re: Buying my first house, insurance questions, need help

You have to pay the first year upfront and get proof to the bank or closing attorney.

If you put less than 20% down, the mortgage company will likely have next year's amount be put in escrow with every monthly mortgage payment.

Next year, your escrow will jump from the property tax being assessed on a presumed higher home cost than what the old owner was charged.

So build into your budget a good jump in escrow payments in a year.

ETA: This process may show it is a better deal if your car insurance company can bundle with the homeowner's insurance. So be sure you get a quote from them, if they write homeowners.