Getting a Homeowners Insurance Quote: What to Expect

By the Mercury Team

Are you planning to get homeowners insurance but need clarification on what information to provide? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to renew your policy, understanding what’s required helps ensure a smooth, efficient process so you can secure the best possible coverage for your home.

What Information Is Needed to get Home Insurance?

Getting a quote for homeowners insurance is an essential step in ensuring the protection of your property and belongings. To make the process as smooth as possible, you’ll need to have some key information ready when contacting insurance companies. Here’s what you’ll typically need:

Personal information: This includes your full name, date of birth, and contact information. You may also need to provide the Social Security numbers for anyone living in the home covered by the policy.
Property details: Insurance providers will want to know about the property itself. This includes the address, age of the home, square footage, type and age of the roof, and any safety features such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or security systems.
History of residence: Be prepared to discuss how long you have lived at your current home and whether you have filed any insurance claims in the past. If you’re a new homeowner, details about previous residences may also be required.
Coverage needs: Determine how much coverage you need. This could depend on the value of your home and possessions. You might also want to discuss liability coverage and whether you need additional protection for high-value items like jewelry or art.
Detailed home inventory: Although not always required immediately, having a detailed list of your belongings, including their estimated value, can be extremely helpful. This inventory should be as detailed as possible, listing items like electronics, furniture, appliances, and personal items.
Documentation: Some insurers might require recent inspection reports, a current mortgage statement, or proof of recent home improvements. These documents can help accurately determine your home’s value and condition.
Financial information: Be ready to disclose your employment status and perhaps even your credit history, as insurers often use this information to determine your premium rates.

How to Get a Homeowners Insurance Quote

Getting a homeowners insurance quote from Mercury is a straightforward process. By following these simple steps, you can secure a quote quickly and efficiently, ensuring your home and possessions are protected. Here’s how to do it:

Gather your information: Before you start the process, make sure you have all the necessary information handy. This includes your personal details, property information, a detailed home inventory, and any relevant financial information. Refer to the section above for more details.
Visit the website: Go to the homeowners insurance page. At the top of the page, enter your zip code and click on the “Find an Agent” button to start your quote.
Enter your information: The website will guide you through a series of prompts and forms where you’ll enter the information about yourself and your property. This includes the location of your home, its size, age, and more.
Customize your coverage: We allow you to customize your coverage during the quoting process. Decide how much coverage you need, including insurance endorsements. What are insurance endorsements? They’re extra coverages that you add to your standard policy for extra protection.
Get your quote: Once you’ve entered all the required information, submit the form. We’ll process the information and provide you with a quote. This quote will detail your insurance’s monthly or annual cost and what it includes.

How to Pick Homeowners Insurance

Choosing the right homeowners insurance can feel overwhelming, but following these simple steps will help you make an informed decision:

Decide how much coverage you need: Start by determining the value of your home and personal property. This will help you figure out the amount of coverage you need to replace your home and belongings in case of a disaster. Consider the cost of rebuilding your house and replacing your possessions. Don’t forget to factor in the potential need for additional living expenses if your home becomes temporarily uninhabitable.
Evaluate add-ons and endorsements: Standard homeowners policies cover basics like fire, theft, and certain types of water damage, but they might not cover everything. Look into add-ons or endorsements you can add to your policy, including extra coverage for high-value items like jewelry or art.
Get quotes from at least three companies: Homeowners insurance rates can vary widely, so make sure to shop around. Get homeowners insurance quotes from at least three different companies to compare coverage and prices. Be sure to provide the same information to each company so you can make an accurate comparison.
Buy your home insurance policy and read it closely: Once you’ve decided on a provider, purchase the policy that best fits your needs. It’s very important to read your policy closely. Understand what is and isn’t covered and familiarize yourself with any deductibles. Also, pay attention to details about the homeowners insurance claims process.

How Long Does It Take to Get Homeowners Insurance?

The process of getting homeowners insurance can vary greatly depending on several factors. If you already have all the necessary information about your property and you’re applying with an insurance company that has an efficient online application process, you could potentially get homeowners insurance within a few hours.

However, this process could take a few days to a week or more if the insurance company needs time to assess your property, especially for older homes or homes in areas prone to natural disasters or if there’s a backlog of applications.

Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing to get your first quote or revisiting your coverage needs, having your personal details, property information, and financial data ready will streamline the process.

If you have homeowners insurance questions or need guidance on special topics like the benefits of smart homes and how they can impact your insurance premiums, Mercury is here to help. Contact us today to get a tailored insurance quote that meets your needs.

Mercury Team

The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations and Social Media. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.