how can I estimate roughly hazar and flood insurance costs for a home?

despite this being an old request I thought I would add my input:

You might make a phone call to an insurance agent or two and just ask. Or you could ask a few of the neighbors. Quite likely they may be paying similar. While taxes may fluctuate based upon assessed values, insurance is often updated by smart homeowners in a timely fashion so that in the event of needing to use their insurance policy, they might like the value of the home to be current.

The other answer could easily be, there is no real calculator available for insurance. Out of all of the homes I have delt with, there is no rhyme or reason for fluctuations that can be tracked. Its kind of like insurance on a car. It will change once you change cars due to the value, where you park it and if it is in a garage or not. And lets not forget it also depends on the number of accidents you have been in, number of tickets you have recieved and your credit score. And if you have shopped for car insurance lately, you know rates will fluctuate for the same buyer depending on which company you call.

Housing is the same way. If you ever need a referral for an insurance company, just to get a check on rates. I will be happy to refer you to some of the professionals I have come across over the years.

Brady Pevehouse

[content removed by moderatort for being self-promotional]

Any experienced lender could answer these questions for you in 2 seconds flat.  Calling one you can trust is also a great step if you're considering buying as knowing your credit score and being pre-approved early in the process strengthens your position a lot.

In my recent experience, with housing prices falling, I have seen lenders "undervaluing" homes when it comes to a Home Owners Policy Rate...

Contact a reputable agent that will run the home through an estimating program such a "Marshall & Swift". Know the details of the home, so you can provide the most accurate information and get the best cost replacement value. Remember, this is the cost of what, should the home be damaged, with today's prices, what it would be to rebuild that home. On top of that, there are endorsements available that can be added for additional coverage protection.

Also remember, that built in to your policy are LIABILITY Limits, which are there to protect you in the event of being sued, Medical Payment Coverage’s and Contents Coverage, just to name a few that are part of that total price. Your coverage you always be adequate to protect you and make you whole after a "catastrophic loss", it is not intended for every little item...use your coverage wisely. **I personally believe your LIABILITY LIMTS should always be greater what you are worth** If you have questions about this, feel free to ask me why...

You can also check on what your deductible is...are you carrying one that is TOO LOW? I personally carry a $1,000 deductible, because I would never file a claim for anything that would cost less than that...it really can make a difference to your bottom line...going to $2500 didn't change that much, but $1000 seems to be a good breaking point to see a nice savings on a policy...