Homeowners insurance is an essential protection for homeowners, with an average cost of $1,935 per year or $161 per month. However, there are opportunities to find more affordable rates with some of the best home insurance companies in the market.
To assist homeowners in finding the best deals, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of top homeowners insurance companies across the nation. Our goal was to identify the best cheap homeowners insurance options available.
Through our research, we discovered that some insurance providers offer rates lower than the national average. By comparing and contrasting these companies, homeowners can make informed decisions about their insurance coverage while saving money.
Affordable homeowners insurance does not necessarily mean compromising on coverage. It’s essential to consider the policy’s features, coverage limits, and customer service when selecting an insurance provider.
Cheapest homeowners insurance company by state
Homeowners insurance can be quite expensive, with an average annual cost of $1,935 or $161 per month. However, the actual rates vary significantly depending on the location of your home. If you reside in an area prone to hurricanes, you can expect to pay higher premiums compared to those living in regions like the Pacific Northwest, where tropical storms are less common.
When searching for affordable home insurance, it’s essential to consider the various options available. We’ve analyzed the rates to find the cheapest home insurance companies in each state. Keep in mind that some of these companies may only operate in specific states or have limited coverage areas.
It’s crucial to compare different insurance providers and their policies before making a decision. The cost of home insurance can vary based on factors such as the coverage you need, your home’s value, and the level of risk associated with your location. By doing your research and understanding your specific requirements, you can find a policy that offers both adequate coverage and reasonable premiums. Remember to read reviews and seek recommendations from others who have experience with the insurance companies you are considering. This way, you can make an informed choice and protect your home without breaking the bank.
| STATE | CHEAPEST HOME INSURANCE COMPANY | AVERAGE COST PER YEAR |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Allstate | $1,575 |
| Alaska | Allstate | $940 |
| Arizona | Armed Forces Insurance | $540 |
| Arkansas | USAA | $1,953 |
| California | Allstate | $557 |
| Colorado | Auto-Owners | $1,265 |
| Connecticut | Century National | $582 |
| Delaware | Cumberland | $767 |
| Florida | Progressive | $1,343 |
| Georgia | Progressive | $625 |
| Hawaii | Dongbu Insurance | $228 |
| Idaho | Nationwide | $702 |
| Illinois | Progressive | $825 |
| Indiana | Progressive | $855 |
| Iowa | Westfield | $1,174 |
| Kansas | Auto-Owners | $2,087 |
| Kentucky | Cincinnati Insurance | $1,461 |
| Louisiana | UPC Insurance | $638 |
| Maine | Concord Group | $600 |
| Maryland | Brethren Mutual | $967 |
| Massachusetts | State Farm | $613 |
| Michigan | AAA | $449 |
| Minnesota | Secure Insurance Group | $1,228 |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Farm Bureau | $2,304 |
| Missouri | Nationwide | $1,298 |
| Montana | Uniguard | $1,127 |
| Nebraska | Nationwide | $1,964 |
| Nevada | Universal Ins Co Group | $537 |
| New Hampshire | Amica Mutual | $661 |
| New Jersey | UPC Insurance | $473 |
| New Mexico | Foremost | $1,590 |
| New York | Unitrin | $582 |
| North Carolina | State Farm | $887 |
| North Dakota | Nodak Mutual | $1,261 |
| Ohio | Armed Forces Insurance | $684 |
| Oklahoma | Armed Forces Insurance | $1,909 |
| Oregon | Mutual of Enumclaw | $499 |
| Pennsylvania | Progressive | $625 |
| Rhode Island | State Farm | $782 |
| South Carolina | Bankers Insurance | $787 |
| South Dakota | Nationwide | $1,323 |
| Tennessee | Progressive | $879 |
| Texas | Armed Forces Insurance | $1,906 |
| Utah | Unigard | $560 |
| Vermont | Auto-Owners | $536 |
| Virginia | Cincinnati Insurance | $549 |
| Washington | PEMCO | $426 |
| West Virginia | Progressive | $993 |
| Wisconsin | Rockford Mutual Insurance | $711 |
| Wyoming | USAA | $1,012 |
How to get cheap home insurance
When looking for home insurance, the cheapest policy may not always be the best fit. Your priority should be finding adequate coverage at a price that suits your budget.
