Homeowners insurance is essential, yet many Connecticut homeowners unknowingly make mistakes that leave them underinsured. These coverage gaps often remain hidden until a claim is filed — when it’s too late to fix them.

Understanding the most common missteps can help protect your home, finances, and peace of mind.

Underestimating the Cost to Rebuild

One of the most frequent mistakes is underestimating replacement cost. Rising construction and labor costs in Connecticut mean that older policies may no longer reflect what it would actually cost to rebuild a home after a fire or major loss.

When coverage limits fall short, homeowners can face significant out-of-pocket expenses even though they “had insurance.”

Not Updating Coverage After Renovations

Home improvements increase a home’s value — and should increase insurance coverage as well. Kitchen remodels, finished basements, additions, home offices, and upgraded materials all raise replacement costs.

If these updates aren’t reported, your policy may not provide enough coverage in the event of a claim.

Overlooking Liability Protection

Liability coverage is another area many homeowners underestimate. Accidents happen more often than people expect, from slips and falls to dog bites or injuries involving guests.

Minimum liability limits may not be enough to protect against today’s medical costs and lawsuits, especially for Connecticut homeowners with higher assets or active households.

Failing to Review Policies Regularly

Many homeowners set up their policy and rarely look at it again. However, life changes such as new purchases, changes in household members, or different uses of the property can all affect coverage needs.

Regular policy reviews help ensure coverage keeps pace with real-life changes.

Why a Proactive Review Matters

A proactive insurance review helps ensure your policy reflects your current home, lifestyle, and risk exposure. Catching issues early allows adjustments to be made before a loss occurs — not after.

For Connecticut homeowners, working with a local insurance professional can make a meaningful difference in identifying gaps and improving protection.

Make Sure Your Home Is Properly Protected

If you’re unsure whether your homeowners insurance still reflects your home’s true value and risks, the team at Petruzelo Insurance can help. We’ll review your coverage, explain your options, and help you avoid costly insurance mistakes.

Contact Petruzelo Insurance today to schedule a homeowners insurance review and protect what matters most.