home insurance companies

How do auto/home insurance companies share information with each other?

ISO reports, CLUE reports, and SIU departments of all insurance companies communicate with each other.

Why do (home) insurance companies ask whether you have a dog?

Does this have to do with liability or security?
Please no guesses/rationalized answers.
Thanks to all particularly to Chetco and Roothy for providing the most complete answers from the insurer's and insured's perspectives, respectively.

Liability
They use different rates to insure different breeds, according to their own bite-stats studies and former claims..
If your company doesn't do a home inspection, it is safest to always call your dog a medium sized mixed breed, because they have no stats on that, to make a quote..

What do home insurance companies fear the most?

I had a fire at my home and I don’t want these guys ripping me off. How do I protect myself at this point?

Honestly, they probably fear ignorant politicians – like the ones in Florida who drastically contributed to the Florida homeowners mess they have now.

They’re not going to rip you off.

The first way to “protect” yourself, is by hiring a public adjuster. They work by getting 30% of your total payout, so if you hire one right away, you’re automatically going to get only 2/3 of what the insurance company pays out.

It’s too early – give the insurance company a chance to do their thing. Go to your agent, for FREE assistance, if you need it. Only if you get stonewalled, do you need that public adjuster or an attorney, who will likely take 40% of your payout.

Any opinions on good home insurance companies in Anchorage, AK?

Just shopping around for good home insurance. Currently have accepted offer for our first home, and want to get the best home insurance rates.

go to the yellow pages, under Insurance, homeowners, look for an Independent Insurance Agent, that represents many different companies… they work for you..you are their client, and they will research the market, and bring back the best value to you- any other ???..holler back at me—I am a retired Independent Insurance Broker for life and health insurance, and a retired CPA, CFP, LUTCF also…good luck to you !!