Updated: August 9, 2025
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The average time to get a home insurance policies across companies is 48 hours with a range of 30 minutes to 5 days or more depending on the property and company.
Homeowners insurance quotes take minutes using online tools, but a few hours if you work with an agent or broker. Fully digital providers have a faster buying experience than traditional agents.
High-risk homes will take longer to insure due to thorough underwriting reviews, additional inspections and the need for specialized coverage options.
You can get homeowners insurance within 30 minutes from online providers and it will take five days or more for high-risk-properties or complex insurance policies. The time to get home insurance depends on how you apply, the insurer’s process and underwriting needs, and the specifics of your home. Here's a breakdown of each step and how long it takes:
Getting a quote | 3 minutes to a few hours | Request quotes online, by phone or through a broker. Online tools are fastest, while agents offer personalized advice but take longer |
Submitting your application | Minutes to one day | Fill out forms with property details, personal info and coverage preferences. Many insurers allow online completion |
Underwriting review | Hours to five days or more for high-risk homes. | The insurer evaluates your home's risk based on condition, location and past claims. Higher-risk homes may need inspections or more documentation |
Policy approval and signing | Minutes to and up to a full day | Once underwriting is complete, your insurer issues the final policy for review and signature. You can sign electronically |
Confirmation of coverage | Minutes to two days (binder: 1–48 hours) | After signing, you'll receive official proof of coverage. Request a binder for urgent needs — a temporary document confirming active insurance |
You can get home insurance faster with these strategies:
Insurance companies have moved digital, with only a few companies still requiring quotes through and agent. We recommend getting quotes from three to five companies.
Determine how much coverage you need. You need enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your home at current construction costs, plus personal property coverage equal to the value of your belongings (25 to 50% of dwelling coverage depending on the cost to rebuild your home).
Gather relevant info beforehand including your home's age, construction type, safety features and prior insurance history. Get your driver's license, Social Security number, mortgage information, current insurance declarations page and home inspection reports if available. See the full list of requirements below.
Complete applications online rather than over the phone to eliminate scheduling delays and processing time.
Apply outside of hurricane season (June-November) and wildfire season to avoid moratoriums and processing delays.
Digital home insurers can provide binders within minutes to hours, while traditional companies take 24 to 48 hours. Companies like Hippo and Lemonade can bind policies within minutes or same-day. Insurers that use AI technology can issue policy documents online within a few hours. You can receive binders immediately via email or by downloading from your online account, making digital insurers the fastest option for urgent coverage needs.
Digital-First Insurance Companies
Companies like Lemonade, Hippo and Next offer the fastest processing through AI-powered underwriting:
Traditional Insurance Companies
Established companies like State Farm, Allstate and Farmers maintain agent-based processes, but they are adopting more digital processes to speed up the buying process:
Getting homeowners insurance quotes takes anywhere from a few minutes to a day or two, depending on how you apply. Online tools provide near-instant results, while agents and brokers may take longer to gather details and offer personalized options.
Here are the most common ways to get a home insurance quote and how long each method typically takes.
Online quotes take under 10 minutes. Most insurers offer quick online tools that generate estimates after you enter basic details like location, home size and coverage preferences. Ideal if you need a fast, no-contact option.
Working with an agent to get a quote will take 30 minutes to a day. This method gives you a more personalized experience, where an agent can explain your options, ask follow-up questions and recommend the right coverage for your needs. Quotes will take several days or more for high-risk properties.
Usually a few hours to one day. A broker gathers quotes from multiple insurers on your behalf. It's a great option if you want to compare offers without contacting each company yourself.
Preparing the right information speeds up quotes and ensures accurate pricing. Gather these details before applying:
Property Information
Safety and Security Information
Personal and Financial Information
Home insurance takes effect immediately upon approval, payment and policy delivery at 12:01 a.m. on your chosen effective date. You choose the effective date when purchasing your policy, and coverage begins at that exact time regardless of when you physically move into the home.
