So I have to get insurance for my house — Now what?

I need insurance for my house — Where do I start?

As a veteran, buying a home is a monumental milestone, symbolizing stability and reward after years of service. However, the right homeowner insurance is crucial to safeguarding your investment. But it’s hard to know where to start. And even if you know a thing or two about homeowner insurance, you’re likely wondering, “Where should I get insurance for my house?”

Here are a few pointers to help.

Accurately assess your home’s value

Many believe the market price would be the only value to consider. But your home's true value encompasses much more. It's like looking at an iceberg: What’s visible above water is only a small fraction of the whole.

“By taking these lessons to heart, you can ensure that your home remains a safe haven, fortified and ready for whatever may come.”

The true value includes the cost to rebuild, not just the purchase price. Think of your house as a patchwork quilt, with each piece representing the labor, materials and craftsmanship that went into it. When insuring your home, consider what it would take to replace each piece of that quilt if disaster struck. Engage with a professional to get an accurate estimate of rebuilding costs, including materials and labor, so your coverage reflects the full value of your home.

Understand the exclusions in any policy you consider

Many who failed to pay much attention to the fine print have learned the hard way that the devil is indeed in the details. Homeowner insurance policies can have specific exclusions that may not cover some types of damage. You don’t want policy exclusions to catch you off guard when you least expect it (and least need another nasty surprise).

For instance, some policies may not cover natural disasters like floods or earthquakes, which can be devastating. If your home is in a flood-prone area, you might need separate flood insurance. It's like equipping your home with a fortified bunker to withstand specific threats. Take the time to understand what your policy excludes and consider additional coverage if necessary.

Leverage veteran benefits

Many insurance providers offer significant perks for veterans, recognizing their service and commitment. These perks can include special coverages and terms to make it easy for active duty service members and veterans to get the protection and value they need.

When shopping for insurance, always ask about veteran-specific benefits. Some insurers even have special programs tailored to the unique needs of veterans, offering more comprehensive coverage options at competitive rates. This not only helps you save money but also ensures you get a policy that respects and understands your service background.

Do your homework; be prepared

If you’re still thinking, “How do I know when I find the right insurance for my house?” take heart. These simple points will make your homeowner insurance journey smoother. Recognize the full value of your home; know your policy exclusions and leverage veteran perks. 

You deserve to feel secure in your home, knowing you and your family are protected against life’s unexpected events. By taking these lessons to heart, you can ensure that your home remains a safe haven, fortified and ready for whatever may come. As you seek the right homeowner insurance for you, remember to look beneath the surface, scrutinize the fine print and unearth the benefits you deserve.

Armed Forces Insurance: home insurance for veterans from people you can trust

Armed Forces Insurance has been a trusted advisor to American armed forces service members and veterans for more than 135 years. We’re not a giant corporate skyscraper full of slick insurance executives. We’re a small company headquartered just down the road from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. We know each other, and our customers know us. If you’re looking for someone you can trust to shoot you straight and help you protect your home and property, check out our homeowner insurance page.

Learn more about home insurance:

VA Homeowner Benefits

Veterans home insurance: straight talk

Do I need flood insurance?

Homeowners Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)