Trip start date question for Insurance quote

[Steve Wilson]

Family is going on Dream sailing on August 3 to August 7.
But we will be leaving our home on July 27 and will be back to home by August 9.
I want to buy trip insurance for only cruise part of the travel.
When requesting quote, should the Departure Date be the day you leave home or the day of cruise enbarkation?

Same thing for Return Date - Should the day be day of cruise disembarkaton or when u return to home?

The insurance customer rep says I should put in the full trip dates even if I buy insurance just for cruise part but the quote is coming higher for same dollar amount I paid for the cruise.

Appreciate your feedback.

Thanks

Steve