A West Texas Homeowner’s Guide to Reviewing Home Insurance
If your homeowners insurance renewal is approaching, it can be tempting to look at the new premium, make the payment and move on.
But your renewal is also an opportunity to take a closer look at your coverage.
For homeowners in Midland, Odessa, Midland County, Ector County and throughout West Texas, changes to your home, roof, household, vehicles or insurance needs may make it worthwhile to review your policy before your renewal date.
Short Answer
Before renewing your homeowners insurance, consider reviewing your premium, coverage limits, deductibles, roof information, available endorsements, discounts and any significant changes you’ve made to your home.
If something has changed—or you simply haven’t reviewed your insurance recently—you may also want to compare available options before your renewal.
Starting before the last minute gives you more time to ask questions and understand your choices.
1. Has Your Home Insurance Premium Changed?
Start by comparing your upcoming renewal premium with what you’re currently paying.
An increase doesn’t automatically mean you should change insurance companies.
Insurance premiums can change for a variety of reasons, and each insurance company has its own rates, rating factors and underwriting guidelines.
However, a significant change may be a good reason to review your policy and understand your available options.
2. Review Your Coverage Limits
Don’t look only at the premium.
Review the coverage shown on your policy, including items such as:
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Dwelling coverage
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Other structures
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Personal property
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Additional living expenses
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Personal liability
Your insurance needs can change over time, particularly after remodeling or other significant changes to your property.
3. Understand Your Deductibles
West Texas homeowners should pay attention to the deductibles shown on their policies.
Depending on the policy, different deductibles may apply to different types of losses.
Make sure you understand the deductibles shown on your policy and how they may apply before deciding whether to renew or change coverage.
4. Check Your Roof Information
Roof information can be an important consideration in homeowners insurance.
If you’ve replaced your roof since your policy was originally written, consider notifying your insurance agent or company and providing any documentation they request so your policy information can be reviewed and updated when appropriate.
Roof underwriting requirements, eligibility and coverage provisions vary by insurance company and policy.
5. Have You Made Improvements to Your Home?
Homes change over time.
Maybe you’ve:
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Remodeled your kitchen
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Renovated a bathroom
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Added a patio or outdoor structure
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Added square footage
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Completed other significant improvements
Consider discussing substantial changes with your insurance professional to determine whether your policy information should be updated.
6. Should You Review Your Home AND Auto Insurance?
Your home insurance renewal can also be an opportunity to review your auto insurance.
Some insurance companies offer multi-policy discounts when eligible home and auto policies are placed with the same company.
However, bundling isn’t automatically the best option for every household.
Consider the overall coverage, deductibles, available discounts, policy features and total premium when comparing your options.
7. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
If you decide to compare insurance options, consider starting before your renewal date.
Insurance companies have different eligibility and underwriting requirements, and additional information or inspections may sometimes be needed.
Giving yourself time allows you to ask questions, compare available options and make a more informed decision.
Why This Matters for Midland & Odessa Homeowners
Homeowners throughout Midland, Odessa and the Permian Basin can face insurance considerations involving severe weather, roofs, rebuilding costs and changing carrier underwriting requirements.
That doesn’t mean every West Texas homeowner needs to change insurance companies at renewal.
It does mean your renewal can be a useful opportunity to make sure your policy information is accurate and that you understand the coverage you’re purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I shop my homeowners insurance every year?
Not necessarily.
Some homeowners remain with the same insurance company for many years, while others periodically compare available options.
Your individual circumstances, coverage, premium and preferences should guide your decision.
How early should I start reviewing my home insurance renewal?
There isn’t one timeframe that works for everyone.
Starting before the last minute can provide more time to review your existing policy, gather information, compare available options and ask questions.
Should I compare my auto insurance at the same time?
It may be worthwhile.
Some households qualify for multi-policy discounts, but coverage, eligibility, discounts and pricing vary by insurance company.
Can Killebrew review insurance I currently have with another company?
Yes.
If you’d like a second opinion, we can review the policy information you provide, answer questions about the information shown, and discuss available options through the insurance companies we represent, subject to eligibility and underwriting requirements.
Get a Second Opinion Before You Renew
Already have home and auto insurance?
Before you automatically renew—or decide to switch—consider getting a second opinion.
At Killebrew Insurance LLC, we help homeowners throughout Midland, Odessa, Midland County, Ector County and West Texas review the insurance information they provide and better understand available options.
If you’d like us to take a look, have your current home and auto declarations pages available.
We can review the information you provide, answer your questions and discuss available options through the insurance companies we represent, subject to eligibility and underwriting requirements.
Whether you ultimately stay with your current insurance company or decide to make a change, our goal is to help you make an informed decision.
Killebrew Insurance LLC
Midland: 432-694-0508
Odessa: 432-332-6322
Website: www.killebrewinsurance.com
Helpful Resources
For additional consumer information about homeowners insurance, policy renewals, deductibles and reviewing your coverage, visit the Texas Department of Insurance:
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How to Shop Smart for Home Insurance
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Is Your Home Policy Up for Renewal? Here’s What to Look For
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How to Read Your Auto or Home Insurance Declarations Page
These resources provide general consumer information about insurance shopping, coverage, deductibles, roof information and policy declarations.
Important Insurance Information
This article is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to provide specific insurance, legal or financial advice.
Coverage, pricing, discounts, eligibility, underwriting requirements, claims handling and policy provisions vary by insurance company, policy and individual circumstances. Please review your individual insurance needs and policy documents with a licensed insurance professional.
