Category: Closing Tips

Read Time: 3–4 Minutes

When a real estate transaction is moving quickly, insurance is often one of the last pieces of the puzzle. Most quotes are completed without any issues, but occasionally something slows the process down.

The good news? Many delays are preventable.

Here are the most common reasons homeowners insurance quotes take longer than expected—and what you can do to help keep your closing on schedule.

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

One of the biggest causes of delayed quotes is simply not starting early enough.

Insurance companies may need additional underwriting information, inspections, or documentation before they can issue a policy.

Pro Tip: As soon as a purchase agreement is signed, send the referral. Even if you don't have every detail yet, getting the process started early gives everyone more flexibility.

2. Missing Property Information

A quote can stall if important details about the property are missing or incorrect.

Examples include:

• Incorrect property address

• Year built

• Square footage

• Property type

• Occupancy type

Providing accurate property information upfront helps avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

3. Older Roofs

Roof age is one of the first things many insurance companies evaluate.

Some carriers require additional information or documentation for older roofs, while others may request inspection photos before offering coverage.

Starting the quote early leaves time to address these requirements if they arise.

4. Prior Insurance Claims

Insurance companies review a property's claims history as part of the underwriting process.

Previous water damage, roof claims, fire losses, or liability claims may require additional review before a policy can be finalized.

This doesn't necessarily prevent coverage—it simply means additional underwriting may be needed.

5. Unique Property Features

Certain homes require additional underwriting because of features such as:

• Swimming pools

• Trampolines

• Detached structures

• Older electrical systems

• Older plumbing

• Manufactured homes

• Vacant properties

Knowing about these items early helps us match the home with the right insurance company.

6. Missing Client Information

Sometimes the delay isn't about the property—it's about missing client information.

Items like:

• Date of birth

• Contact information

• Mortgage company details

• Closing date

can all affect how quickly a quote moves through the process.

Don't worry if you don't have everything. We can often start with the information you do have.

7. Special Underwriting Requirements

Every insurance company has different guidelines.

Some properties may require:

• Exterior inspections

• Roof verification

• Additional documentation

• Replacement cost calculations

Beginning the process early gives us time to complete any additional requirements without creating last-minute stress.

How You Can Help Prevent Delays

Fortunately, avoiding delays is usually simple.

✔ Send referrals as early as possible.

✔ Include the property address and estimated closing date.

✔ Let us know if the property has any unusual features.

✔ Upload available documents, such as the first page of the 1003 or current declarations page, if available.

✔ If the closing is time-sensitive, mark the referral as a Rush Request.

The Bottom Line

Insurance shouldn't become the reason a closing is delayed.

Our goal is to identify potential issues early, communicate throughout the process, and return quotes within 24 hours or less whenever possible. If your transaction has a tight deadline, we'll prioritize the request and work with you to keep everything moving.

Whether you have all the information or just enough to get started, we're here to help.

Ready to Send Your Next Referral?

The Check My Insurance Rate Partner Portal makes it easy to:

• Submit a referral in minutes

• Upload a 1003 or available documents

• Invite your client to securely provide their information

• Request priority handling for time-sensitive closings

The earlier we get involved, the more time we have to solve problems before they become closing delays.