Key Takeaways: How to Compare Home Insurance

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MoneyGeek's homeowners insurance comparison hub delivers detailed guides for every property owner's needs, evaluating the best-value companies across different coverage options, home types and states. You can find a collection of six specialized comparison guides tailored to different homeowner situations below.

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We compare homeowners insurance companies on more than just price, analyzing customer satisfaction reputations, financial ratings and claims handling alongside rates.

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Homeowners who compare rates yearly can find substantial savings compared to auto-renewing, as insurance rates change frequently and loyalty discounts rarely match competitive pricing.

Compare Home Insurance by Affordability and Ratings

Shopping for homeowners insurance means balancing cost with coverage quality, and that's where our research comes in handy. We analyzed thousands of quote estimates from major insurers to help you understand what different companies offer and what you'll actually pay based on your home and location.

We show how companies stack up on both price and service, so you can find coverage that fits your budget without sacrificing protection when you need to file a claim.

The cheapest home insurance policy isn’t always the best fit when you compare home insurance quotes. The top home insurance companies balance affordability and coverage, and bundling your home and auto insurance could save you even more. If you’re insuring a newly built home, some insurers offer specialized policies with lower rates and better coverage for new construction.

How to Compare Homeowners Insurance

Shopping for homeowners insurance can feel like navigating a maze of costs and coverage options, but here's the straightforward approach that actually works. We've helped thousands of homeowners find the right coverage while saving both time and money.

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    Determine How Much Coverage You Actually Need

    Most people guess at coverage amounts, leaving them underprotected or overpaying. Your dwelling coverage should reflect rebuilding costs, not purchase price. That 2,000-square-foot home you bought for $250,000 might need $350,000 in dwelling coverage if local construction costs are high. 

    Beyond the structure itself, take a detailed inventory of your belongings to determine how much personal property coverage you need. Personal property coverage typically costs about 50-70% of your dwelling amount, though high-value items may require additional coverage. You should also assess your liability coverage to protect against legal expenses if someone is injured on your property.

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    Gather Information for Accurate Quotes

    Getting accurate homeowners insurance quotes starts with having the right information ready. Start with the basics: your home's square footage, year built, roof type, heating system and foundation details. Don't guess on this info — check your home inspection report, tax records or county assessor's website for accurate information. Also, list safety features like security systems, smoke detectors and storm shutters, as these often qualify for discounts of 5% to 20%.

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    Choose How to Get Your Quotes

    You have three main options for gathering quotes, each with its own advantages. Working with an independent agent lets you compare multiple insurers at once and get personalized advice, which is especially helpful if you have unique coverage needs. Calling insurers directly often gets you access to phone-only discounts and lets you ask detailed questions about coverage.

    Getting quotes online is usually the fastest option and lets you compare rates on your own timeline. Whichever method you choose, get quotes from at least three to five insurers to ensure you're seeing the full range of available options and prices.

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    Explore Ways to Lower Your Premium

    Ask about all available discounts when getting quotes. Many insurers offer savings for everything from being claims-free for several years to having a college degree or working in certain professions. Bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company can also save you 5% to 25% on your policy, depending on the insurer.

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    Compare More Than Just the Price

    The cheapest premium isn't always the best deal if the insurer can't pay your claims or provides terrible customer service when you need help most. Look for insurers rated A- or higher by AM Best or which providers score above the industry average in J.D. Power satisfaction studies. 

    Pay attention to policy exclusions that could leave you vulnerable. Some insurers exclude windstorm damage in coastal areas or have strict limits on water damage, while others offer superior coverage for replacement costs or temporary living expenses. When disaster strikes, these details matter more than saving $50 on your annual premium.

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    Review Your Policy

    Before your coverage begins, double-check that your policy reflects your actual needs and budget. Verify your effective date, coverage limits and deductible amounts match what you discussed with your agent. Make sure your deductible is realistic for your finances: If you choose a $2,500 deductible but only have $500 in savings, you're setting yourself up for financial stress.

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    Shop Around Each Year for Better Rates

    Insurance rates change constantly, and what was the best deal last year might not be competitive anymore. Set a calendar reminder 30 days before your policy renews each year to give you time to gather quotes without rushing. Many homeowners who shop annually save $200 to $500 compared to simply renewing their existing policy.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Don't assume loyalty pays off in insurance. While some companies offer small loyalty discounts, the savings from switching to a more competitive insurer often outweigh these benefits. Annual shopping gives you a chance to reassess your coverage needs as your home's value and your possessions change over time.

Compare Home Insurance Rates by Company

Looking at homeowners insurance quotes side-by-side makes it easier to spot the real differences between companies and coverage options. We've analyzed quotes from major national insurers to show you what to compare and how price differences translate into actual coverage value for your home.

The table below demonstrates how the same coverage can vary dramatically between insurers, sometimes by hundreds of dollars annually. See which national insurers offer the most affordable average rates for different coverage levels. When getting quotes, use identical coverage limits and deductibles to ensure you're making fair comparisons that reveal which companies offer the best protection for your budget.

