Name: Johnson Insurance Agency
Price range: $$

Spring is the busiest season for home sales in the Denver metro area. If you’re shopping in Englewood, with its brick bungalows, mid-century ranches, and newer townhomes near CityCenter and South Broadway, insurance should be part of your homework before you make an offer, not an afterthought a week before closing.

1. Ask About the Roof

Hail is the biggest factor in Colorado home insurance. Ask the seller for the roof’s age, materials, and any past hail claims. A roof older than about 15 to 20 years may limit your carrier options or be covered only at actual cash value. A newer Class 4 impact-resistant roof can earn discounts.

2. Get the Claims History

Insurers check a CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report that lists claims on the property for the past five to seven years. Ask the seller for a copy. Multiple water or hail claims can affect your premium.

3. Scope the Sewer Line

Many older Englewood homes still have clay sewer lines that crack or fill with tree roots. A sewer scope inspection is common in the Denver area and can save you thousands. Ask us about water backup and service line coverage, which standard policies don’t include.

4. Test for Radon

About half of Colorado homes test above the EPA radon action level. Radon testing is a standard part of most Colorado home inspections, and insurance doesn’t pay for mitigation.

5. Check the Flood Zone

Look up the address on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. Homes near Little Dry Creek or the South Platte River may be in or near a flood zone, and lenders require flood insurance in high-risk zones. NFIP policies usually have a 30-day wait, but coverage tied to a closing can start right away.

6. Know What a Condo or Townhome HOA Covers

Ask for the HOA’s master policy declarations. Some cover only the building shell (“bare walls”), while others include interior fixtures. Your HO-6 condo policy should fill the gap, and loss assessment coverage helps if the HOA has a large deductible.

7. Get Quotes Early

Get home insurance quotes during your inspection period, so surprises don’t delay closing. Your lender will need proof of coverage before closing, and bundling home and auto usually saves money.

Quick Checklist

Roof age and materials confirmed
CLUE report reviewed
Sewer scope and radon test completed
Flood zone checked
HOA master policy reviewed
Insurance quotes in hand before the inspection deadline

Start a home quote as soon as you’re under contract.

Sources

Have questions about your coverage? Call Johnson Insurance Agency at 303-768-8130 or stop by our office at 14 Inverness Dr. E, Suite G236, in Englewood. We compare coverage from multiple carriers for families and businesses across the Denver metro area and Colorado.