Start with the right type of insurance
An owner-occupied home, a rental building and a business can have different insurance needs. Tell the agency who owns the property or business, how it is used, and what has changed. Include the property address, your preferred contact details and your desired start date. If you already have coverage, have the current policy available for the discussion.
For homeowners
Gather the home address, year built, occupancy details and recent roof, electrical, plumbing or heating updates. Mention renovations, rentals or a business operated from home. When comparing options, ask about the dwelling limit, deductible, belongings and personal liability. The purchase price of a home is not the same as its rebuilding cost.
For building owners and landlords
Prepare the ownership entity, number of units, occupancy, annual rental income and any vacant space. Include roof age and major system updates. For a mixed-use building, describe each commercial tenant and the space used by apartments and businesses. Ask how the proposed policy treats covered property damage, premises liability and loss of rental income.
For business owners
Bring the legal corporation, LLC or other business name, along with the personal name of the contact person. Describe what the business actually does, where it operates, annual revenue, employee count and the equipment or inventory it uses. A lease or customer contract may contain insurance requirements worth reviewing before choosing a policy.
For contractors
Describe your trade, the work you perform, project locations and whether you use subcontractors. Prepare annual revenue, payroll, employee count and existing insurance details. Share certificate and additional-insured requirements from job contracts. If a contract calls for action-over or labor-law coverage, bring the exact wording so the agency can review the request and relevant policy exclusions.
Ask about flood separately
Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flooding. Ask how flood coverage differs from water-backup coverage and whether building and contents protection need separate attention. The cause of water damage and the policy wording matter. Review the official New York Department of Financial Services resource linked below.
Compare the details, not only the premium
When reviewing proposals, compare the named insured, locations, operations, limits, deductibles, exclusions and endorsements. Tell the agency if a quote uses information that is incomplete or outdated. Ask what must happen before coverage begins; submitting an inquiry alone does not bind, change or cancel insurance.
Send only what is needed for the first conversation
Use the website form for contact details and a brief description. Do not upload or paste Social Security numbers, payment details, medical information or confidential client files. Ask the agency how to provide supporting documents when they are needed.
Official resource: New York DFS homeowners coverage guide
General preparation guidance. Coverage depends on the actual policy, underwriting and availability. Discuss your circumstances with the agency.