When it comes time to buy that dream home, the cost to insure it is often overlooked. The Insurance Information Institute says there are two questions everyone should ask before they buy: How much will the home cost to insure? And, will separate coverage be needed for certain disasters, such as flood or earthquake?

Insurance is an expense you will have for as long as you own the home. Before purchasing a home, there are important factors to consider that will affect the cost of insurance. The I.I.I. has created a checklist to help:

• How far is the home from the fire department? Houses that are near a fire station with professional firefighters usually cost less to insure.
• What is the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems? Poorly maintained, unsafe and/or outdated systems can cost more to insure.
• Is the home vulnerable to wind damage? Find out if private insurance is available, or a state-run insurance program. Is there a windstorm deductible, and how high is it? A home on or near the beach may be more costly to insure than one inland.

Full story is available on Insurance Information Institute