Most people can get homeowners insurance within one to five days, depending on how you apply, the insurer’s process and the specifics of your home. Here's a breakdown of each step and how long it typically takes:
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How Long Does It Take to Get Homeowners Insurance?
Updated: May 12, 2025
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Key Takeaways
A home insurance binder can serve as temporary proof of coverage and is often available within 24 to 48 hours.
Homeowners insurance quotes can be obtained in minutes using online tools, but it may take a few hours if you work with an agent or broker.
High-risk homes may take longer to insure due to thorough underwriting reviews, additional inspections and the need for specialized coverage options.
How Long to Get Homeowners Insurance
Step | Estimated Time | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
Getting a quote | 10 minutes to a few hours | You can request a quote online, by phone or through a broker. Online tools are fastest, while agents and brokers offer more personalized advice and may take longer. |
Submitting your application | Same day to two days | After choosing a quote, you’ll fill out forms with your property details, personal info and coverage preferences. Many insurers allow you to complete this online. |
Underwriting review | one to three days | The insurer evaluates your home’s risk based on factors like condition, location and past claims. For higher-risk homes, this may involve inspections or more documentation. |
Policy approval and signing | One day | Once underwriting is complete, your insurer will issue the final policy for your review and signature. You can usually sign electronically. |
Confirmation of coverage | One to two days (binder: 24–48 hours) | After signing, you’ll receive official proof of coverage. If you’re closing on a home or need it urgently, you can request a binder — a temporary document confirming active insurance. |
To speed things up, gather all relevant info beforehand — like your home’s age, construction type, safety features and prior insurance history. Starting early and staying responsive during the process helps avoid delays, especially if your home requires additional underwriting review.
HOW TO GET PROOF OF INSURANCE FAST?
A home insurance binder is a temporary document that confirms you have coverage before your policy is officially issued. If your mortgage lender needs proof of insurance, you can request a binder from your provider. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours to receive once your application is approved and all required information is submitted.
How Long It Takes to Get a Home Insurance Quote
Getting homeowners insurance quotes usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, 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.
Below, we detail the most common ways to get a home insurance quote and how long each method typically takes.
Online Quote Tools
Usually 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.
Phone or In-Person With an Agent
Usually 30 minutes to a few hours. 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.
Using an Insurance Broker
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.
Automated Phone Systems
Usually under 10 minutes. Some insurers offer automated phone menus where you input your information to get a basic quote. It's quick but less detailed than speaking with a live agent.
Information Needed for Homeowners Insurance Quote
Having the right information ready can speed up the quote process and lead to more accurate pricing. Whether you're applying online or through an agent, be prepared with the following:
- Property details – Know your home's age, square footage, construction type and roof condition. Insurers use this to assess risk and determine your coverage needs.
- Current insurance information – If you already have a policy, have the details ready. It can help you compare options and may qualify you for loyalty or bundle discounts.
- Safety features – List any smoke detectors, burglar alarms, fire extinguishers or security systems. These can reduce your premium by lowering risk.
- Personal information – Be ready to provide your name, address, and Social Security number. Insurers often use your credit score when calculating your rate.
- Coverage preferences – Decide what type of protection you want, including optional add-ons like flood, earthquake or valuables coverage.
Preparing this information ahead of time helps streamline the quoting process and ensures the estimates you receive reflect your actual needs.
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How Long To Get Home Insurance: High-Risk Homes
Insuring a high-risk home often takes longer than standard coverage — typically a few extra days, and sometimes up to a week. This is 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:
Thorough Underwriting Review
Insurers typically 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.
Additional Inspections
High-risk properties often 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.
Specialized Coverage Options
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 — especially if your home needs custom coverage terms.
Increased Documentation Requirements
Expect to provide more documentation, such as proof of repairs, home upgrades or risk mitigation steps. Insurers may also request photos, permits or compliance records — and gathering these materials can extend the timeline.
Home Insurance Inspection: What Do They Check?
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. Here's what an inspector typically reviews:
- 1
Exterior evaluation
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.
- 2
Interior inspection
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.
- 3
Safety features
The presence and condition of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, deadbolts and security systems can reduce your risk profile — and potentially your premium.
- 4
Property surroundings
Inspectors may evaluate the condition of driveways, fences, landscaping and overhanging trees. Poor maintenance or visible hazards could affect your coverage.
- 5
Inspection report
After the visit, the inspector submits a report to your insurer, which can influence whether coverage is approved, denied or adjusted based on risk.
