I’m a new homeowner and feeling overwhelmed trying to choose from the various homeowners insurance providers out there. I’ve heard good and bad things about different companies, but it’s hard to get a clear picture. Based on your experiences, which providers have been reliable when it comes to claims and which ones should I avoid?
My insurance broker was a lifesaver. They got me a quote that was at least $300 cheaper per year than the cheapest of the 8 or 9 quotes I found myself, and the coverage was far better. This shows how helpful it can be to have someone shop around for you.
When I decided to bundle my home and auto insurance, I was surprised to see that the discount on my car insurance was significant. It basically covered the cost of the umbrella policy I added, making it feel like I got it for free. This bundling strategy definitely saved me money.
I make it a point to shop around for home insurance every couple of years. The last time I did this, the yearly estimates I received for my small house varied wildly, from a low of $732 to almost $6,000 for the exact same coverage limits. It really opened my eyes to the importance of getting multiple quotes.
After my house suffered major damage from a natural gas explosion (which wasn’t my fault), Travelers covered our temporary housing, including a hotel and then a rental home with furniture, which amounted to a positive experience despite the stressful situation. This coverage helped us immensely during a difficult time.