Should You Update Your Home Insurance After Renovating Your White Plains Home?

Yes. If you have renovated your White Plains home, you should update your home insurance. Renovations usually raise the cost to rebuild your home, and if your coverage does not keep up, you could be underinsured when you file a claim. A quick call to your agent after the work is done can close that gap before it costs you.

Why Renovations Change Your Home Insurance Needs

Your dwelling coverage is meant to reflect what it would cost to rebuild your home, not what it would sell for. When you add a room, finish a basement, or upgrade a kitchen with custom cabinets and stone counters, that rebuild cost goes up.

The New York State Department of Financial Services says it directly in its Homeowners and Tenants Insurance Guide: "The addition of a room, or other substantial home improvements, will also increase the replacement cost of your home, and you should adjust your coverage accordingly."

In a community like White Plains, where many homes are older and renovation projects often involve high-end finishes, the gap between your old coverage and your home's new rebuild cost can be significant.

The Risk of Being Underinsured

Many homeowners policies include a coinsurance-style requirement. According to NY DFS, if you do not insure your home for at least 80% of its replacement cost, "you will not receive full payment of a partial loss to your home."

Here is what that can look like in practice. Say you finished your basement and remodeled your kitchen, but never updated your policy. A year later, a kitchen fire causes significant damage. If your coverage is now below 80% of your home's updated replacement cost, your insurer may pay only part of the repair bill, even though the loss is well under your policy limit.

That is a costly surprise, and one that a simple coverage review can help prevent.

Renovations That Usually Call for a Coverage Review

Not every project changes your policy, but these commonly do:

• Additions: new bedrooms, sunrooms, or second stories.
• Finished basements or attics: new living space adds to rebuild cost.
• Kitchen and bathroom remodels: especially with upgraded materials.
• New roofs, windows, or siding: may affect both coverage and your rate.
• Updated electrical, plumbing, or heating systems: sometimes lead to better pricing because they reduce certain risks.
• Pools, decks, or patios: can increase liability exposure.
• Security or smart home systems: may qualify for discounts with some carriers.

Some upgrades can raise your premium, while others may lower it. Either way, your insurer needs accurate information to price and protect your home correctly.

What to Tell Your Agent After a Renovation

When you call, have these details ready:

1. What work was done, and the rooms or areas affected.
2. The approximate project cost and the materials used.
3. Any added square footage.
4. Upgrades to roofing, electrical, plumbing, or heating systems.
5. New features like a pool, deck, or security system.
6. Receipts, photos, and permit records.

The City of White Plains Department of Building oversees the construction, alteration, and addition of structures in the city. Keeping your permit and inspection records with your insurance documents makes it easier to show that the work was done properly if you ever file a claim.

Don't Forget Coverage During the Project

Renovation creates risk before the work is finished, too. Before any project starts:

• Check your contractor. Westchester County requires home improvement contractors to hold a county license. The Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection keeps a list of licensed contractors.
• Ask for certificates of insurance. Confirm your contractor carries liability and workers' compensation coverage, so an injury or accident on the job does not fall back on your policy.
• Tell your insurer about major work. Some policies have conditions if a home is vacant or under heavy construction. Ask how your policy handles it.

Review the Rest of Your Coverage Too

A renovation is a good moment to look at the full picture:

• Personal property: new furniture, appliances, or electronics may push your belongings past your current limit. NY DFS recommends keeping a home inventory with receipts and photos, stored away from your home.
• Flood: standard homeowners policies do not cover flood. If you finished a basement, ask about flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Liability: a new pool or deck may be a reason to look at umbrella coverage.
• Bundling: if you are reviewing your home policy anyway, see how White Plains families can save by combining home and auto insurance.

Let's Review Your Coverage Together

At Scavone Insurance Agency Center, we build relationships. We don't just sell insurance. For over 45 years, we have helped homeowners in White Plains and throughout Westchester County keep their coverage in step with their homes. For a free quote and evaluation of your current coverage, call us at 1-800-559-0027 or contact us online.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have to tell my insurance company about home renovations?

It is strongly recommended. Renovations can increase your home's replacement cost, and NY DFS advises adjusting your coverage after substantial improvements. Not updating your policy could leave you underinsured.

2. Will my home insurance premium go up after a renovation?

It may, especially if the project adds square footage or high-end finishes. Some upgrades, like a new roof or updated electrical system, may help offset the increase with certain carriers.

3. What happens if I don't update my home insurance after remodeling?

If your coverage falls below your policy's required share of replacement cost, often 80%, your insurer may not pay the full amount of a partial loss.

4. Does homeowners insurance cover damage during a renovation?

It depends on the policy and the cause of the damage. Contractor mistakes may fall under the contractor's own insurance, so confirm their coverage before work begins and ask your agent how your policy applies.