CAN YOU GET HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE WITHOUT AN INSPECTION?
You may be able to get homeowners insurance without an inspection, especially if your home is new or recently inspected. However, some insurers may still require an inspection later to confirm the property's condition and adjust your coverage or premiums accordingly.
How Long Does it Take To Get Home Insurance Claims Resolved?
The time it takes to settle a homeowners insurance claim depends on the type of claim and your insurer’s process:
- Simple claims — Minor damage like small leaks or single-room repairs can often be resolved within a few days to two weeks.
- Complex claims — Major structural issues, liability claims or total losses may take several weeks to a few months to fully resolve.
Timeline also depends on how quickly you submit documentation and how responsive your insurer is. Staying in contact with your adjuster can help avoid delays.
Home Insurance Claims: Tips to Speed Up the Process
Speeding up the homeowners insurance claim process involves taking specific actions to minimize delays and ensure a smooth experience. By staying organized and proactive, you can help your insurer assess and settle your claim more efficiently. These tips can help you streamline the process and avoid common pitfalls.
Report the claim immediately
Contact your insurance company as soon as the damage occurs to initiate the claim. Early reporting helps prioritize your claim and reduces potential delays.
Keep detailed records
Document the damage thoroughly with photos, videos and written descriptions. Detailed records provide the insurer with clear evidence, which can expedite the evaluation process.
Stay in regular communication
Maintain frequent contact with your claims adjuster and promptly respond to any requests for additional information. Consistent communication helps keep the process moving and addresses issues quickly.
Understand your policy
Familiarize yourself with your policy's coverage, limits and exclusions before a claim occurs. Knowing what to expect can prevent misunderstandings and speed up the resolution of your claim.
How Long Does It Take to Get Home Insurance: Bottom Line
In this page, we broke down how long it takes to get homeowners insurance — from requesting a quote to finalizing your policy. Most people can get covered within a few days, but high-risk homes or additional inspections may extend the timeline.
Quotes are often available in minutes, but finalizing your coverage takes a bit longer. If you're buying a home or switching providers, start early to avoid delays or gaps in protection.
Getting Homeowners Insurance: FAQs
Many questions come up about timing, requirements and processes in getting homeowners insurance. We answer some of the most common questions to help you navigate the process.
How fast can I get homeowners insurance?
In most cases, you can get covered within one to five days. Quotes are often instant, but final approval may take longer if underwriting, inspections or documentation are required.
How soon does home insurance take effect?
Home insurance typically takes effect immediately upon approval of your application and payment of the initial premium. But the exact timing may vary depending on the insurer, so confirm the effective date when finalizing your policy.
Do you need homeowners insurance before closing?
Yes, most mortgage lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before you can close on a home. This ensures the property is protected from the moment you take ownership, safeguarding both your investment and the lender's interest.
Can I get same-day homeowners insurance?
Yes — some insurers can bind a policy the same day if your home doesn’t require an inspection and you have all your information ready. Online tools and digital signatures speed up the process.
What slows down the insurance process?
Delays typically happen due to missing paperwork, home inspections or if the property is considered high-risk. Older homes, past claims and hazard zones can all require extra review.
Can I get homeowners insurance without an inspection?
Often, yes. Many homes — especially newer ones — don’t require an inspection. However, insurers may still request one later if the home raises risk concerns.
Getting Home Insurance Quotes: Our Methodology
Why trust MoneyGeek?
MoneyGeek analyzed homeowners insurance rates using official state filings and data from Quadrant Information Services, a trusted source for real-world insurance pricing. Our goal was to highlight the most reliable providers based on affordability, coverage, and overall value.
How we evaluated insurance providers
We compared premiums and policy features for both standard homeowners insurance and higher-value coverage options. All rates were pulled from Quadrant Information Services, giving us accurate pricing across all 50 states.
Sample homeowner profile
To keep comparisons consistent, we used a sample homeowner with the following traits:
- Good credit score (769 to 792)
- Home built in 2000
- Wood-frame construction
- Composite shingle roof
Coverage levels used
Unless otherwise specified, quotes were based on:
- $250,000 dwelling coverage
- $125,000 personal property coverage
- $200,000 liability coverage
- $1,000 deductible
We also analyzed higher-value policies using:
- $1 million dwelling coverage
- $500,000 personal property coverage
- $1 million liability coverage
This approach allowed us to identify top-performing insurers for both typical homeowners and those with more extensive coverage needs.
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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.