Are You Really Getting the Best Home Insurance Deal?

Shopping for home insurance can feel overwhelming, especially with rising premiums since 2022. Many homeowners are searching for lower rates, and unfortunately, some insurance agents take advantage of that by misrepresenting coverage to appear cheaper.

Recently, one of our clients reached out after receiving a quote from another agent that promised huge savings—but when we reviewed it, we found major coverage gaps that could cost them thousands in a real claim.

If you’re comparing home insurance quotes, this story might save you from making a costly mistake.

The $800 “Savings” That Wasn’t a Savings at All

A long-time client of ours emailed us about their home insurance renewal. Their rate had increased, like most policies these days, so they decided to shop around.

Another agent told them:
✅ They could save $600 with an “apples to apples” policy comparison
✅ They could save an additional $200 if they reduced their home’s insured value from $340,000 to $300,000

That’s a total of $800 in savings per year! Sounds great, right?

Not so fast. 🚨

The client wisely sent us the new quote to review, and here’s what we found:

5 Hidden Coverage Gaps That Could Cost You Thousands

Despite claiming to be “apples to apples,” the new quote was anything but. Here’s what was missing or reduced:

1️⃣ No Extended Replacement Cost Coverage

This is one of the most important coverages on a home insurance policy. It ensures that if rebuilding costs increase due to inflation or labor shortages, your insurance will still cover it.

Without this coverage, if rebuilding costs exceed your policy limits, you’re paying out of pocket.

2️⃣ Lower Coverage Limits Across the Board

The quote reduced liability limits, personal property protection, and other essential coverages, exposing our client to higher risks in a claim situation.

3️⃣ Five Essential Coverages Were Missing

The new policy excluded key coverages that the client’s existing policy included. This could mean no coverage for water damage, identity theft protection, or additional living expenses if they needed to temporarily relocate after a disaster.

4️⃣ Lowered Dwelling Coverage to Cut Costs

This agent manipulated the home’s insured value by downgrading materials in the quote.

5️⃣ Misrepresented Home Features to Justify a Lower Value

Our client had custom kitchens and bathrooms with high-end materials. However, the agent classified their home as having “standard builder-grade materials”—cheap countertops, prefab cabinets, and lower-quality finishes.

🚨 Why is this a problem? Come claim time, the insurance company would only pay for builder-grade replacements, NOT the custom materials the homeowner actually has.

How to Compare Home Insurance Quotes the Right Way

If you’re shopping for home insurance in the state of Oklahoma, here’s how to spot misleading quotes and protect yourself:

✅ Ask for a detailed breakdown of coverage (not just the price!)
✅ Look beyond the premium – cheaper isn’t always better!
✅ Check for missing or reduced coverages
✅ Verify that your home’s features are correctly listed
✅ Work with a trusted agent who explains everything clearly

💡 Pro Tip: If a quote sounds too good to be true, let an expert review it before you switch!

The Hidden Danger of “Cheaper” Insurance

In the event of a disaster, the wrong insurance policy could leave you paying out of pocket for repairs, legal claims, or even rebuilding your home.

Choosing a policy based only on price can cost you thousands when you actually need to file a claim.

That’s why it’s essential to work with an insurance agency you trust—one that ensures you have the right coverage before it’s too late.