 TITLE: Step-by-Step Checklist for Buying Home Insurance CONTENT: Choose a Homeowners Insurance Company\n-------------------------------------\nYou can look for homeowners insurance online at insurance company websites or use an insurance comparison site to evaluate different providers.\n*   Start with the insurance companies you already do business with and aim to get quotes from three to five companies at least.\n*   Find companies by reading ratings and reviews online and asking friends and family for recommendations.\n*   If you want more guidance than a website can provide, talk to an insurance agent.\n    *   Captive insurance agents sell insurance from one provider.\n    *   Independent insurance agents sell policies from a variety of carriers and can help you shop around for the best insurance.\n*   Make sure to compare the same type and amount of coverage from one company to another.\n*   Check ratings of insurers' financial stability from AM Best, Moody's and Standard & Poor's.\n*   Look for consumer complaints about insurers at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website.\n*   Read consumer reviews of companies to see what type of customer service they offer. You want a company that will be helpful and responsive should you have a claim, so don't buy on price alone. END