Renewal Letter Checklist
Read your homeowners renewal in 10 minutes. Put this year's dec page next to last year's. Coverage names vary by insurer, but every policy has these pieces.
On Instagram or Facebook? Tap ··· at the top right and choose “Open in browser” first, then download.
- Premium change. Write down this year's premium and last year's. If it went up, look for the explanation letter or reason codes that came with the renewal.
- Dwelling coverage (usually Coverage A). Did it change? Compare it to the replacement cost estimate your insurer disclosed. Colorado law (HB23-1174) requires insurers to disclose that estimate before issuing or renewing a policy. Is it close to what it would cost to rebuild this house today?
- Extended replacement cost. Is there an endorsement that pays above your dwelling limit if rebuilding runs over? What percentage?
- Deductibles. Find two: the all-other-perils deductible and a separate wind/hail deductible. Is wind/hail a flat dollar amount or a percentage? A 1% deductible on a $500,000 dwelling limit is $5,000 out of pocket.
- Roof. How are roof claims paid: replacement cost, actual cash value, or a payment schedule based on roof age? Check the endorsements.
- Loss of use. If you couldn't live in the house for six months, would this cover rent nearby?
- Personal property. Is it replacement cost or actual cash value?
- Liability. What's the limit, and do you have an umbrella policy on top of it?
- Water backup. Sewer and sump backup is usually excluded unless you've added it.
- What changed. Compare the endorsement lists year over year. Anything removed or added?
Stuck on any of these? Send me both dec pages and book 10 minutes, and I'll walk you through what I see.