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Coverage Level:$250K Dwelling / $125K Personal Property / $200K Liability
Amica$119-58%
CSAA$126-56%
AAA$135-53%
American Modern$174-39%
USAA$186-35%
Farmers$188-34%
Allstate$198-30%
Homesite$210-26%
Nationwide$2871%
Chubb$36930%
Progressive$45459%
Travelers$571100%

Amica offers the cheapest homeowners insurance quotes for every coverage level, with average costs ranging from 55% to 58% below the national average. However, when comparing quotes, it's important to look beyond price and consider whether an insurance company is financially stable and offers a positive customer service and claims experience. Also, verify what type of coverage each provider actually offers — some budget insurers exclude important protections like windstorm damage or limit water damage coverage that could leave you vulnerable. A company that saves you $300 annually won't be worth it if it delays claims payments or provides poor customer support when you need help most.

Why Trust MoneyGeek for Homeowners Insurance? MoneyGeek compared home insurance quotes from 20+ insurance providers across the U.S. using a profile that reflects the average homeowner. When you compare home insurance rates from different locations and companies, you get a reliable estimate of what homeowners can expect to pay.

Best Home Insurance Comparisons by Company

Compare Home Insurance Rates by State

Home insurance costs vary dramatically across the country, with some states paying three times more than others for similar coverage. Your location plays a major role in determining your premium because insurers factor in regional risks like hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and crime rates when setting prices.

Here's how each state compares to the national average, so you can see where your area stands and understand whether you're getting a competitive rate for your region.

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Coverage Level:$250K Dwelling / $125K Personal Property / $200K Liability
Alabama$38631%
Alaska$110-63%
Arizona$217-27%
Arkansas$42042%
California$112-62%
Colorado$34015%
Connecticut$192-35%
Delaware$81-72%
District of Columbia$107-64%
Florida$853189%
Georgia$188-36%
Hawaii$50-83%
Idaho$140-53%
Illinois$264-11%
Indiana$258-13%
Iowa$198-33%
Kansas$3095%
Kentucky$269-9%
Louisiana$708140%
Maine$119-60%
Maryland$219-26%
Massachusetts$172-42%
Michigan$184-38%
Minnesota$200-32%
Mississippi$43046%
Missouri$249-16%
Montana$40938%
Nebraska$52277%
Nevada$101-66%
New Hampshire$96-68%
New Jersey$148-50%
New Mexico$149-50%
New York$130-56%
North Carolina$3136%
North Dakota$188-36%
Ohio$173-41%
Oklahoma$640117%
Oregon$90-69%
Pennsylvania$195-34%
Rhode Island$174-41%
South Carolina$259-13%
South Dakota$3012%
Tennessee$244-17%
Texas$57193%
Utah$121-59%
Vermont$88-70%
Virginia$223-25%
Washington$123-58%
West Virginia$143-52%
Wisconsin$116-61%
Wyoming$158-47%

Best Home Insurance Comparisons by State

Each state has its own insurance landscape shaped by local regulations, available insurers and market competition. Some insurers excel in certain regions but aren't available nationwide, while others may offer competitive rates in one state but struggle in another. Understanding which companies perform best in your state helps you focus your shopping efforts on insurers most likely to provide good value and service in your area.

Best Home Insurance Comparisons by City

While state averages give you a baseline, your specific city and even ZIP code can impact your rates within the same state. Urban areas often face higher premiums due to increased theft and vandalism risks, while coastal cities deal with hurricane and flood exposure that can double or triple costs compared to inland locations.

We've analyzed the best home insurance companies and rates for major cities across the country, taking into account local risk factors, available insurers and regional pricing patterns. These city-specific guides can help you find the most competitive options in your market.

What to Look For When Comparing Home Insurance Quotes

Once you've gathered quotes, the real work begins. Having multiple quotes isn't enough — you need a good approach to evaluate them effectively. Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing the lowest premium, but smart comparison requires digging deeper into the details. Here's your step-by-step framework for making an informed decision that protects both your home and your budget.

  1. 1

    Compare Identical Coverage

    Before analyzing prices, confirm all quotes reflect the same coverage specifications. Even small differences dramatically impact costs and protection. We recommend double-checking these details:

    • Policy limits match your needs assessment from the previous section
    • Deductible amounts are identical across all quotes
    • Policy type consistency (all HO-3, or all HO-5, etc.)
    • Same additional coverages included or excluded

    Red Flag Example: Mike received quotes of $1,100, $1,400 and $1,650 for his home. The cheapest quote had a $2,500 deductible while the others quoted $1,000 deductibles. After adjusting for identical deductibles, the "cheapest" option became the most expensive.

  2. 2

    Look at Policy Type Differences

    Not all home insurance policies provide the same level of protection. Understanding these differences is essential for accurate comparison:

    • HO-3 standard coverage: Open-perils for your home structure, named-perils for personal belongings
    • HO-5 premium coverage: Open-perils protection for both structure and personal property
    • Coverage breadth varies: Some policies include water backup coverage, others charge extra

    Real-world impact: When Jennifer's basement flooded from a backed-up sewer, her HO-3 policy covered structural repairs but not her destroyed furniture and electronics. An HO-5 policy would've covered everything for just $180 more annually.

