Homeowners Insurance Underwriting Questions: What to Expect When Getting a Quote

So, you’re ready to take the plunge into homeowners insurance. Maybe you’ve just bought a new home, or maybe it’s time to revisit your current policy to make sure you’re covered in all the right places. Either way, there’s a step that often surprises people when they go to get a quote—the underwriting process. And, trust me, it can feel a bit like playing 20 Questions.

But what exactly are these underwriting questions, and why are they so important? Let’s dig into what to expect and why these questions matter, not just for your policy but for your peace of mind.

1. Basic Information: Who, What, Where?

First, let’s get the basics out of the way. Insurers need a general profile of who you are and what you’re insuring. Expect questions like:

• Who lives in the home?
• Is it your primary residence, a rental, or maybe even a vacation spot?

These questions help insurers figure out who’s on the property most of the time and for what purpose. After all, a home that’s rented out or left unoccupied part of the year faces different risks than one where you’re living day in and day out.

2. Property Details: The Nitty-Gritty of Your Home

This part might feel like an intense game of “Guess Who?” Insurers want to know everything from the year your house was built to the type of materials used in construction. Think along these lines:

• When was your home built, and have there been any major renovations?
• What’s the roof made of? (And, yes, this matters more than you’d think!)
• Do you have a basement or an attic?

It might seem like a lot of fuss over your home’s specs, but here’s why it matters: these details help the insurer calculate risk. An older home, for instance, might have outdated wiring or plumbing that increases the likelihood of a claim down the line.

3. Safety and Security Measures

Now, here’s where the underwriting process can get pretty practical—and maybe a little reassuring. Insurers want to know what measures you’ve taken to protect your home. Expect questions like:

• Do you have a security system or any kind of fire alarm system?
• What about smoke detectors? Are they up to code?

Imagine it this way: an insurance provider wants to know that you’ve taken steps to prevent the kinds of accidents that lead to claims. From deadbolts to sprinkler systems, these features can make a difference in your premium. And if you’ve invested in a few of these safeguards, it might even save you some money.

4. Location-Specific Risks: Is Your Home Prepared for Nature’s Wrath?

Location is everything. And that’s not just real estate talk—it’s a critical part of the underwriting process, especially in places where certain natural disasters are common. Insurers may ask:

• Is your home in a flood-prone area?
• How close are you to the coastline or a wildfire zone?

In coastal regions or areas with a history of earthquakes, these questions are essential. They help the insurance company understand potential threats from Mother Nature, whether it’s hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires. And if you’re in a risk-prone area, you might need additional coverage—like flood insurance—to keep your home fully protected.

5. The History Factor: What’s Your Claim Story?

Insurers are going to take a peek into the past here. They’ll want to know if you’ve filed any claims before and, if so, what those claims were about. Questions might include:

• Have you made any major insurance claims in the last five years?
• What were the reasons behind those claims?

Think of this like your “home’s resume.” A history of claims, especially for recurring issues, might suggest an increased likelihood of future claims. And, just like a resume with job-hopping might raise eyebrows, so can a claims history. However, if you’ve had minimal claims or resolved past issues, it might work in your favor.

6. Personal Touches: Pools, Pets, and Potential Perils

Finally, we’ve arrived at the unique touches that make your home…well, yours. Insurers want to know about features that could increase either the value of your home or the risk associated with it. Be prepared for questions like:

• Do you have a swimming pool or a trampoline?
• Are there pets, especially large dogs, living on the property?

Sure, a pool or trampoline can be a ton of fun, but they also come with liability risks. The same goes for certain dog breeds. Insurers aren’t trying to rain on your parade; they just need to know what potential liabilities exist so they can price your policy accurately.

A Few Closing Thoughts

Here’s the bottom line: while these underwriting questions might feel a bit invasive, they’re there for a reason. Underwriters are in the business of measuring risk, and every detail helps tailor your policy to fit your home and lifestyle. Plus, getting these details right from the start can mean a smoother claims process later, should you ever need it.

At TGS Insurance, we’re here to help make this process as easy and straightforward as possible. With our expertise, we can guide you through each question, clarifying any concerns and making sure no detail is overlooked. We’re dedicated to helping you find the right homeowners insurance coverage for your unique needs so you can feel secure knowing your home is well protected. And if questions come up along the way—about underwriting or anything else—we’re just a call away. Get started today with a free instant quote! 

After all, your peace of mind is worth it, and we’re here to help you get there.