• Tweet ^[1]
• Email ^[2]

• Tweet ^[1]
• Email ^[2]

I called up Geico, with whom I have an automobile insurance policy, to see about getting homeowner’s insurance because I’ll need a policy in place before we close on Friday. I was basically completely unprepared for the battery of questions the CSR asked me but we struggled through it and came up with a quote on a $295,000 policy with a $500 deductible of $843/year. I’ll be sure to compare that rate with other insurers but $70/month seemed reasonable to me at first glance but I have no experience with homeowner’s insurance. However, I probably answered some of the questions inaccurately so if you’re going to get a quote, here are the questions you should have answers to:

These were sent to me in an email by the CSR, who worked for Travelers (underwrites policies for Geico):
Here is a list of questions of good to know information because they will probably ask this of you.

• Address of home
• County
• Year of construction
• Type of construction
• Square footage of home
• Type of roof material
• Condition of roof (Excellent, Good, Fair)
• Type of heat (Oil, gas, electric, other)
• Any form of alternate heat (woodstove, kerosene heater, or electric space heater)
• Distance to fire hydrant (in feet)
• Distance to fire department (in miles)
• Is there a garage?
• Is there a porch, deck, breezeway attached? What dimensions?
• Security/protective devices:
• Deadbolt locks?
• Are there smoke detectors?
• Do you own a fire extinguisher?
• If home is older than 1990
  • Year roof was replaced or original
  • Year heating was updated or original
• Electrical service- circuit breaker or fuse box?
• Purchase price/Current coverage amount
• If purchase price- contact person for lender, phone # and if possible, fax #

I hope that comprehensive list is helpful for someone so you don’t sound like a dope when you call in.

One company I’ve been told we should check out is Liberty Mutual because they give discounts to my alma mater. I’ll probably give them and perhaps one other company a call just to get an idea of the quality of the $843 quote.