Home Insurance Buying Guide
Everything you need to know about protecting your home in Illinois. Expert advice on coverage, costs, and choosing the right policy.
Quick Guide Highlights
• Understanding different types of coverage
• How to determine coverage amounts
• Factors affecting your premium
• Common discounts and savings
• Claims process overview
• Illinois-specific considerations
Step-by-Step Buying Process
Follow these steps to ensure you get the right coverage for your home
Assess Your Needs
Calculate the replacement cost of your home and inventory your personal belongings to determine coverage needs.
Estimate Coverage
Determine appropriate coverage levels for dwelling, personal property, liability, and additional living expenses.
Compare Quotes
Get quotes from multiple insurance carriers to find the best coverage at competitive rates.
Review Policies
Carefully review coverage details, deductibles, exclusions, and additional endorsements available.
Choose Coverage
Select the policy that best matches your needs and budget with appropriate protection levels.
Complete Purchase
Finalize your policy by providing necessary documentation and setting up payment arrangements.
Need help with any of these steps?
Our agents are here to guide you through the entire process.
Understanding Coverage Types
A comprehensive home insurance policy includes several types of coverage to protect your home and assets
Dwelling Coverage
Protects the physical structure of your home against covered perils.
- Main house structure
- Attached garage
- Built-in appliances
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Foundation and roof
Personal Property
Covers your belongings and personal items inside the home.
- Furniture and electronics
- Clothing and jewelry
- Kitchen appliances
- Sports equipment
- Personal collections
Liability Protection
Provides financial protection if you're sued for property damage or injuries.
- Bodily injury coverage
- Property damage to others
- Legal defense costs
- Medical payments
- Personal injury protection
Additional Structures
Covers structures on your property separate from your main home.
- Detached garage
- Storage sheds
- Fences and gates
- Swimming pools
- Gazebos and pergolas
Loss of Use
Covers additional living expenses if you can't live in your home due to a covered loss.
- Temporary housing costs
- Additional food expenses
- Pet boarding fees
- Moving costs
- Storage unit rental
Additional Coverage
Optional endorsements to enhance your policy's protection.
- Water backup coverage
- Extended replacement cost
- Scheduled personal property
- Business property
- Identity theft protection
Not sure which coverages you need?
Our agents can help you customize your policy to match your specific needs.
What Affects Your Rates?
Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your coverage and potentially save money
Home Value
The cost to rebuild your home is the primary factor in determining your dwelling coverage amount.
Location
Your area's crime rate, proximity to fire stations, and natural disaster risks affect rates.
Claims History
Previous claims on your property or by you can increase premiums.
Security Features
Security systems, smoke detectors, and other safety features can lower rates.
Fire Protection
Distance to fire hydrants and fire station response time impact rates.
Deductible Choice
Higher deductibles generally result in lower premium payments.
Home Size
Larger homes typically cost more to insure due to higher replacement costs.
Construction Type
Building materials and construction quality affect insurance costs.
Systems Age
Age of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems impacts risk assessment.
Protective Devices
Smart home monitoring and water leak detection systems can reduce rates.
Want to learn how these factors affect your rate?
Get a personalized quote with our expert agents.
Resources & References
Our information is sourced from trusted industry experts and government organizations.
Illinois Department of Insurance
Official state resource for insurance regulations and consumer information
FEMA Disaster Declarations
Historical data on Illinois natural disasters and emergency declarations
Insurance Information Institute
Research and statistics on home insurance trends and claims data
National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Insurance company ratings and consumer protection resources
All statistics and information are current as of 2024. Please refer to the original sources for the most up-to-date data.