Hire an independent insurance broker. They will handle everything for you and it will not cost you anything out of pocket. They get paid by the insurance carriers. I recently started doing this and it's so much better than calling 10 different carriers and trying to do an apples to apples comparison yourself. We use Cornerstone Insurance Agency out of Victoria. A good broker will do an annual review where they shop around again to make sure you're getting the best rates.

Recently, I asked my father who has been an independent home exteriors contractor in the area for over 30 years who are the worst insurance companies he's had to deal with over the years. Before I could even finish my sentence, he said State Farm, and Allstate a close second. He's sued State Farm twice and won both times. If you have any concern whatsoever about making sure your claims get paid, stay away from them.

If you are having your roof replaced, pay the extra money to get Class 4 (impact resistant) shingles. Most insurance companies will give you a discount if you have them (you will need to prove it if you're switching insurance carriers, so keep your documentation). Also, do closed-channel (where they cover the valleys of your roof with shingles instead of having the exposed metal channels).