+120 more)
)
)
)
)
)
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
NPN: 21630969
Updated
Most homeowners insurance policies renew each year automatically unless you cancel or switch insurance companies. But home insurance renewal doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive the same price or coverage. Your insurer can adjust your home insurance premiums, deductibles, or coverage limits before your renewal date.
When your home insurance policy renews, many homeowners glance at the new price and move on. But that mistake could cost you hundreds per year. If you review your renewal notice carefully and compare quotes before your policy renews, you may find better coverage or a lower rate.
Here’s what to check and when it makes sense to switch your home insurance coverage.
Home insurance renewal usually happens once per year, and most policies renew automatically.
Home insurance premiums, deductibles, or coverage limits can change at your policy renewal date.
Comparing quotes before renewal may help you avoid higher premiums without reducing coverage.
When your renewal notice arrives, don’t focus only on the price. It’s also important to review the details of your homeowners insurance policy to make sure your protection still fits your home’s value and financial needs.
Here’s what to check:
Details to Review  | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Dwelling coverage | Coverage limits should reflect rebuilding costs, not what you still owe your lender or paid for the home. |
| Deductible | A higher deductible lowers premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs after a covered loss. |
| Personal property coverage | Coverage limits should match current replacement costs for furniture, appliances, electronics, and other belongings. |
| Liability coverage | Higher limits can protect you from expensive liability claims, and the additional cost for extra coverage is often minimal. |
| Exclusions and endorsements | Changes to policy terms may limit protection from wind, water, roof, or natural disaster claims. |
Compare quotes before your policy renews.
Your dwelling coverage should match the cost to rebuild your home — not its market value or your mortgage balance.[1] Inflation and rising labor costs can push replacement costs higher each year. If you recently completed renovations or upgrades, you may need additional coverage.
Your deductible affects both your premium and out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim. If you raise your deductible, your premium often drops. But make sure you can comfortably cover that amount if you need to file a claim after a covered loss.
Personal property coverage protects your belongings. Review your policy limits, and think about big-ticket items like appliances, electronics, furniture, and jewelry. You may need endorsements or a separate umbrella policy for high-value items, depending on your policy.
Liability coverage protects you if someone sues you after an injury or property damage claim. Many homeowners carry lower limits than they should. But increasing liability limits is often affordable and may cost less than you expect.
Review your home insurance renewal documents carefully for any new exclusions or endorsement language. Some home policies may limit coverage for roof damage, water backups, or certain natural disasters. If you live in a flood-prone area, you may need separate flood insurance.
Your home insurance premiums can increase or decrease at renewal. Insurance companies consider many factors before setting your new rate, including the details below.[2]
Changes you can’t control:
Inflation and rebuilding costs: Construction materials and labor continue to rise, especially after large-scale natural disasters that strain the supply chain. Insurers adjust dwelling coverage amounts and rates to reflect higher replacement costs.
Claims in your area: Even if you’ve never filed a claim, insurance companies may raise rates if your area sees more losses from storms, wildfires, theft, or other covered events.
Natural disaster risk: Frequent hurricanes, wildfires, winter storms, floods, and other types of severe storms increase risk across many regions.
Changes you can control:
Claims history: Filing multiple claims may lead to higher premiums at renewal.
Home updates or age: An aging roof or outdated systems may increase rates. On the other hand, installing a security system or upgrading wiring may lower them.
Insurer pricing changes: Your current insurer may adjust pricing statewide or nationwide. But you can always shop around for alternative insurance coverage.
It’s a good idea to compare insurance rates when your annual home insurance renewal comes around. This is one of the best times to compare insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. Rates vary widely for the same homeowners coverage, and a different insurer may offer better pricing or discounts for new customers.
If possible, start comparing home insurance quotes at least three to four weeks before your renewal date. That timing can help prevent a lapse in coverage. If you decide to switch insurers, choose a new policy with the same effective date your existing policy ends. Then notify your current insurer to cancel your existing policy once the new policy starts.
You can take several steps to lower your premium without cutting important insurance coverage. Here are some tips that may help:[3]
Shop around and compare quotes. Insurance companies calculate risk differently. So you may find lower rates with a different insurer.
Raise your deductible. A higher deductible can reduce your premium, but make sure you can cover the out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
Bundle home and auto insurance. Many insurers offer discounts when you combine home and auto insurance policies.
Improve home security. A security system, smart locks, or upgraded alarms may qualify you for money-saving discounts worth exploring.
Review coverage limits. Make sure your policy limits reflect your home’s value and don’t include unnecessary additional coverage.
Ask about discounts. Your insurance agent may be able to help you find additional savings opportunities on your current policy.
See quotes from top insurers in minutes.
)
If you fail to renew your home insurance policy, your coverage will expire. That leaves you uninsured and financially exposed if you suffer a covered loss.
Also, if you carry a mortgage on your property, your mortgage lender will likely step in and take action. The mortgage company can purchase force-placed insurance on your behalf.[4] Force-placed insurance typically costs more than a homeowners policy you could find on your own, and it often provides limited homeowners coverage that only protects the lender — not you.
Any lapse in coverage could lead to future challenges as well. A coverage lapse can trigger higher premiums when you apply for a new policy later.
In some cases, your current insurer may send a non-renewal notice. Insurance companies may choose not to renew your policy after multiple claims, major renovations, or changes in your risk exposure.
If you receive a non-renewal notice, here’s what to do:
Contact your insurance company or insurance agency immediately.
Ask why the insurer declined renewal.
Begin shopping for a new policy right away.
Consider working with an insurance agent if you struggle to find new coverage.
Above all, act quickly to avoid any gaps in your coverage.
If your current home insurance policy is renewing soon, check out the answers below to several common concerns about homeowners policy renewal.
Most homeowners insurance policies renew each year automatically unless you decide to cancel or switch insurance companies. Your insurer will send a renewal notice before your policy renewal date.
It’s a good idea to start comparing quotes at least three to four weeks before your home insurance renewal date. That should give you enough time to review new policy terms and avoid a lapse in coverage if you decide to switch insurers.
You can ask your insurance company to review your rate. Letting your insurance company know that you have competing quotes from other insurers may strengthen your position. Insurance companies don’t always match lower offers, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
In general, insurers notify you of your premium or the next policy term before your renewal date. Home insurance policies renew annually, and your insurer will send you updated pricing for the upcoming year about one month before renewal. That gives you time to review any rate increase and, if needed, compare other coverage options.
Yes. You can switch insurers at any time. Just make sure your new policy is effective before you cancel your existing policy to avoid any coverage gaps.
It’s important to maintain current home insurance at all times — especially if you owe a mortgage on your property. Most homeowners insurance policies renew annually. If you don’t renew or replace your coverage, you risk losing protection and facing higher premiums later.
)
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
NPN: 21630969
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.