Read the renewal package—not only the premium
Compare the new declarations pages with the current policy. Look for changes in limits, deductibles, endorsements, discounts, vehicle details, mortgage or lienholder information and named insureds. Read every carrier notice included with the renewal.
A premium change may reflect rating, exposure, coverage or underwriting changes. Ask what changed before reducing protection to solve a price problem.
- Compare old and new declarations pages
- Read notices and endorsement changes
- Confirm payment plan and effective dates
- Ask for explanations of unfamiliar changes
Update the household and property facts
Tell the agency about moves, renovations, roof replacement, solar, pools, dogs, rental activity, home businesses, new drivers, students away at school and changes in vehicle use. Accurate information helps the carrier evaluate the actual risk.
Review rebuilding assumptions separately from home market value. Check personal-property limits and any special limits that apply to jewelry, art, firearms, collections, business property or other categories.
- List renovations and new property features
- Update all drivers and regular vehicle users
- Confirm mileage, commute and garaging
- Review valuables and home inventory totals
Coordinate home, auto and umbrella limits
Liability risk crosses policy lines. A serious auto claim can expose the same household assets that home or umbrella liability is intended to protect. Compare underlying limits and confirm they satisfy any umbrella requirements.
Also check whether separate policies have conflicting named insureds, addresses or household information. Coordination can matter as much as the individual limits.
Test deductibles against the emergency fund
Review every deductible in actual dollars and consider whether the household could pay it on short notice. Home and auto policies may have different deductibles for different types of losses.
Compare any premium savings from a higher deductible with the additional amount you would retain after a claim. The best choice is the one you understand and can fund—not automatically the lowest premium.
- List each home and auto deductible
- Check wind, hail, glass and collision separately
- Compare savings with additional out-of-pocket exposure
- Keep the selected amount available in emergency reserves
Finish with a documented decision
Keep the final quote, declarations pages and written answers to important coverage questions. Note which options you accepted or declined and why. Confirm the effective date and payment requirements before treating any change as complete.
No checklist can replace the actual policy. Review questions with a licensed insurance professional and rely on written carrier documents for final terms.
Official Arizona resources
Use these state sources to verify current requirements and consumer guidance.
Arizona DIFI insurance consumer informationArizona DIFI homeowners insurance information