Homeowner’s Insurance Renewal Checklist
What Is a Homeowners Insurance Renewal?
A homeowners insurance renewal is the continuation of your policy for another term, usually one year. During renewal, the insurer may update your premium, coverage limits, deductible, or policy terms. Reviewing the renewal notice helps ensure your home still has the right protection.
Our free Homeowner’s Insurance Renewal Checklist, crafted by Avner Gat, Inc., a licensed public insurance adjuster firm, is here to help you select important key coverages for your homeowner’s insurance.
Homeowner's Insurance Renewal
Reassess Your Coverage Needs
What would it cost to rebuild my home today?
What is the total value of all the personal property I own?
Do I have enough personal property (contents) coverage to replace all my belongings at today’s price?
Go room by room, list the items, calculate replacement values at list price, and add at least 30% for safety
List all items worth over $500 and ask about sublimits in my policy
Do I need any special endorsements, riders, or separate coverage for high-value items (e.g. bags, jewelry, art, firearms, silverware)?
Confirm Important Policy Details
What’s my Additional Living Expense limit in time and money?
Do I have a code upgrade coverage?
Is there a mortgage protection clause?
Do I have umbrella liability? What minimum homeowners’ liability coverage is required from the policy?
Do I have options to purchase a deductible waiver?
Are all structures on the property (garage, ADU, guest house) fully covered to their true value?
What are my coverage limits on vegetation (trees, shrubs)?
If living in a condo, try to buy your homeowner’s insurance from the same carrier as the HOA (check insurer’s rating before purchasing!)
Know What Events are Covered
Ask about your coverage for:
Mold, asbestos, or lead
Smoke, fire damage (including wildfire), earthquake, flood
Water damage (toilet overflow, burst pipe, hidden leak)
Sewer line backup from the street
Rain entering through roof or windows
HOA assessments (for condos)
What is the coverage offer and deductible (%) for earthquakes?
Consider Additional Protection
Should I add cyber protection?
Should I add identity theft coverage?
Do I need separate earthquake or flood insurance?
Watch For Special Exclusions or Limitations
Is my dog’s breed excluded? (If you have a dog)
Are there exclusions for trampolines, pools, or jump boards? Are there fencing or other requirements?
Any roofing or plumbing materials that could affect coverage or rates?
Any exclusions or limitations for:
Drain backups
Firearms (check per-unit and total limits)
Electric bikes
Fire sprinkler system
Business personal property or business liability (if working from home)
Personal property
Expensive bags or other high value items
Asbestos testing & removal
Water damage claims
Ask About Discounts & Premium Reduction Tools
Can I get a discount for having:
Water monitoring system (e.g. Moen Flo)
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors
Monitored alarm system
Fire sprinklers
Gated community or guard on site
Bundled policies (Home/Car/Liability umbrella)
Adding a home office
Removing vegetation near the house
Communication and Documentation
Get all coverage confirmations and communications with your agent in writing (email or letters are fine) and save a copy of your full policy for reference.
How to Use the Checklist
Maximize the benefit of your insurance renewal with these steps:
- Gather Policy Documents: Have your current homeowner’s insurance policy ready to compare with the checklist.
- Review Coverage Needs: Use the checklist to assess rebuilding costs, personal property values, and desired coverages for high-value items.
- Ask Key Questions: Contact your insurance agent to clarify coverage for events like wildfires, floods, or water damage, and confirm policy details like liability or additional living expense limits.
- Check for Gaps: Identify exclusions (e.g., specific dog breeds or trampolines) and consider additional protections like earthquake, cyber, and/or flood coverage.
- Apply Annually: Use the checklist before each renewal or after significant changes to your property or life.
When to Use the Checklist
Ensure your coverage is up-to-date:
- Before your annual policy renewal.
- After home renovations that increase property value.
- When purchasing a new home.
- Following life changes, such as marriage, retirement, or an addition to the family.
- After local events like wildfires or floods in Southern California.
Why Our Checklist Matters
Proper preparation prevents costly claim disputes. Our checklist empowers you to:
- Identify coverage gaps before wildfires, floods, or other disasters strike.
- Avoid surprises during the claims process.
- Secure fair settlements for water, fire, or theft claims.
- Protect your Southern California property investment.
About Avner Gat, Inc.
Since 2004, Avner Gat has served Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, Palmdale, Oxnard, Orange County, and Palm Springs. As one of the largest public adjusting firms in Southern California, we bring unmatched expertise to every claim. Our licensed public adjusters simplify complex claims and negotiate fair settlements.
Stay Prepared with Our Checklist
Don’t leave your property vulnerable. Download our free checklist today!