Timing considerations:
The effective date appears on your declarations page and marks when you can file claims and when premium payments begin. Standard homeowners insurance activates immediately on the effective date you specify.
Start shopping for homeowners insurance two to three weeks before closing. Most mortgage lenders require proof of coverage at least three days before closing, so early planning gives you time to compare companies and policy options without rushing.
It takes longer to insurance a high-risk home because insurers need to take a closer look at the property’s condition, claims history and location risks. With a high-risk home, extra inspections, documentation and underwriting steps are common. If your home falls into this category, here’s what you can expect:
Insurers spend more time reviewing high-risk homes due to factors like prior claims, aging systems or location-based hazards such as flood or wildfire zones. This step may involve deeper risk analysis, third-party reports or internal red flags that require further review.
High-risk properties require more detailed inspections to evaluate structural soundness, safety systems and potential liabilities. These inspections can take several days to schedule and complete and may delay underwriting approval.
Not all insurers will cover high-risk homes with standard policies. You may need to explore surplus lines or endorsements, which can take longer to quote, review and finalize.
Expect to provide more documentation, such as proof of repairs, home upgrades or risk mitigation steps. Insurers will also request photos, permits or compliance records.
A homeowners insurance inspection is a property evaluation used by insurers to assess your home's condition, safety and risk level. The findings help determine your final premium and coverage options. Not all homes require inspections, but they're more common for older homes or higher-value policies. An inspection takes a few hours, but getting an appointment scheduled will take a few days or longer.
Here's what an inspector typically reviews:
The inspector checks the roof, siding, foundation and overall structure for signs of wear, damage or neglect that could increase the likelihood of a claim.
Key systems like electrical, plumbing and HVAC are reviewed to ensure they're up to code and in good working order. Inspectors may also look for hazards like leaks, mold or outdated wiring.
The presence and condition of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, deadbolts and security systems can reduce your risk profile — and potentially your premium.
Inspectors may evaluate the condition of driveways, fences, landscaping and overhanging trees. Poor maintenance or visible hazards could affect your coverage.
After the visit, the inspector submits a report to your insurer, which can influence whether coverage is approved, denied or adjusted based on risk.
Most people can get covered within hours or in less than 48 hours, but high-risk homes or additional inspections may extend the timeline. Quotes are available in minutes, but finalizing your coverage takes longer. If you're buying a home or switching providers, start early to avoid delays or gaps in protection.
Digital-first insurers offer the fastest processing through AI-powered underwriting, while traditional insurers provide personal service but require more time. Choose based on whether you prioritize speed or personal guidance.
Here are the most commonly asked questions about how long it takes to get homeowners insurance:
You can get covered within hours or it can take five days days or longer for high-risk homes or when buying from traditional insurance companies that are not digital. Quotes are often instant, but final approval may take longer if underwriting, inspections or documentation are required.
Home insurance takes effect immediately upon approval of your application and payment of the initial premium. There will be an effective date in the policy that will indicate the start of coverage.
Yes, mortgage lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before you can close on a home. Lenders want to make sure the property is protected from the moment you take ownership.
Yes, digital insurance companies will bind a policy the same day if your home doesn’t require an inspection and you have all your information ready.
Delays happen due to missing paperwork, home inspections or if the property is considered high-risk. Older homes, past claims and hazard zones will slow down the process.
Many homes, especially newer ones, don’t require an inspection. Insurers may still request one later if the home raises risk concerns.
Start shopping 30 to 45 days before your current policy expires. This gives you time to compare rates and avoid coverage gaps. You can schedule your new policy to start when your current one ends.
You can add coverage within 24 hours by calling your insurer or updating your policy online. Major renovations may require inspections, which can add several days to the process.
You can adjust your effective date by contacting your insurer before the policy activates. Most companies allow date changes without fees, especially for closing delays.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.
