Use dotted terms for definitions. You can also browse the glossary.
Before you decide
- Quotes with different terms cannot be compared by premium alone.
- An unanswered question stays unknown until the partner confirms it.
- Use the actual proposal, declarations and endorsements, not only a summary email.
First align the property, use and dates
Before comparing prices, make sure the proposals describe the same address, ownership entity, units, occupancy, work and coverage dates. A long-term rental proposal and a vacant renovation proposal are different arrangements even if they refer to the same building.
Ask for the insurer, proposed form and relevant endorsements. Confirm the named insured and requested lender details. Keep a date beside each document so a revised quote is not compared against an obsolete set of terms.
A coverage-first comparison worksheet
| Compare | Proposal A | Proposal B | Question to resolve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use, units and insured parties | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | Do both accept the same activity? |
| Building limit and valuation | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | What estimate and settlement basis? |
| Roof, water and covered causes | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | What restrictions or exclusions? |
| Deductibles by peril | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | What basis and dollar exposure? |
| Liability and owner contents | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | Who, what and which activities? |
| Rental value / income | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | Trigger, time and dollar limits? |
| Sublimits / ordinance / endorsements | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | How do they change the result? |
| Premium, fees and installments | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | Same policy period and payment basis? |
| Effective date and conditions | Record / unknown | Record / unknown | What must happen before cover starts? |
Worked example: lower price, different exposure
Hypothetical A costs $1,800 per year with a $1,000 deductible. Hypothetical B costs $1,500 with a $5,000 deductible. B’s $300 annual saving comes with $4,000 additional deductible exposure, before considering any other differences.
Now suppose roof settlement also differs. The deductible tool alone cannot establish the better policy because a different valuation provision may change the payment. Request the actual provision and written clarification. Do not label B “best” just because its premium is lower.
Keep missing answers visible
A blank income limit, unclear roof endorsement or unexplained percentage deductible should remain a question. Do not fill an unknown with a number from a national average, another property or a calculator default.
- Ask which document controls the term.
- Request a written answer specific to this proposal.
- Record any revised price or condition with its date.
- Check the lender’s actual requirements where applicable.
Turn the comparison into a useful inquiry
Summarize the property’s actual use and list the few differences that matter most to your decision. Ask for clarification of the precise clause rather than “Is everything covered?” Keep supporting documents in an appropriate private channel agreed with the partner.
The existing inquiry form can request partner follow-up. Submission is not a quote, binder or confirmation that coverage has started. Only the actual offered terms and binding process can establish that result.
Sources & scope
- Texas Department of Insurance: What to know about deductibles
Flat and percentage deductible examples, updated October 14, 2024. Read the actual contractual basis.
- Travelers: Landlord versus homeowners insurance
Carrier-specific explanation of property use and coverage differences; actual forms vary.
Sources checked October 24, 2026. General descriptions do not replace the policy, endorsements, declarations or an insurer’s coverage determination. Examples are hypothetical unless explicitly identified otherwise.
Continue your field guide
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