WI home insurance covers a home and its contents. It also provides protection against liability for any injuries or property damage you or any members of your family, including household pets, cause. Property insurance also pays temporary living expenses while living away from home because of a natural disaster.

A WI homeowners insurance policy covers most types of natural disasters including fire, hurricanes, hail and lightning and other events specified in the policy. Earthquake and flood coverage typically will require separate policies. WI property insurance does not protect against problems caused by poor maintenance.

Consider these three points when choosing Wisconsin homeowners insurance:

1. The location of the property may require additional home insurance. Wisconsin properties should have coverage for ice, sleet and snow.
2. Effective loss-control measures can control the premium for Wisconsin property insurance. This can include installing an alarm system for theft.
3. The replacement of detached structures. Home insurance should allow you to rebuild your house including structures like a garage, gazebo or tool shed. Detached structures are typically covered for about 10 percent of the value of the house.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Collect a variety of Wisconsin home insurance rates

Obtaining multiple quotes from different sources can be an effective method of identifying the general terms of these policies and the premiums you can expect to pay.

I recommend: The search function at Respond allows you to specify a city within Wisconsin. Begin your search for Wisconsin house insurance quotes at All Options Insurance by entering your zip code.

Find Wisconsin property insurance brokers who represent major carriers

You may want to obtain Wisconsin home insurance through an agent who represents a major carrier in the state and who can make a recommendation based on the specific needs of your situation.

I recommend: State Farm sells homeowner's insurance and provides a list of agents within a specified area. Go to Allied Insurance and enter your zip code and search radius for a list of insurance agents in your area.

Get a Wisconsin home insurance policy from a local agent

You may wish to contact local independent Wisconsin home insurance providers rather than dealing with different national insurers. Often, a local agent can write a more customized plan for you.

I recommend: The Kewaunee-based Novak Agency provides homeowners insurance, real estate and other investments. The Prescott Insurance Agency is based in Prescott and offers a range of business and personal insurance products including property insurance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Wisconsin property insurance typically covers expensive items such as furs, jewelry and silverware up to a fixed amount. You will need a special property endorsement to replace these items if their value exceeds the amount the primary policy covers. A property endorsement covers items that are lost or stolen.