To save on homeowners insurance, start by shopping around and obtaining quotes from multiple insurance agencies. Having at least three quotes allows you to compare rates and coverage options effectively. You can use your current policy as a reference to determine the type and amount of coverage you need.
Another way to reduce insurance costs is by investing in security systems or smart home devices. These measures improve risk management and can lead to discounts on your premiums. Insurers often provide incentives for installing burglary alarms, smart home monitoring systems, fire alarms, and sprinklers.
Consider updating your household systems and storm-proofing your home to mitigate risks. Upgrades like HVAC system improvements, roof replacements, and storm-proof windows and doors can make you eligible for lower rates.
Take advantage of various home insurance discounts. Insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, being a new customer, maintaining loyalty, remaining claim-free, making home improvements, and having a home security system. Accumulating multiple discounts can result in significant savings on your homeowners insurance.
Raising your deductible is another option to lower your annual premium. However, keep in mind that a higher deductible means you’ll receive less payout in the event of a claim, so be prepared to set aside more emergency savings.
If you own pets, inquire about any breed restrictions that might affect your liability coverage. Some insurance companies refuse coverage for certain dog breeds, which could impact your rates.
Additionally, be aware that your insurance-based credit score can influence your homeowners insurance premiums in some states. Maintain good credit by paying bills on time, managing debt responsibly, and minimizing new credit applications to potentially get better insurance rates.
How to bundle home and auto insurance
When looking to save on insurance costs, one strategy is to bundle your home and auto insurance. By purchasing both policies from a single insurance company, you have the potential to enjoy significant savings on your premiums. This can be an attractive option for those seeking to optimize their insurance expenses.
To find the home insurance company with the best bundling discounts, consider reaching out to insurance agents or using online comparison tools. These resources can assist you in obtaining personalized quotes and identifying the most cost-effective options tailored to your unique requirements.
| COMPANY | DISCOUNT |
|---|---|
| State Farm | 23% |
| Auto Club of Southern California | 20% |
| American Family | 18% |
| Farmers | 18% |
| AAA The Auto Club Group (MI) | 17% |
| Allstate | 15% |
| Erie | 15% |
| MetLife | 15% |
| Nationwide | 15% |
| Mercury | 12% |
| Travelers | 11% |
| Auto-Owners | 10% |
| CSAA Insurance Group | 9% |
| Progressive | 7% |
| USAA | 6% |
| Westfield | 6% |
How much is home insurance?
Home insurance costs an average of $1,935 per year nationwide. However, the actual amount you pay depends on various factors that insurers consider.
One crucial factor is your house’s replacement cost, which refers to the amount required to rebuild your house if it’s destroyed. The higher the replacement cost, the more dwelling coverage you’ll need.
Another consideration is the age of your house. Older houses might be costlier to insure due to outdated wiring or plumbing. On the other hand, some insurers offer discounts for newer houses.
The fire rating of your house is also taken into account. This includes proximity to fire hydrants or a fire station, affecting the risk of fire damage.
Construction materials and makeup of your house matter too. Factors such as the building materials used and the foundation type (e.g., slab, crawlspace, or basement) influence the insurance cost.
Insurers assess the location and claims history of the area you live in. High-risk areas with a history of theft, vandalism, or severe weather may result in higher insurance rates.
Your personal claims history and that of the previous owners are considered as well. This can impact the premiums you’ll pay for your policy.
Coverage limits and deductibles play a role in determining your rates. Higher deductibles lead to lower premiums, while more extensive coverage leads to higher costs.
