a stressful time. Instead, you'll have a knowledgeable person on your side, helping you get the settlement you need.

Further, InsureMe Advisors can help you stay covered in the years to come. They encourage annual reviews to assess and adjust your policy for changes, such as home improvements or new expensive possessions.

Get in touch with an InsureMe Advisor

Choosing the right home insurance policy can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. InsureMe's Advisors are here to guide you every step of the way, offering personalized, expert advice that goes far beyond a standard policy quote. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or an existing owner looking to review and improve your existing coverage, InsureMe's Advisors will help you find a competitive policy from a top-rated carrier.