ACORD 80 (Homeowner Application)
The standard ACORD application form for personal lines homeowner insurance, used by brokerages that write residential property coverage.
What It Is
The ACORD 80 is the standard application form for homeowner insurance. It captures the applicant's personal information, property details (construction, year built, square footage, heating type, electrical system), prior insurance history, and requested coverages including dwelling, personal property, liability, and medical payments.
While primarily a personal lines form, many commercial-focused brokerages write personal lines for their commercial clients' owners and key employees. The ACORD 80 is the foundational form for these personal lines placements.
The form includes sections for discounts (alarm systems, multi-policy, claims-free), underwriting questions (pets, trampolines, swimming pools), and replacement cost estimates.
Why It Matters for Brokers
Brokerages that offer personal lines as a retention strategy for their commercial accounts need to handle the ACORD 80 efficiently. Business owners expect the same level of service on their personal insurance as their commercial coverage. Accurate ACORD 80 completion ensures proper replacement cost estimates and avoids common underinsurance issues that plague homeowner policies. Brokers who help clients understand their dwelling coverage needs build trust and reduce claims disputes.
Real-World Example
A commercial client's CEO asks the broker to handle her personal homeowner policy. The broker completes the ACORD 80 documenting a 4,200 sq ft custom home with a replacement cost estimate of $1.8M, scheduled personal property (jewelry and fine art), an umbrella requirement of $5M, and a central station alarm system that qualifies for a premium discount.
Common Mistakes
- 1Using market value instead of replacement cost when estimating the dwelling coverage amount, which can result in significant underinsurance.
- 2Not asking about unique exposures (pools, trampolines, exotic pets) that require disclosure and may affect coverage availability.
- 3Failing to document home improvements that increase replacement cost, leaving the dwelling coverage inadequate.
How brokerageaudit.com Handles This
Submission Intake provides guided ACORD 80 completion with integrated replacement cost calculators and underwriting question prompts to ensure comprehensive personal lines applications.