Given these diverse factors, finding the cheapest home insurance requires shopping around and obtaining personalized quotes tailored to your specific circumstances. This way, you can make the most informed decision regarding your coverage.
Finding the best home insurance
- When searching for the ideal home insurance provider, it’s essential not to base your decision solely on cost. While price is a significant factor, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Taking a closer look at customer complaints can provide valuable insights into the insurer’s claim processing speed, quality of customer service, and overall responsiveness.
- A thorough evaluation of customer complaints can shed light on how efficiently an insurance company handles claims. If an insurer has a history of delayed or problematic claim payouts, it might not be the most reliable option for your needs. On the other hand, a company with positive feedback from customers about their prompt and hassle-free claims processing could be a strong candidate.
- Another aspect worth considering when choosing a home insurance company is the level of customer service they offer. A company that prioritizes customer satisfaction and provides excellent service can make a significant difference when you need assistance with your policy or have questions about coverage options.
- Responsive communication is also crucial in the insurance industry. An insurer that promptly addresses inquiries, concerns, or policy adjustments can provide you with greater peace of mind. On the contrary, a company that is slow to respond may cause unnecessary stress and inconvenience.
What does home insurance typically cover?
Home insurance provides essential protection by covering the cost of rebuilding, repairing, or replacing your house and belongings in case they are damaged or destroyed due to covered events, such as house fires or burglaries. To understand how homeowners insurance works, let’s delve into its different coverages.
Dwelling coverage is designed to handle the repair or rebuilding of the main structure of your home, along with any attached structures, when they sustain damage from covered causes, which could include weather-related incidents.
Apart from the main dwelling, there are other structures on your property that may require coverage as well. For instance, other structures coverage comes into play when you need to repair or rebuild structures like sheds or gazebos that are also part of your property.
Personal property coverage is crucial for safeguarding your belongings. It provides financial support to repair or replace personal items such as clothing, furniture, and electronics in case they are damaged or stolen.
In unfortunate situations where your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss, loss of use coverage steps in. It helps with additional living expenses like restaurant bills or hotel stays during the period of displacement.
Liability coverage is a significant aspect of home insurance. It not only covers someone else’s medical expenses or property damage if you are held responsible, but it also takes care of your legal fees and settlements in case you are taken to court over such matters. For example, if your dog bites someone, liability coverage will come into play if you face a lawsuit.
Medical payments to others coverage is a compassionate aspect of home insurance. Regardless of who was at fault, it pays for a guest’s medical expenses if they get injured on your property. This coverage extends a helping hand during unforeseen accidents.
Having a comprehensive homeowners insurance policy ensures that you and your property are protected from a wide range of potential risks and provides peace of mind in times of adversity.
What doesn’t home insurance cover?
Home insurance provides coverage for various types of risks and damages, but it usually excludes specific events such as floods and earthquakes. Additionally, several other situations are typically not covered by home insurance policies.
One of the common exclusions is damage caused by pest or animal infestations, which can lead to significant problems and costly repairs. Another excluded item is mold, which can be hazardous to health and cause extensive damage if left untreated.
Water damage resulting from drain or sump pump backups is also not covered by standard home insurance policies. This type of damage can be caused by various factors and may require specialized coverage or additional endorsements.
Furthermore, home insurance does not cover damages resulting from nuclear hazards, which are considered highly risky and require separate insurance policies.
It’s important to note that maintenance issues and damage caused by neglect are not covered by home insurance. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are essential to prevent further damage and ensure coverage when needed.
Additionally, specific items like smog, dry rot, dust, and corrosion are not typically included in standard home insurance coverage.
Another surprising exclusion is damages caused by your own pets. While pets are beloved members of the family, their actions can sometimes lead to unintentional damage to the property, which may not be covered by insurance.
Lastly, home insurance usually doesn’t cover damages resulting from the shrinking, settling, or expansion of footings, foundations, floors, roofs, ceilings, or walkways. These events can occur over time and may require specialized coverage if desired.
