Top 45 Questions to Ask Your Home Insurance Agent in 2024

Introduction: Why the Right Questions Matter

When shopping for homeowners insurance, one of the smartest moves you can make is to ask the right questions. Whether you’re buying a new home, switching providers, or dealing with a home insurance claim, your understanding of the coverage details can dramatically affect your financial protection.

At Hotaling Insurance Services, we’ve helped thousands of clients—especially in high-risk zones like NYC, Miami, and Houston—navigate the complexities of home insurance. This guide explores the top 45 questions to ask your home insurance agent, insurance company, or adjuster.

Bookmark this and save it for your next appointment and click the checkboxes as you go down the list.

Section 1: Top Home Insurance Questions To Ask

What does my policy cover and exclude?

Does it include flood, earthquake, or windstorm damage?

What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?

Is rebuilding to current building codes included?

Are there discounts for smart homes or eco-friendly upgrades?

Is identity theft protection part of my homeowners policy?

Do I need separate coverage for a home-based business?

What happens if my home is vacant for a long period?

Will my rates increase if I file a claim?

What’s included in personal property coverage?

How do pets impact my liability coverage?

Do I qualify for any bundling discounts with auto insurance?

What factors affect my premium the most?

What is an inflation guard and do I need one?

What are the important questions to ask when shopping for home insurance?

Section 2: Questions to Ask When Comparing Home Insurance Policies

What’s the deductible for standard vs. wind/hail damage?

Are coverage limits adjustable?

How does this policy compare with others in terms of exclusions?

What’s the claims satisfaction rating of your company?

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of?

Are there questions asked to get a home insurance quote that impact rates?

Do your policies come with any free risk assessments or home inspections?

Section 3: Questions to Ask Home Insurance Adjuster During and After a Claim

What documentation do I need when filing a claim?

How soon can an adjuster assess the damage?

What should I expect during the adjustment process?

Are temporary living expenses covered if my home is uninhabitable?

What questions to ask home insurance adjuster toward the end of the process?

What happens if I disagree with the adjuster’s estimate?

Are digital photos and video walkthroughs sufficient for claims proof?

What questions to ask when filing a home insurance claim to speed up approval?

Section 4: Common Questions Asked to Purchase Home Insurance

What is the age and condition of the roof?

Are there fire prevention devices installed?

Is the home in a floodplain?

Is it a primary residence, vacation home, or rental?

Are there security systems in place?

Are there any nursing home insurance questions relevant for multigenerational homes?

Section 5: Specialty Home Insurance Topics

What questions to ask about auto and home insurance when bundling?

Are there questions to ask home insurance companies about long-term savings plans?

What questions to ask for home builders on insurance during new construction?

What questions to ask mobile home insurance businesses for coverage differences?

Are there good questions to ask about when changing homeowners insurance carriers?

What are the top questions to ask when buying home insurance in flood-prone zones?

What question to ask home homeowners insurance advisors before renewing?

What questions to ask when getting home insurance quotes online?

What questions to ask your home insurance company if you plan to sell or renovate?

Case Study: How Asking the Right Questions Saved a Client $30,000

Meet Carlos, a homeowner in Miami who was initially unaware that his standard policy excluded flood coverage. After asking key questions when buying home insurance—specifically about exclusions and rebuilding codes—he switched to a more comprehensive policy through Hotaling. Months later, when a hurricane hit, his new policy covered $30,000 in damages, which his old one would not have.

Expert Tip: Does Asking Too Many Questions Affect My Home Insurance?

No, asking questions never negatively impacts your premium or coverage eligibility. In fact, insurers often reward informed buyers. Hotaling agents encourage you to ask all the questions to ask home insurance companies—no matter how small.

Pricing Table: Sample Deductibles and Coverages (Houston, TX)

Coverage Type	Standard Deductible	Optional Add-On	Notes
Fire & Theft	$1,000	N/A	Included
Flood	$2,000	✅	Via NFIP or private
Wind/Hail	$2,500	✅	Often separate
Cyber Protection	$500	✅	Optional add-on
Identity Theft	$500	✅	With carriers like Chubb

FAQs: Questions to ask Home Insurance Agent

What are good questions to ask about home insurance?

Start with: What does my policy cover? Are there exclusions? How are claims handled?

What questions to ask when buying home insurance?

Ask about replacement cost vs. cash value, inflation guard, and exclusions like flood damage.

What questions to ask home insurance adjuster?

Confirm claim timelines, payout estimates, and required documentation.

What are questions to ask when comparing home insurance?

Compare deductibles, coverage limits, exclusions, and claim satisfaction rates.

Are there home insurance companies that don’t ask too many questions?

Most reputable insurers, including those represented by Hotaling, perform due diligence for accurate pricing, but the process is quick.

Conclusion: Peace of Mind Starts with Asking the Right Questions

Smart homeowners know that asking the right questions is the key to getting comprehensive, tailored, and affordable home insurance coverage. Whether you’re purchasing a new policy, changing providers, or managing a claim, the time you take to ask questions can save you thousands and protect what matters most.

At Hotaling Insurance Services, we represent top-tier carriers like Chubb, Travelers, CNA, Progressive, AMTrust Financial, and others to help match you with the best options for your needs.