Let’s be honest. Getting a home insurance quote doesn’t top anyone’s list of fun things to do. A lot of people assume it’s a long, frustrating process filled with obscure questions and time-consuming forms. While it used to be that way, modern quoting tools and smart data systems have changed the game.
The truth? It’s probably easier than you think. If you’re working with a brokerage like Armour Insurance, we’ll do most of the heavy lifting for you. Let’s walk through how quoting works, why certain questions matter, and how we make it as smooth and painless as possible.
The first thing most people don’t realize is just how much information we can access instantly. At Armour, we use a system called Applied ITV to pull data on your home. This tool gives us a starting point with information like:
That’s a pretty good chunk of what we need without you having to lift a finger. From there, we’re just confirming that the details are accurate and making any corrections if needed.
The ITV system isn’t perfect. Sometimes the square footage is off, or the roof type is outdated. But it gives us a solid foundation to build your quote more efficiently.
Once we’ve got the basics, we’ll ask a few additional questions. This is where people start to get overwhelmed but don’t worry. We’ll walk you through each one and explain why we’re asking.
These questions help us make sure we’re placing your insurance with a company that fits your specific risk profile. Here's what we're looking for:
Electrical systems are one of the biggest risk factors in older homes. We’re hoping to hear that your home has copper wiring and a 100 amp service with a modern breaker box.
Homes with outdated aluminum or knob-and-tube wiring are at a significantly higher risk for fire. Insurers will typically decline coverage altogether if older wiring is present or charge much higher premiums.
If you’re not sure what kind of wiring you have, we have a helpful guide to help you figure that out quickly.
Water damage is one of the most common home insurance claims, so plumbing is a big deal.
PEX, copper, or PVC plumbing are ideal. Polybutylene (Poly-B) and galvanized steel pipes are a higher risk. These materials have a history of failures and leaks and can be difficult to insure.
If you’re unsure about what type of plumbing your home has, don’t panic. We have a helpful guide to aid in identifying what kind of plumbing your home uses.
Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements. Insurance companies care about the age and material of your roof because it plays a major role in preventing wind, hail, and water damage.
Architectural shingles or metal roofing under 20 or 25 years old are generally the standard. A roof over 25 years old or made with 3-tab shingles is more likely to leak or fail in extreme weather, which may result in higher premiums or limited coverage.
If you don’t know the age of your roof, we have a guide to walk you through the answer.
These devices can protect your basement from sewer backups and flooding. If your home has a sump pump, a backwater valve, or ideally both, that’s great news.
These flood prevention tools are often required for water damage coverage in many areas. Some insurers also offer discounts for having them in place.
Not sure if you have a backwater valve and/or sump pump? We have a guide to help you identify that.
These are less about eligibility and more about risk. The newer your furnace and water heater, the less likely they are to fail and cause problems like fires, gas leaks, or water damage.
If your systems are older, you may still be covered, but it’s good for us to know and may influence how much you pay. If you need help determining how old your home systems are, we have a guide for that.
Once we have all the key details we can generate a quote that makes sense for your home and your needs.
This is not just about speed. It’s about accuracy. A rushed quote that skips questions might look fine on the surface, but it could leave you:
We work with a range of insurance companies to find a match that works best for your home, your risk profile, and your budget. That’s the value of working with a broker. We do the shopping for you.
A lot of people assume they have to wait until their policy renews to make a switch, but that’s not always true, especially when it comes to home insurance.
Most home insurance policies are cancelled pro rata. That means you only pay for the time you were insured. There’s usually no cancellation fee, and you’ll receive a refund for the unused portion of your premium.
This is different from auto insurance, where cancelling mid-term can sometimes come with a short-rate penalty that takes a bigger bite out of your refund. This isn’t true for every home insurance company. Some may have small admin fees or different cancellation terms. In most cases, switching is straightforward and cost-effective.
If you already have home insurance with another provider, getting a quote can be even simpler. Just send us a copy of your current policy and we can:
Even if your current policy seems fine, a review could reveal ways to improve your protection or save money.
We know the reputation insurance quoting has, and we don’t blame you for thinking it will be a headache. But the truth is, it’s quicker and easier than ever before. Most of the heavy lifting is done by our systems. The rest is just a few focused questions that help us protect your home the right way.
Want to see how easy it can be? Armour Insurance can help!
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