The first step you should take to make a home owner insurance comparison is talk with your neighbors about the home owner insurance companies with which they do business. Are they satisfied with these companies? Do these companies work well with homes in your area? You can start developing your list of companies to consider based on your neighbors' responses.

Next, do a bit of research about the companies in which you're interested. Check out their ratings to find their financial strengths. You can contact independent research companies or even your state's department of insurance for this information.

Then, take a thorough inventory of your home. Do this before contacting the home owner insurance companies. When you ask for a home owner insurance quote, the company is going to want to know how much coverage you want, and they can help you determine coverage by taking a look at your home's contents and your valuable possessions.

Based on your home's inventory and other personal information the company asks for, you'll be offered a home owner insurance quote. If a particular company offers you a quote without asking about your inventory or even offering to help you determine how much coverage you want, move on. You can't get a realistic quote without this information.

Finally, gather the home owner insurance quotes you've gathered from financially strong and thorough companies and make your comparison. Look at the prices, as well as the coverage offered by each company. Which quote is best for you, based on your coverage needs and budget? Make sure to read the fine print of each policy possibility, too. Herein can lay deal-beakers and extra expenses of which you may otherwise be unaware.