  3. 3

    Evaluate Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

    This distinction means thousands of dollars difference in claim payouts. Many quotes don't clearly specify which applies. Note these differences for personal property coverage:

    • Replacement cost: Pays to buy new items at today's prices
    • Actual cash value: Pays depreciated value of damaged items

    The terms vary when it applies to dwelling coverage:

    • Guaranteed replacement cost: Pays full rebuilding costs even if they exceed your policy limit
    • Extended replacement cost: Generally pays about 20%-50% above policy limits for rebuilding
    • Standard replacement cost: Pays up to policy limits only

    Cost-benefit analysis: Upgrading from actual cash value to replacement cost for personal property costs around $50 to $150 annually but saves thousands during a claim.

  4. 4

    Compare Deductible Types

    Different insurers may quote different deductible types. This makes price comparison misleading. Some deductible variations you might see include:

    • Standard all-perils deductible: Applied to most claims
    • Percentage-based wind/hail deductible: Common in storm-prone areas (generally about 1%-5% of dwelling coverage)
    • Separate hurricane deductible: Additional deductible in coastal regions

    Financial planning check: Ensure you can actually afford the deductibles quoted. A $5,000 wind deductible saves money on premiums but requires substantial emergency savings if you need to file a claim.

  5. 5

    Look at Exclusions and Limitations

    Standard exclusions vary between insurers, but what many homeowners don't realize is how dramatically these differences affect real-world claims. While all policies exclude floods and earthquakes, the variations in other exclusions can leave you with vastly different protection levels—even when paying similar premiums.

    Some companies add restrictive language that significantly narrows your coverage without clearly highlighting these limitations in quote summaries. Others provide broader protection as a standard feature. These differences only become apparent when you file a claim, making upfront comparison essential. Examples of policy details you should review before purchase include:

    • Water damage coverage: Some exclude all water damage, while others cover sudden burst pipes but exclude gradual leaks
    • Home business coverage: Limits range from $2,500 to $10,000 for business property
    • Jewelry and electronics: Coverage caps vary from $1,500 to $5,000 per category

    Documentation tip: Request policy summary sheets that detail specific exclusions and limitations for accurate comparison.

  6. 6

    Research Claims Experience and Customer Service

    Financial strength ratings tell you if an insurer can pay claims, but they don't reveal how quickly or fairly they'll handle your specific situation. The difference between a smooth claims experience and a nightmare often comes down to how companies actually handle day-to-day claims — details that don't show up in standard financial ratings but become painfully obvious when you're dealing with damage to your home. We recommend looking at:

    • J.D. Power claims satisfaction ratings: Look for scores above the industry average 
    • State insurance department complaint ratios: Available through NAIC.org
    • Average claims processing times: Ask agents about settlement periods
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MAKING A FINAL DECISION

Choose the insurer that provides the best combination of adequate coverage, competitive pricing, financial stability and customer service reputation. The cheapest quote isn't always the best value if it leaves you underprotected or dealing with a company known for claims disputes.

Remember: Your home is likely your largest investment. Spending an extra $200 to $400 annually for better coverage and service often proves worthwhile when you actually need to file a claim.

Calculate Your Home Insurance Cost

Use our home insurance calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your home's details and location. When you’re ready to compare home insurance quotes, this tool helps you understand what you should expect to pay and whether your current rate is competitive.

Enter your details once and see how much you could save. It takes 30 seconds to see how rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between companies in your area, and we won't call you or send you emails unless you want to proceed with getting a finalized quote.

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Oct 02, 2025

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Factors That Affect Home Insurance Rates

Your premium depends on a mix of personal factors and property characteristics that insurers use to assess risk. Understanding these elements helps you identify potential savings opportunities and explains why your rates might differ from neighbors with similar homes.

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    Property factors include your home's age, construction materials, roof condition and square footage. Newer homes with impact-resistant roofing and fire-resistant materials get better rates, while older homes with outdated electrical or plumbing systems face higher premiums.

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    Location risks like crime rates, proximity to fire departments and natural disaster exposure based on your state and city influence pricing. Living near a coast, in a high-crime area or wildfire zone increases costs significantly. Even your distance from the nearest fire station can affect your rates.

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    Personal factors such as your credit score, claims history and chosen deductible amount directly impact your premium. Higher deductibles and good credit typically lower your rates, while recent claims can increase costs for several years.

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    Coverage choices including your policy limits, additional endorsements and bundling with auto insurance also affect your final cost. Most insurers offer discounts for multiple policies, security systems and various safety features like smoke detectors or storm shutters.

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    Home improvements like updating your electrical system, installing a new roof or adding security features can often reduce your premiums by demonstrating lower risk to insurers.

Home Insurance Rates and Company Comparisons: FAQ


Below are the most common questions asked about how to shop for home insurance.

Should I compare home insurance quotes annually?

What's the best way to compare home insurance rates?

What information do I need to compare home insurance quotes accurately?

Where can I compare home insurance quotes?

How many home insurance companies should I compare?

About Nathan Paulus


Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.


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