Why Homebuyers Should Talk to Their Insurance Agent Before They Go Under Contract

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. From finding the perfect neighborhood to securing financing, there’s a lot to juggle. But there’s one important step that’s often overlooked until it’s too late:

​➡️ Checking whether the property is insurable.

​🔥 The Fire Score Factor: A Hidden Dealbreaker
In areas like Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt (the Quad Cities), we’ve encountered high fire scores on properties that make them extremely difficult—and sometimes nearly impossible—to insure affordably.

What is a fire score?
It’s a rating that evaluates how vulnerable a property is to wildfire risk based on proximity to brush, access to water, response times, and more. Homes with high fire scores may be declined by many major carriers or come with very expensive premiums.

Unfortunately, many buyers don’t find this out until they’re already under contract—putting both their dream home and closing timeline at risk.

✅ Why You Should Involve Your Insurance Agent Early
Before you fall in love with that cabin on the ridge or secluded property with views, consider looping in your insurance team. Here's why:

1. Get a Quick Fire Score Assessment
We can check the fire risk before you even submit an offer—so you know what you're walking into.

2. Estimate Costs Accurately
A high premium can change your monthly payment significantly. Early estimates help you and your lender budget with confidence.

3. Avoid Last-Minute Scrambling
Don’t risk a delayed closing (or worse—a canceled deal) because coverage couldn’t be bound in time.

4. Explore All Your Options
If the property is in a high-risk area, we can look into specialty carriers or mitigation strategies to help you still get coverage.

🧠 Pro Tip for Real Estate Agents
If you're a real estate agent, partnering with a trusted insurance professional early in the home search process can save your clients time, money, and stress—and help you close smoother, faster transactions.

We’re happy to be a resource for your buyers before they make a decision.

🔍 Final Thoughts
Insurance shouldn't be an afterthought in the homebuying process—it should be a key part of your strategy. Especially in areas like the Quad Cities, a proactive approach to insurance can be the difference between a seamless closing and a major roadblock.

At VIP Insurance Professionals, we’re here to educate, guide, and advocate for buyers every step of the way.

📝 Ready to discuss your next move? Let’s connect early—we’ll help you protect what matters before the paperwork begins.