Written by: Rich DeCicco | Co-founder of InsuRabbit.com | Updated on: October 8, 2026
How often should you shop for homeowners insurance? A good rule of thumb is to review your policy every year, ideally a few weeks before it renews, and to compare quotes whenever your premium jumps, your home changes, or your life changes.
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommends reviewing your homeowners coverage every year, and it notes that premiums can vary widely from one insurer to the next. As a result, a quick annual check can help you avoid paying more than you need to or carrying coverage that no longer fits your home.
Quick answer: Review your homeowners policy once a year before renewal. In addition, shop for new quotes when your premium rises noticeably, after a renovation or major purchase, when you move, marry, or retire, or when your insurer cancels or declines to renew your policy.
Why you should review your homeowners insurance regularly
Homeowners insurance is not a set-it-and-forget-it purchase. Instead, three things change over time: your home, your life, and the insurance market itself.
First, your home’s value and contents change. A new kitchen, a finished basement, or a new roof can change both what you need to insure and what you pay. Our guide to how much home insurance you need explains how to size your coverage.
Second, premiums move. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Federal Insurance Office reported in January 2025 that average homeowners premiums per policy rose 8.7 percent faster than inflation from 2018 to 2022, based on data collected through the NAIC.
Moreover, Treasury noted that some consumers saw much larger increases than the national average. For more context, see how inflation affects insurance rates.
Third, insurers change their pricing, discounts, and underwriting rules. Consequently, the company that offered you the best value three years ago may not offer it today.
When to shop for homeowners insurance
Although an annual review covers most situations, certain events call for a fresh comparison right away.
Before your policy renews
Your renewal notice is the most natural time to shop. Typically, insurers send it a few weeks ahead of the renewal date, so you have time to compare quotes before the new term starts. If your premium went up, ask your insurer why, and then compare offers from other companies.
After a major home change
Renovations, additions, and major upgrades can increase your home’s replacement cost. Likewise, new safety features, such as a monitored alarm or a new roof, may qualify you for discounts. In either case, update your insurer and compare quotes. If you added expensive jewelry, art, or collectibles, also look into extra coverage for valuables, since standard policies often limit coverage for these items.
After a life change
Marriage, divorce, retirement, or a new home-based business can all change what you need. For example, if you start working from home, your standard policy may not fully cover business equipment or liability; see whether you need insurance for a home-based business. Similarly, if you move, you need new coverage for the new property; our guide on telling your insurer when you move covers the steps.
When your insurer cancels or won’t renew
Sometimes the decision is not yours. Washington State’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner, for instance, explains that insurers in that state must send written notice 60 days before canceling or not renewing a homeowner policy, or 10 days for nonpayment. Notice rules differ by state, so check with your state insurance department. Either way, start shopping as soon as you receive a notice, because finding new coverage can take time.
How to shop for homeowners insurance
Once you decide to shop, a consistent process makes your comparison fair and useful.
- Gather your current policy. Start with your declarations page, which lists your coverage limits, deductibles, and endorsements.
- Reassess your coverage needs. Confirm that your dwelling limit reflects today’s rebuilding costs, not your purchase price.
- Compare equal coverage. Ask each insurer to quote the same limits and deductibles. Otherwise, a lower price may simply reflect less coverage. Our guide to comparing insurance quotes online walks through this step.
- Ask about discounts. The NAIC advises asking whether you qualify for discounts. Common examples include protective devices, claim-free history, and bundling your home and auto policies.
- Weigh your deductible. According to the NAIC, a higher deductible may lower your premium, but you should make sure you can afford it if you have a loss.
- Read the exclusions. Standard policies leave out certain risks. Therefore, review common homeowners insurance exclusions and consider useful coverage add-ons where they fit your situation.
- Check the insurer. Look beyond price. Your state insurance department and the NAIC publish consumer tools that can help you research an insurer’s complaint history.
For more ways to save, see our homeowners insurance savings tips.
How to switch without a gap in coverage
Switching insurers is usually straightforward; however, timing matters. Above all, do not cancel your old policy until your new one is in effect.
- Set the start date first. Choose a new policy start date that matches your current policy’s end date or cancellation date.
- Then cancel the old policy. Ask your previous insurer about any refund of unused premium.
- Tell your mortgage lender. If you pay your insurance through escrow, your lender needs proof of the new policy so it pays the right company.
Why does this matter? If your coverage lapses, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains that your mortgage servicer may buy force-placed insurance on your behalf. According to the CFPB, that coverage often protects only the lender, and it is usually more expensive than a policy you find yourself. Our step-by-step guide on switching home insurance companies covers the process in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I compare homeowners insurance quotes?
Review your policy every year before it renews, as the NAIC recommends. In addition, compare quotes whenever your premium rises noticeably or your home or life changes significantly.
Is it bad to switch homeowners insurance often?
Not necessarily. However, some insurers offer loyalty or claim-free discounts, so compare the full cost, including any discounts you would lose, before you switch.
Can I switch homeowners insurance before my policy renews?
Generally, yes. Many insurers let you cancel mid-term and refund unused premium, although some may charge a cancellation fee. Check your policy, and make sure your new coverage starts before your old coverage ends.
Does shopping for homeowners insurance affect my credit?
In many states, insurers may use credit-based insurance scores to set rates. Ask each insurer how it reviews credit and whether its quote involves a credit check, because practices and state rules vary.
What should I compare besides price?
Compare coverage limits, deductibles, exclusions, available endorsements, discounts, and the insurer’s complaint record and claims service. A cheaper policy that leaves gaps can cost more after a loss.
Do I need to tell my mortgage lender if I change insurers?
Yes, in most cases. If your lender pays your premium from an escrow account, it needs proof of your new policy. Otherwise, it may keep paying your old insurer or buy coverage on your behalf.
The bottom line
So, how often should you shop for homeowners insurance? Plan to review your policy every year before it renews. Beyond that, shop again when your premium rises, your home changes, your life changes, or your insurer drops you. Ultimately, the best policy is not always the cheapest one; rather, it is the one that fits your home, your budget, and your risks. When you are ready, you can compare homeowners insurance quotes on InsuRabbit at no cost.
