What is the average cost of homeowners insurance?
The average cost of homeowners insurance stands at $109 per single-family home per month. Homeowners insurance costs can vary significantly, primarily based on your location. Hawaii costs as low as $31/mo. In contrast, those living in Oklahoma face considerably higher expenses, with a monthly rate of $293.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Mar 12, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Mar 12, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider.
Our insurance industry partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different insurance providers please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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Based on recent numbers, the average cost of home insurance is just above $800 per year nationwide. This means it is significantly higher in some states and significantly lower in others. Read the factors that make the difference and more specific figures in the article that follows.
It is hard to put a figure on the average cost of home insurance. There are so many varying factors that come into play when determining the final cost of buying a home insurance policy. Of course, most people are looking for ways to save on home insurance, but skimping on coverage is not an option.
Protecting the value of your home and the investment you have made may require going above and beyond the average cost of a home insurance policy. Home insurance policyholders should familiarize themselves with the coverage details to know exactly what home insurance covers, providing them with the confidence that their property and assets are adequately protected.
Why settle for just average home insurance premiums? To find better-than-average homeowners insurance rates, be sure to enter your zip code into the free tool to compare free insurance rates!
What factors determine the cost of homeowners insurance?
To understand the average cost of homeowners insurance, you first need to consider the factors affecting home insurance rates. The first determining factor is the amount of coverage you purchase. You need to purchase not just enough to cover your current home, but to cover the cost of replacing your home, if it is destroyed. These two numbers may be quite different. The more you insure your home for the more the insurance will cost but the more likely it will be that you can replace your home.
The next determining factor is the type of coverage you actually get for your home. You can get a basic policy which covers personal liability and property damage. This will include paying for an injury to someone on your property, damage from natural events, theft, or vandalism. It will also cover damage from fire, smoke, or water used to put out a fire.
A basic policy will not cover hurricanes, certain breeds of dog, or floods. You will need to add these if necessary which will make your policy cost increase quite a bit. This can be done by adding a rider to your policy. Along with this goes your choice of deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly payments. However, make sure it is a deductible amount that you can afford.
Homeowners insurance companies will also look at your credit score when assigning rates, as this is part of your general risk profile.
Read more:
- Flood Zone X: Homeowners Insurance Explained
- How much will my home insurance go up every year?
- Top Homeowners Insurance Provider That Allows All Breeds of Dogs
- Will homeowners insurance pay for smoke damage?
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Does it matter where you live?
Another factor in determining the price of a home insurance policy is property type. This will be determined by asking the following questions: What type of home are you insuring? How old is the home? Where is it located? What is the neighborhood like? What is the crime rate in the area? The answers to these questions and other questions like this will be asked by your insurance company and will help determine your rate.
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What other factors affect homeowners insurance costs?
Home insurance rates are also affected by overall construction costs in an area. The lower the rates, the lower your insurance rates will be as well. Also taken into consideration is the weather in the area you live. Is it a flood zone, prone to hurricanes, or known for tornadoes? If so, your rate will increase based on the statistics for the previous years weather and special riders will need to be added to a traditional insurance policy.
Lastly, the safety of your home, or lack there or, will have an affect on your rates. If you have an alarm system, deadbolts, fire extinguishers, motion sensor lights, safety lock windows or other safety features, your rates will go down. If not, they will be higher. Also how close you live to a fire department and police department will affect your rates.
What is the average cost of a homeowners insurance policy in 2021?
When all the determining factors of home insurance are taken into consideration along with trends in the real estate industry, a national average on home insurance rates can be determined. The national average as of 2021 is $1,312 per single family home, per year. Though this was the national average, homeowners insurance can cost significantly less or significantly more, depending on where exactly you live.
Hawaii has some of the lowest average premiums in the U.S., at $376 per year, whereas Oklahoma residents are currently paying an average annual premium of $3,519. That’s a pretty big difference.
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What does homeowners insurance cover?
There are different types of coverage available for a homeowners insurance policy depending on the insurance provider you choose. However, we will go over standard coverages you will find on most homeowners policies.
- Dwelling coverage: This is what covers your house itself. Usually, this will include damage from fire, smoke, lightning, wind, hail, vandalism, and more.
- Other structures coverage: This covers any additional structures on your property, such as garages and sheds.
- Personal property coverage: Personal property coverage protects the items in your home. It will pay the replacement costs for stolen stereo equipment, for instance, or art destroyed in a fire.
- Liability coverage: Liability insurance covers damages incurred by other people. If someone gets hurt on your property, liability will pay for their medical expenses.
