Buying a home: the insurance timeline before closing

Home · Updated October 2026

As soon as you are under contract

Call us when you have an accepted offer, not the week of closing. Homeowners insurance can be harder to place than people expect, especially for older homes or older roofs, and some issues only surface during a quote.

Have these handy:

• The property address
• Year built and approximate square footage
• Roof age and material, if known (the seller's disclosure may list it)
• Heating, electrical and plumbing updates, if known
• Your current auto policy, if you want to compare a bundle

The inspection matters to insurance too

Your home inspection can reveal things insurers care about: roof condition, outdated electrical panels, old plumbing, or foundation issues. Share anything significant with us. It is better to learn that a roof affects eligibility now, when you can negotiate with the seller, than after closing.

What your lender needs

• An insurance binder or declarations page showing coverage starting on your closing date
• Dwelling coverage at least equal to the loan amount or the replacement cost, depending on the lender
• The mortgagee clause: the lender's name and address listed on the policy
• Proof that the first year's premium is paid, or will be paid at closing from escrow

We send these documents directly to your lender or title company.

Decisions to make before closing

• Dwelling coverage amount, based on rebuild cost. See how much dwelling coverage you need.
• Deductibles, including any wind and hail percentage deductible
• Roof settlement terms. See actual cash value vs replacement cost.
• Water backup, especially with a finished basement
• Liability limits, and whether an umbrella makes sense
• Flood coverage, which has a waiting period, so decide early

Bundle with your auto?

Moving is a good time to re-shop auto too. We can price home and auto together and separately, so you see whether bundling actually saves money.

After closing

• Keep your declarations page handy
• Note your renewal date and whether the premium is paid through escrow
• Take a video inventory of your belongings once you move in

Escrow, explained

Most lenders collect homeowners premiums through escrow: a portion of each mortgage payment goes into an account, and the lender pays your insurance at renewal. If your premium rises at renewal, your monthly mortgage payment rises too, sometimes with a shortage payment. When that happens, it's a good moment to have your coverage re-shopped.

Closing date changes

Closings move. If yours does, tell us so the policy's effective date matches. Coverage that starts after closing leaves you uninsured; coverage that starts too early is usually easy to adjust.

Moving your belongings

During a move, your belongings may be covered under your old homeowners or renters policy, your new policy, or the moving company's limited liability. Ask before moving day.

Common questions

When should I get homeowners insurance when buying a home?

As soon as you are under contract. Some homes are harder to insure than expected.

What does my lender need?

A binder or declarations page with coverage starting at closing, adequate dwelling coverage, the lender listed as mortgagee, and proof of payment.

Can you send documents to my lender?

Yes. We send them directly to your lender or title company.

Should I buy flood insurance before closing?

If you want it, decide early. Flood policies usually have a waiting period.

Related

• Home insurance
• How much dwelling coverage do you need?
• Your roof: actual cash value or replacement cost?
• Personal umbrella insurance: what it is and who needs it

Questions about your own situation? Call 417.206.3733 or send us your current policy. We are licensed in Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, and you can buy by phone without coming in.