If your homeowners insurance renewal just went up, you may be wondering whether it's time to start shopping for a cheaper policy.

Shopping your insurance can absolutely make sense. But before you switch companies, make sure you're comparing the coverage—not just the price.

I recently worked with a homeowner whose renewal premium had increased. They decided to shop around and found a homeowners insurance policy online that was cheaper than their current policy.

It looked like a great deal.

Before they made the switch, we compared their current homeowners policy with the new quote side by side.

That's when we found something important.

Why Was the Homeowners Insurance Quote Cheaper?

The cheaper policy was missing water and sewer backup coverage that they had on their existing policy.

That difference wasn't obvious when they looked at the bottom-line premium.

They thought they were getting similar homeowners insurance coverage for less money. But when we compared the policies carefully, they weren't actually comparing the same coverage.

That's why price alone doesn't tell you whether one homeowners insurance policy is a better deal than another.

A Cheaper Homeowners Policy Isn't Always the Better Deal

Saving a few hundred dollars a year sounds great.

But imagine saving a few hundred dollars on your insurance only to discover after a sewer backup that the coverage you thought you had wasn't included on your new policy.

A sewer or drain backup can cause significant damage to flooring, walls, furniture and other belongings—not to mention the cost of cleanup.

That's why it's important to understand what you're giving up, if anything, to get that lower premium.

What Should You Compare Before Switching Homeowners Insurance?

When you're comparing homeowners insurance quotes, don't stop at the annual premium.

Look at the differences in things such as:

• Dwelling coverage

• Personal property coverage

• Liability limits

• Deductibles

• Water and sewer backup coverage

• Replacement cost provisions

• Additional endorsements and optional coverages

Every policy is different, so the goal isn't simply to find the lowest number. It's to understand what you're actually getting for that price.

Should You Switch Homeowners Insurance Companies?

Maybe.

A renewal increase doesn't mean you should automatically stay with your current insurance company, and it doesn't mean you should automatically leave.

Another company may be able to provide the coverage you need at a better price.

The important thing is to make an apples-to-apples comparison before you switch.

If the price is lower, find out why.

Sometimes you're genuinely getting a better rate. Other times, the lower price may come with different limits, deductibles or coverage.

Homeowners Insurance Rates Going Up in Washington?

If your homeowners insurance renewal increased, you don't have to compare policies alone.

Send me your current homeowners policy and any quotes you're considering. I'll help you compare the coverage, limits and deductibles so you can understand the differences before making a decision.

My goal isn't simply to find you the cheapest homeowners insurance policy. It's to help you find the right coverage at the right price.

The Tillett Agency
1818 Main St Ste D
Sumner, WA 98390
📞 360-893-7513
✉️ [email protected]

Serving homeowners throughout Washington State.