There are usually additional coverage options available such as medical payments coverage and additional living expenses coverage as well.
In some cases, you may require a separate flood insurance policy in order for flood damage to be covered. The same goes for damage from hurricanes. Talk to your homeowners insurance company about what perils are and are not covered under your policy.
How do you find the best homeowners insurance rates?
Finding a good homeowners insurance policy is based on more than just cost. Finding an insurance company that you can trust and that has a reputation for fulfilling its claims is important as well. You might also be able to find companies that offer homeowners insurance discounts. Many insurers offer a multi-policy discount, for instance, if you bundle your homeowners policy with your auto policy.
Using an online comparison tool will allow you to look at what many different companies have to offer as well as see their rates. An online comparison tool will save you time and help you choose the right company.
Enter your zip below to compare free home insurance quotes online now!
Read more: United Property & Casualty Insurance Company Review
Case Studies: Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance
Case Study 1: Urban Dwelling
John, a resident of a bustling city, owns a condominium worth $400,000. His insurance policy covers the structure, personal belongings, liability, and loss of use. Considering the location and the value of his property, John pays an annual premium of $1,200 for his homeowners insurance.
Case Study 2: Suburban Family Home
Sarah and David reside in a suburban neighborhood and own a single-family house worth $600,000. Their homeowners insurance policy includes coverage for the structure, personal possessions, liability, and additional living expenses. Given the size and value of their property, Sarah and David pay an average annual premium of $1,800 for their insurance.
Case Study 3: Coastal Property
Lisa and Mark live in a coastal area and own a beachfront property valued at $1.2 million. Due to the higher risk associated with their location, their insurance policy covers the structure, personal belongings, liability, and windstorm protection. The annual premium for their homeowners insurance amounts to $3,500, reflecting the increased risks and potential damages from coastal hazards.
Case Study 4: Rural Residence
James and Emily live in a rural community and own a farmhouse with an estimated value of $300,000. Their homeowners insurance policy covers the structure, personal possessions, liability, and farm equipment. Due to the lower population density and reduced risk factors associated with their location, James and Emily pay an annual premium of $900 for their insurance.
Case Study 5: High-Value Luxury Home
Mike and Laura own an exquisite luxury home valued at $2.5 million. Their insurance policy provides coverage for the structure, high-value possessions, liability, and comprehensive protection against various risks. Considering the substantial value of their property, they pay an average annual premium of $7,500 for their homeowners insurance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance?
The average cost of homeowners insurance varies depending on various factors, including the location of the property, the value of the home, the type of coverage selected, and the insurance provider. However, according to recent data, the average annual premium for homeowners insurance in the United States is around $1,200. It’s important to note that this is just an average, and individual premiums can be significantly higher or lower based on specific circumstances.
What factors can affect the cost of homeowners insurance?
Several factors can influence the cost of homeowners insurance. Some of the common factors include the location of the property (e.g., proximity to coastlines or areas prone to natural disasters), the age and condition of the home, the replacement cost of the property, the deductible amount chosen, the presence of certain safety features (such as security systems), and the policy limits and coverage options selected. Each insurance company may also have its own underwriting criteria, which can affect the premium.
Are there any discounts available to lower homeowners insurance costs?
Yes, many insurance companies offer various discounts that can help reduce homeowners insurance costs. These discounts may vary between providers, but some common ones include multi-policy discounts (for bundling home and auto insurance), security system discounts, claims-free discounts, loyalty discounts for long-term customers, and discounts for certain home improvements that reduce the risk of damage or theft. It’s recommended to inquire with your insurance provider about the available discounts to maximize savings.
Can I lower my homeowners insurance premium by increasing my deductible?
Yes, increasing your deductible can generally lower your homeowners insurance premium. The deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before the insurance coverage kicks in. By opting for a higher deductible, you take on more risk, which often leads to lower premiums. However, it’s important to ensure that you can comfortably afford the chosen deductible amount in case you need to file a claim.
How can I find affordable homeowners insurance?
To find affordable homeowners insurance, it’s advisable to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. You can do this by contacting individual insurance companies directly or by using online comparison tools that provide quotes from multiple insurers. Be sure to review the coverage limits, deductibles, and policy terms carefully to ensure they meet your needs. Additionally, consider bundling your homeowners insurance with other policies like auto insurance to potentially qualify for multi-policy discounts. Even small, regional providers offer a bundling discount, such as Magnum insurance for Illinois and Indiana residents. You can see details in our Magnum homeowners insurance review.
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Travis Thompson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.