It probably is no surprise that insurance coverages and premiums vary by company. However, this includes homeowners’ policies. Therefore, the best way to know whether you are buying the right policy for your house is to understand how to find homeowners insurance quotes in Texas. With this information, you can compare policies that cover the exterior and interior of your home.

This part of the process might seem cumbersome. However, failing to take the time upfront to secure the right coverages and policy limits makes it harder to recover. The reality of no coverage, or inadequate coverage, deepens the pain after a loss.

Determining Your Texas Homeowner’s Insurance Needs

Whether you begin this process alone or with the assistance of an insurance agent, you first want to complete a home inventory. Inventory requires documenting the types of personal property throughout your home and including the value of each item. Generally, shoppers use this list to select the coverage and limits that protect their property. However, documenting your home’s unique features and construction quality helps determine how much and what type of homeowners insurance Texas quotes closely match your needs.

To start the inventory, describe each item on the list. In addition, the description should include where the homeowner purchased the item and the make and model. In addition, attach any purchase contracts, sales receipts, and appraisals. Next, count the number of clothing items you own, separating them by categories: for example, coats, shoes, and pants. Next, record the serial numbers of electronic equipment and major appliances.

Remember that big-ticket items might have increased in value since you began owning them and might need to be insured separately. In addition to having a thorough list, take pictures of individual items and rooms. Make a note of what each image represents. Walkthrough your home while videotaping and describing the contents.

Information Insurance Companies Use to Provide Homeowners Insurance Quotes in Texas

You also want to familiarize yourself with information insurance companies look for to provide homeowners insurance Texas quotes. Each company uses its own set of requirements before they issue a quotation. Important to insurance companies is the five-year loss history. However, there are some distinct similarities in details for you to gather before contacting the insurance companies.

Try to gather as much detail of the following:

• Home address
• Year built
• Total square footage, including basement if applicable
• Exterior construction such as wood, vinyl, brick, stucco, aluminum siding
• Roof types such as metal, asphalt, rubber shingle, built-up flat
• Age of roof, heating and cooling system, water heater, electrical
• Style of home, i.e., split level, two-story, or ranch
• Garage stalls and whether it is attached or detached
• Nearest fire hydrant

Be prepared also to answer questions about the alarm system, if you have one. Questions will include the number of smoke alarms and whether they are hard-wired or battery operated. Insurance companies may also ask if you have a battery or hardwired carbon monoxide detector or whether you have a sprinkler system.

Beyond the following list, be prepared to provide additional information as requested. Doing so gives the insurer complete information to provide a fair quote. However, it can also offer more insight into how the insurance company covers your house and possessions.

Optional Homeowners Insurance Coverages to Consider

Your home inventory list is also helpful when considering homeowners insurance Texas quotes for optional coverages. In addition, by visiting the homeowners’ insurance form, you can get more information on reviewing unique exposures that are not part of a standard policy.

As a preview, here are some common coverage endorsements to consider:

• Collectibles: coins, stamps, baseball cards
• Natural disasters such as an earthquake or flood
• Antiques and fine art
• Damage from a sewer backup