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Texas Department of Insurance
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Tips to help you shop for homeowners insurance

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Shopping for home insurance is like shopping for any major purchase. It's a good idea to shop around to find the policy that best meets your needs and pocketbook.

  1. Choose your coverage

    There are different types of home insurance policies. Most mortgage companies will require that you have a replacement cost policy as a condition of your loan.

  2. Pick a coverage amount

    • Make sure you have enough coverage to replace your house and your personal property if they were destroyed.
    • Use our home inventory checklist to make a list of what you own.

  3. Look at other coverages

    Depending on where you live and what you’re insuring, you might need more coverage.

    • Flood insurance. Home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If your property is in a flood zone, your lender will require you to have flood insurance.
    • Windstorm and hail insurance. If you live on the Texas coast or in Harris County on Galveston Bay, your home policy might not cover wind and hail damage. The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association sells wind and hail coverage on the coast.
    • Extra coverage. You can get extra coverage for jewelry, art, electronics, and other expensive items.
    • Liability insurance. If you want more liability coverage, you can buy a separate umbrella policy. Make sure the agent or company explains the coverage.

  4. Choose a deductible

    A deductible is the amount you have to pay before the insurance company will pay a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

  5. Get price quotes

    • Use our home insurance shopping guide to learn what questions to ask.
    • Use TDI’s HelpInsure to get sample prices and compare policies. Then contact your top choices to get price quotes.
    • Call our Help Line at 800-252-3439 to make sure the company or agent you’re considering is licensed.

  6. Ask about discounts

    Most companies offer discounts. Discounts vary by company, but you might get a discount for:

    • Installing a home security alarm.
    • Having a fire sprinkler system.
    • Buying other policies with the same company.
    • Not filing any insurance claims in the past three years.

  7. Avoid gaps in coverage

    Never cancel a policy until you get your new policy or a written statement of coverage. Keep shopping if a company turns you down. If you have trouble finding insurance, contact the Texas FAIR Plan at 800-979-6440.

  8. Trouble finding insurance?

    Keep shopping if a company turns you down. If you can’t find an insurance company to sell you a policy, contact the Texas FAIR Plan at 800-979-6440.

Resources

 

Questions? Call us at 800-252-3439.

Last updated: 12/19/2025