How to Switch Homeowners Insurance: 6 Steps to Change Providers & Save (2026)

When switching homeowners insurance, homeowners should review their current policies and mortgages before buying a new policy.

Homeowners should also be careful to avoid a coverage lapse by canceling their existing policy only after their new policy starts.

Making a switch to a different home insurance company can have several benefits for homeowners.

How to Switch Homeowners Insurance Providers

Advantages of switching range from lowering your home insurance rates to improving the level of protection of your home.

Our guide covers everything you need to know about switching home insurance providers, from common mistakes to avoid to average home insurance rates.

Want to jump right into shopping for an affordable home insurance provider? Enter your ZIP in our free quote tool.

6 Steps to Switching Home Insurance Providers

The process of changing homeowners insurance policies is generally straightforward for most customers.

Most homeowners can switch home insurance providers at any time. However, homeowners need to do it correctly to avoid coverage gaps, since lenders require home insurance. Learn More: Is home insurance required?

Homeowners in the process of switching providers should make sure that they review their current policy and compare free quotes online before switching.

Homeowners should also check with their mortgage lender to make sure their new policy meets the lender’s requirements. Read on for a full breakdown of each step in switching home insurance companies.

Step #1: Go Over Current Home Policy

The first step in shopping for a new home insurance provider is to review your existing policy. You can access all your home insurance information on your insurance declaration page.

You will want to check details like your dwelling coverage limits, deductibles, and renewal date.

You can use this information to compare your current policy to other offers. It will help you determine if a different provider offers a better deal on coverage.

Any fees for canceling early will also be listed on the home insurance declaration page. Usually, a fee is only charged if a homeowner cancels before the end of a policy period.

Step #2: Get Several Quotes for Home Insurance

Homeowners looking to reduce their home insurance costs should take the time to compare quotes from several companies. We recommend getting quotes from at least three insurance providers. Enter your ZIP code to get free quotes now.

When requesting quotes, make sure you enter the information correctly, so you get a more accurate estimate. There will be several factors that affect your quote.

Some of the biggest factors that will affect the home insurance quotes are your home’s age, your claims history, and your coverage level. Learn about how to compare premiums: How to Compare Home Insurance Quotes

If you are getting high quotes, comparing rates after making improvements to your home could result in lower rates. For example, upgrading your roof before getting quotes could result in lower rates.

Step #3: Decide What Coverages You Need

It is also important to consider the coverages you want on your home insurance policy, especially if you want your new policy to provide the same level of protection as your old policy.

If you have recently made improvements to your home, such as expensive upgrades, you may also want to look for higher coverage levels.

Make sure to let your homeowner’s company know about any significant changes to your home.

Having the right homeowners insurance coverage on your home is vital to make sure you are financially protected.

In fact, coverage is the second most common reason homeowners switch, accounting for 27% of company switches.

Homeowners may switch to better coverage for several reasons. For example, homeowners may have made upgrades to their home and need a higher level of protection than their current company offers.

Homeowners in high-risk areas may also be struggling to find coverage for their homes, such as homeowners in high-risk flood areas. In some cases, homeowners may have to get coverage through a national insurance program, like the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program for homeowners who can’t get coverage through normal insurers.

Step #4: Review Home Mortgage Terms

If you own your home outright and don’t have a mortgage, you won’t need to worry about checking your home mortgage terms. However, most homeowners will need to do this step.

If you have a mortgage, your lender has specific requirements for loan holders regarding the homeowners insurance coverage they must carry.

You should always verify your lender’s insurance requirements before signing up for a new policy to make sure you are getting the correct coverage.

The last thing you want is to buy a new policy that doesn’t meet your lender’s requirements.

Your new insurance company can help ensure you purchase the right types of insurance per your lender’s requirements. Read More: Types of Home Insurance 

Once you provide proof of the necessary insurance coverage, you won’t have to worry about force-placed insurance.

Step #5: Buy Your New Home Insurance Policy

Before canceling your existing home insurance policy, it is important to purchase your new policy first. This way, there is no lapse in protection.

When selecting a new home insurance policy, it is important to carefully consider several factors of the company and the policy. By doing this, you can ensure that you are getting coverage from one of the best home insurance companies.

What to Compare Before Switching Homeowners Insurance

For example, you will want to look at additional endorsements offered by the company, their claims response ratings, and more.

Taking the time to research company ratings and policy features will help you avoid having to switch again in the near future because you are unsatisfied with the services.

Step #6: Cancel Your Old Homeowners Coverage

The final step in switching home insurance providers is to cancel your old home insurance policy.

When canceling with your insurance, make sure that you receive confirmation of the cancellation. You will want to keep the cancellation notification for your records.

Required Documents for Switching Homeowners Insurance

You will also want to keep your new insurance documentation page, your mortgage details, and other important paperwork regarding your home insurance.

Having this information makes it easily accessible in case you need to reference it in the future. This is especially important if you have unresolved claims with your old insurance company, as you will still be working with them until the claim is resolved.

Related: Clue Report: How Claims History Affects Insurance Rates

Comparing Home Insurance Prices Before Switching

The cost of home insurance varies based on several factors, such as location, insurer, and coverage limits. If you are moving to a new state, you can expect a premium change based on local risk factors when shopping for the best home insurance rates by state.

The insurance company you choose can have a big impact on your home insurance rates. On average, Travelers and Progressive have among the lowest home insurance rates.

Homeowners Insurance Monthly Rates by Dwelling Coverage

Companies that tend to have higher average rates include companies like Auto-Owners Insurance. Rates for a $200K average $161 per month at Auto-Owners Insurance.

In addition to your choice of company and the amount of dwelling coverage you need, the area you live in will also impact home insurance rates. This is due to factors like crime and weather.

Some of the states with the highest home insurance rates include Florida and Texas. Enter your ZIP code to compare rates in your state right now.

Cheap states, on the other hand, include states like Vermont and Oregon. Related: Best Home Insurance in Vermont

Reducing Your Home Insurance Costs

Switching home insurance providers is often one of the most effective ways to reduce rates, but there are other ways homeowners can save.

For example, homeowners can ask their company for discounts to see if there are ways to reduce rates without compromising coverage.

A popular discount is a home and auto insurance bundling discount. To qualify for this discount, a homeowner must purchase both plans from the same company. Find out more: Best Auto and Home Insurance Bundles

There may also be other small home insurance discounts, like pay-in-full or paperless discounts. Even small discounts can add up to significant savings over time for homeowners.

Homeowners can also improve their credit score, increase their deductibles, or improve their home security to reduce their rates.

For example, installing a smart home security device reduces the risk of break-ins and theft, which can lower your rate. If you have installed any home security measures, make sure to let your company know.

What to Know Before Switching Insurance Providers

It is important to avoid common mistakes when switching policies to ensure a smooth transition between companies.

For example, canceling too early, before your new home insurance policy starts, will leave you with a coverage gap. If something happens to your home during the coverage gap, you won’t be protected and will be stuck paying the costs out of pocket.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Home Insurance

Not notifying your lender is another common mistake and can result in issues with your mortgage.

Lenders typically require homeowners to have continuous insurance coverage. Issues with a homeowners insurance could lead lenders to assign force-placed insurance to a homeowner, which is typically much more expensive.

And although you can switch your home insurance policy at any time, some times are better than others for savings on home insurance premiums.

For example, you may want to get a new policy after renovations are complete if you are making home upgrades. This will ensure that you get the lowest quote possible.

Best Times to Switch Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners who get multiple quotes can rest easy knowing they scored the best rate possible.

Use our free quote tool to start shopping for home insurance quotes today. It will help you find the best deal on home insurance in your area.