A useful home insurance review begins with the facts about your actual property and current policy. The latest Speaking of Insurance episode discusses roof age, home updates, brush exposure, and why it helps to start the conversation before a renewal deadline. This companion checklist turns those points into a file you can assemble.
1. Start with the policy you have
Save the declarations page, the current policy if available, the renewal or non-renewal notice, and the date your present term ends. Note the dwelling limit, deductibles, personal property limit, and any endorsements you want explained. The California Department of Insurance shopping guide recommends comparing the structure of coverage as well as price. A quote is easier to compare when you know what the existing policy says.
2. Describe the home as it exists today
Write down the address, year built, approximate living area, construction details, and how the property is used. Add the year and material of the roof if you know them. List major additions and updates, such as electrical, plumbing, or heating work, with dates and permits or invoices when you have them. The NAIC homeowners shopping tool includes property details, including roof age, because comparisons depend on describing the same home accurately to each insurer.
Do not guess about a year or claim that work was completed when you cannot verify it. Mark an item as unknown and ask the broker what evidence a particular insurer needs.
3. Keep evidence of risk-reduction work
If you have completed wildfire mitigation or home-hardening work, keep dated photos, contractor invoices, inspection records, and any certification you received. California DOI says an insurer or broker may ask for proof or an inspection when you report a completed mitigation action. Ask which actions the insurer recognizes and when any applicable discount would take effect. Documentation is useful even when an insurer ultimately applies a different underwriting decision.
4. Bring a short question list
- Which property facts or documents are still missing for this insurer's review?
- Are the dwelling limit and rebuilding assumptions based on the current home, including additions?
- How do the deductibles, exclusions, and endorsements differ from my current policy?
- If wildfire mitigation has been completed, what proof does this insurer require?
- What is the proposed effective date, and what must happen before a replacement policy is in force?
A broker can help compare the answers against actual policy terms. Keep the existing coverage in place while you evaluate options; do not assume a new policy is effective merely because a quote has been discussed.
Where to go next
Listen to the September 30 property insurance conversation for the broader California market context. If you are facing a non-renewal, see Bollinsure's non-renewal guide. For a review of your own situation, start a home insurance request and ask which documents are useful for the carriers being considered.