Homeowner's Insurance Renewal Checklist
What it should state. What's commonly not stated. What to ask before you sign.
Your homeowner's insurance renewal has arrived. This page lists what a complete renewal states, the lines that are commonly not stated, and the questions worth asking before the new term takes effect.
This is a reading checklist, not advice. Spend Defense doesn't tell you whether to sign — we make sure you've actually seen what's on the page, and what isn't.
What a complete insurance renewal states
Dwelling coverage — the amount this term and last term, and whether it is replacement cost.
Other coverages — other structures, personal property, loss of use, and liability, each with a limit.
Deductibles — the all-perils deductible, plus any separate wind/hail deductible, flat or percentage.
Roof coverage basis — replacement cost or actual cash value, and any roof schedule.
Endorsements — each endorsement listed, so additions and removals can be compared to last term.
Premium — the new premium, and the change from last term.
Discounts — each discount applied, by name.
Effective dates — the start and end of the new term.
What's commonly not stated
- Percentage deductibles in dollars — a 2% wind/hail deductible is a dollar amount based on your dwelling coverage; the renewal rarely does the math.
- Roof basis changes — a switch from replacement cost to actual cash value on the roof can appear as one changed line.
- Removed endorsements — coverage dropped since last term may not be highlighted.
- Why the premium changed — a new total often arrives without a line-by-line explanation.
None of these gaps decide anything by themselves. They're the lines to ask about before you sign, not after.
Questions to ask before you sign
- “What changed from last term — coverage, deductibles, or endorsements?”
- “Is my roof covered at replacement cost or actual cash value?”
- “What is my wind/hail deductible in dollars?”
- “Were any discounts or endorsements removed?”
- “What caused the premium change?”
Want a second set of eyes on the actual document?
Send us the paperwork before you sign. A Quick Check reads your document and shows you what it says, what's not stated, and what to ask — for $4.99 (up to 10 pages). Longer documents: Document Review $19, Premium Review $49.
Check my document →We don't decide for you. We make sure nothing on the page — or missing from it — surprises you later.
FAQ
How much should homeowner's insurance cost?
We don't price other people's policies — premiums depend on the home, its location, the coverage limits, the deductibles, and claim history. What you can check is whether your renewal states what changed from last term, line by line. If it only shows a new total, that's a question to ask your agent.
What if something on this checklist is missing from my renewal?
Ask your agent or insurer in writing before the new term starts. A missing roof basis or deductible amount isn't a verdict on the insurer; it's an unknown in coverage you're relying on. Getting it stated costs nothing and settles it before a claim.
Can Spend Defense read my actual insurance renewal?
Yes. A declarations page fits the Quick Check ($4.99, up to 10 pages). A full renewal packet with endorsements usually runs longer and goes through the Document Review ($19, up to 25 pages). You'll get back what it says, what's not stated, and what to ask.
Related checklists
Spend Defense — we read the paperwork before you sign. We don't decide for you.