For most homeowners, yes,  home insurance renews automatically once per year. Your insurer typically sends a renewal notice 30 to 60 days before your policy’s expiration date. If you’re set up for auto-pay or escrow payments, the renewal activates automatically unless you cancel or switch carriers.

However, home insurance isn’t something most people think about until the renewal notice shows up in their inbox. Maybe your premium went up, maybe it didn’t,  but before you let your policy automatically renew, it’s worth taking a closer look.

This guide explains how home insurance renewals work, when you can make changes, and what happens if you don’t renew on time. Understanding the process helps you stay protected and keep your costs in check.

How Often Home Insurance Renews and What to Expect

Most home insurance policies renew every 12 months, tied to the date your coverage began rather than the calendar year. For example, if your policy started on June 10, 2025, it will renew on June 10, 2026.

Your renewal packet usually includes:

• Your new premium and any rate changes.
• Updated coverage limits.
• Changes to deductibles or discounts.

Even small adjustments can affect how well your home is protected, so review these details carefully before letting the policy roll over.

Why Your Renewal Price Might Change

If your premium went up, you’re not alone. Insurers adjust rates each year based on the same factors they initially use to set your premiums. These variables change over time and include things like:

• Construction costs and inflation.
• Past claims or local weather losses.
• Updates, or lack of updates, to your home.
• Credit and risk re-evaluation.

Sometimes, your coverage limits increase automatically to match current rebuilding costs, which is a good thing. However, this raises your premium in the process. The key is to make sure the increase aligns with actual value and risk, not just general pricing trends.

Can You Change Home Insurance Before Renewal?

Absolutely. You can switch insurers or modify your policy anytime, not just at renewal. Many homeowners shop 30 to 45 days before the renewal date to compare rates and secure better coverage.

If you find a better option, your current insurer will issue a prorated refund for the unused portion of your premium once you cancel.

Using an independent broker can help you compare home insurance quotes from multiple top-rated carriers at once to save time and money.

Can You Cancel After Automatic Renewal?

Yes, you can cancel your home insurance even after it automatically renews. Most insurers allow cancellation anytime, though some may charge a small administrative fee or short-term penalty.

To avoid overlap, confirm the start date of your new policy before ending the old one. That way, you stay continuously protected without paying double premiums.

What Happens If You Don’t Renew Your Home Insurance?

Letting your policy expire without renewing creates a lapse in coverage, which can be costly. Without an active policy:

• You’ll pay out-of-pocket for any damage or liability.
• Your mortgage lender may buy force-placed insurance to protect their interest, and it’s often two to three times more expensive.
• Future insurers may charge higher premiums because of the lapse.

Even a short break in coverage can create financial risk, so always have your next policy ready before the current one ends.

Non-Renewals

Sometimes non-renewal happens, meaning the insurer decides not to continue coverage. This could be due to multiple claims, a change in underwriting, or regional risk factors like increased storm activity.

If this happens:

1. Request the reason for non-renewal in writing.
2. Start comparing quotes immediately to avoid a coverage gap.
3. Ask if a high-risk or state-backed policy is available in your area.

Free The Insurance specializes in helping homeowners quickly replace non-renewed policies so they never face a lapse in protection.

When Is the Best Time to Renew or Review Home Insurance?

The best time to review your coverage is 30 to 45 days before renewal. That window gives you enough time to compare quotes, adjust coverage, and notify your current insurer if you plan to switch.

Here’s a simple renewal checklist:

• Review your renewal packet for rate or coverage changes.
• Update your home details. Let your carrier know if you replaced your roof, underwent renovations, added security systems, etc.
• Ask about new discounts or loyalty rewards.
• Get fresh quotes from multiple insurers.

Think of renewal season as your annual insurance check-up. A quick review now can prevent major headaches later.

How to Get Home Insurance After Non-Renewal or Cancellation

If you’ve been dropped by your insurer or canceled your policy, you can still get coverage, but you need to act fast. Independent brokers can help you find carriers willing to take on your risk profile, often with competitive rates.

Gather these before applying:

• Your previous policy declaration page.
• Reason for non-renewal or cancellation.
• Recent inspection or home-update info.

Re-shopping early ensures continuous coverage and keeps your record clean.

Treat Home Insurance Renewal as an Opportunity

Automatic renewal keeps your coverage running, but it shouldn’t keep you from improving it. Each renewal is a chance to check your limits, update your home’s value, and find a better rate.

At Free The Insurance, we help homeowners renew smarter, comparing top carriers so you never pay more than you should or risk being under-insured.

If you’re ready to take control of your next renewal, we can help. Start your free home quote today and make sure your next policy year starts with confidence.

Sources:

TDI. Accessed December 2025.