What should I do before your homeowners insurance policy expires?

Your homeowners insurance policy renewal date is a perfect time to pause and make sure you're actually covered for what matters most—your home and belongings. Many homeowners simply renew automatically without reviewing their coverage. That's a missed opportunity. Here's what you should do a few weeks before your policy expires.

Review your coverage limits against your home's current value

Start by looking at your policy's dwelling coverage limit—the amount your insurer would pay if your home were destroyed. Has your home's value changed since you last renewed? Home values shift with the market, and rebuild costs fluctuate too. If you've underestimated your home's value, you could face a serious coverage gap. If you've overestimated it, you might be paying for protection you don't need.

Don't guess. Get a rough sense of your home's current replacement cost. You can check local real estate sales, talk to a real estate agent, or use online home valuation tools. Then compare that number to your policy limit.

Take stock of major changes to your home and life

Has anything significant happened since your last renewal? Did you install a new roof? Add a deck or garage? Renovate your kitchen or bathroom? Did you upgrade your HVAC system or install solar panels? These improvements increase your home's value and may deserve higher coverage limits.

Life changes matter too. Did you add valuable collections, jewelry, or electronics? Are you running a small business from home? Do you have a swimming pool or trampoline? Some of these items need special endorsements or separate policies. Your insurer needs to know about them.

Gather records of your valuable items

Create a simple inventory of high-value possessions—jewelry, art, electronics, tools, or heirlooms. Include photos and estimates of their worth if you have them. This list serves two purposes: it helps you decide if you need additional coverage, and it speeds up the claims process if something ever happens.

Store this inventory somewhere safe—a cloud drive, email to yourself, or a fireproof box. Don't keep it only on paper in your home.

Shop around for quotes

You don't have to stick with your current insurer. A few weeks before renewal, contact other insurance companies and ask for quotes with the same coverage limits you're considering. Rates vary widely, and you might find better value elsewhere. Shopping around takes an hour or two but can save you real money.

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About Summit Pointe Insurance Advisors

Summit Pointe Insurance Advisors is an independent insurance agency serving homeowners in the Lee's Summit area. For more information about homeowners insurance options and policy reviews, visit their website at summitpointeins.com or contact them directly.

Summit Pointe Insurance Advisors
816-282-2629
https://summitpointeins.com
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