A homebuyer’s insurance checklist before closing
Start the insurance conversation while you still have time to resolve property and lender questions. Ask your loan officer for the actual deadline rather than relying on a generic promise of same-day coverage.
Gather the details before asking for a quote
- Property address, expected closing date, year built, size and current use.
- Roof age or replacement documentation, known updates and any relevant inspection findings.
- Questions about flood risk, prior coverage and any features the insurer needs to review.
- The lender’s insurance requirements and the correct contact for final documents.
Compare coverage as well as the premium
Ask how the dwelling amount was estimated, which wind and hail deductible applies, and how the roof would be settled after a covered loss. Consider the belongings, liability and additional-living-expense limits too. Share personal documents only through a channel your advisor has confirmed; do not post inspection reports or identifying information in a public review.
Check the lender’s requirements
The CFPB explains that lenders typically require homeowners insurance and that you can choose the insurance company. It recommends showing quotes to the loan officer to check whether they meet the lender’s requirements. CFPB home-insurance shopping guidance
Who will do each step?
- Buyer: confirm the selected policy, requested effective date and any payment or information still needed.
- Advisor or insurer: confirm what documentation can be issued and who will deliver it. Ask what remains conditional.
- Loan officer: confirm the coverage requirements, document deadline and receipt of the final insurance information.
- All parties: confirm how a changed closing date will be communicated and who will check the effective date.
Confirm what is actually in force
A planning estimate is not a policy, and a quote is not proof that coverage has started. Ask for confirmation of the effective date, required payment and the documents your lender needs. Ask who will send those documents and verify receipt. Do not treat a tentative closing date as confirmation that the insurance is active.
If you are replacing existing home coverage, wait to cancel it until you have the new policy or written coverage confirmation and have checked the effective dates. Coordinate coverage on any previous home separately. TDI advice on avoiding coverage gaps
Keep the unanswered questions visible
If an inspection, roof condition or other requirement is unresolved, ask what must happen next and who owns it. No fixed turnaround time is promised here. Use the home insurance page and roof settlement guide to prepare for the conversation. Final availability and terms require an individual review.