7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (2024)

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Compare the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

See how our top-rated home insurance providers compare based on key metrics to help you decide which company is the right fit for you. Our team also suggests considering each company’s reputation and coverage offerings in addition to cost when making a decision. We sourced the below cost data from Quadrant Information Services as an estimate but note the actual price you pay will depend on your unique home and situation.

Insurance CompanyStar RatingBest ForAverage Annual PremiumA.M. BestLearn More

Our Top Pick

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (1)AllstateExplore Plans

4.8

Extended Coverage$2,414.37A+Explore Plans

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (2)State FarmLearn More

4.8

New Homeowners$2,084.90A++Learn More

4.6

Customizable Coverage$2,835.72AExplore Plans

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (4)NationwideLearn More

4.6

Inclusive Standard Coverage$2,969.71ALearn More

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (5)ErieLearn More

4.5

Best Value$2,326.78A+Learn More

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (6)USAALearn More

4.5

Military Members$2,409.42A++Learn More

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (7)Liberty MutualExplore Plans

4.3

DiscountsN/AAExplore Plans
Insurance CompanyA.M. BestStar RatingBest ForAverage Annual PremiumLearn More

Our Top Pick

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (8)AllstateExplore Plans

A+

4.8

Extended Coverage$2,414.37Explore Plans

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (9)State FarmLearn More

A++

4.8

New Homeowners$2,084.90Learn More
A

4.6

Customizable Coverage$2,835.72Explore Plans

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (11)NationwideLearn More

A

4.6

Inclusive Standard Coverage$2,969.71Learn More

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (12)ErieLearn More

A+

4.5

Best Value$2,326.78Learn More

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (13)USAALearn More

A++

4.5

Military Members$2,409.42Learn More

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (14)Liberty MutualExplore Plans

A

4.3

DiscountsN/AExplore Plans

No results were found.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible.

Things to Know Before You Shop

Learn what to look for when shopping for home insurance to create a baseline of knowledge for comparing our top providers below.

Home insurance covers your home and belongings when they are damaged or lost due to a covered disaster, such as fire and lightning, hail, wind,vandalism, theft and much more. It also pays for legal fees when you’re liable for personal orproperty damage, medical bills for guests who get injured on your property andadditional living expensesin case you are displaced from your home due to a covered loss.

A standard home insurance policy won’t cover your dwelling or belongings against certain natural disasters and normal wear and tear without add-ons. According to American Family, the following perils are excluded from the popular HO3standard policy:

  • Flooding
  • Earthquakes, sinkholes and landslides
  • Power failure
  • War
  • Nuclear hazard
  • Intentional acts
  • Enforcement of building codes
  • Pollution

According to theInsurance Information Institute(Triple-I), the HO-3 form is the most commonhome insurance policy. It covers your home andpersonal propertyon anopen perilsbasis. This means that all perils are covered unless named as an exclusion on the policy.The HO-2 form only covers your home and property from 16named perils, instead. This means your home and belongings are covered for the specific risks named in your policy. It’s cheaper but less comprehensive than open perils coverage.

In short, no, homeowners insurance is not required by law. That being said, most banks and mortgagelendersrequire it to protect their investments. They may also require flood orearthquake insurance— which isn’t included in basic home insurance — if you live in an area susceptible to flooding, earthquakes or othernatural disasters.Even if you don’t have a mortgage, insurance professionals recommend financially protecting what may be your largest purchase from a wide variety of risks.

We get it. It’s easy to find thecheapest homeowners insurance policyand just be done with it. However, it’s important to do proper research and ensure your chosenhome insurance policyprovides adequate coverage for your needs.

  • Gather information about your home.You may be asked for details about your home, such as the address,square footage, number of stories, safety systems and approximate dates of major renovations. You may also need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number.
  • Consider more than just cost.In our 2023 survey of 1,000 homeowners, cost was a key consideration for 41% while shopping, but it wasn’t the most important deciding factor — coverage was (44%). Finding the lowest price was only the deciding factor for 15% of respondents. While shopping, take time to compare coverage and find a policy, not just a price, that fits your needs.
  • Estimatecoverage limits.The amount of coverage you purchase directly affects your policy’s cost. To ensure you’re getting accurate quotes, think about what it would cost to completely rebuild or replace your home and the value of yourpersonal belongings.
  • Shop around.In our survey, only 56% of respondents shopped online for quotes. We recommend youcompare quotesfrom at least three companies to ensure you understand what is covered and excluded in the policy.Working with a local insurance agent may be beneficial in helping to obtain quotes and compare costs and coverages.

We at the MarketWatch Guides team carefully analyzed and vetted 16 home insurance companies through primary research on provider websites, speaking with representatives, reading customer reviews and collecting third-party data. Then, we scored each company against our objective rating methodology and narrowed our list to the eight best providers.

To help us provide authoritative rankings and recommendations, we collected AM Best ratings, customer satisfaction ratings from the 2023 J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Survey, provider complaint ratios from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and sample premiums from Quadrant Information Services. This article features 2023 data from two proprietary consumer-facing surveys and was reviewed by an industry expert. Learn more about our scoring process in our comprehensive home insurance methodology.

Why Trust Us?

How We Calculated Homeowners Insurance Ratings

4

Homeowner ProfilesWe gathered estimates using four homeowner profiles with various coverage amounts for dwelling, personal property, liability, other structures and more. We also varied the credit scores, the year the home was built, claim types, risk scores and more to generate various reports and estimates from Quadrant Information Services.

3

Million Estimates GatheredTo better understand the cost of home insurance premiums throughout all 50 U.S. states, our team gathered 3 million estimates via Quadrant Information Services based on four homeowner profiles and variables that can affect costs. We regularly update this information to present the most current and accurate estimates.

16

Nationwide Providers ReviewedOur team has scored and reviewed 16 nationwide homeowners insurance providers, ranking each company based on our comprehensive home insurance methodology, which considers cost, availability, ease of use, coverage and brand trust.

3,500

Homeowners SurveyedWe surveyed 3,500 homeowners nationwide in 2023 to gain a better understanding of what consumers like you care about the most when it comes to coverage. We also asked homeowners about their frustrations with the buying process.

Top 7 Homeowners Insurance Providers

According to our analysis using our in-depth methodology, we came up with this list of the top 7 homeowners insurance companies:

Allstate

Our pick for extended coverage

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (15)

4.8

Cost: 4.3
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.2
Brand Trust: 4.5
Coverage: 4.6

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestA+J.D. Power809/1000Annual Cost$2,414.37

MONTHLY COST$201.20

Pros and Cons

Pros Nationwide network of local-exclusive and independent agents Extensive selection of endorsem*nts and discounts Has online insurance information and tools to educate potential customers Cons Doesn’t provide online quotes in some areas Has a slightly below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating

Why We Chose Allstate

Allstate sells many extended coverage options to help customers create policies that fit their needs. The company lets policyholders upgrade their policies with up to nine riders, which helps it stand out among its competitors. Aside from its extensive add-ons list, the insurer offers many discounts to help lower your premiums.

Its additional coverage options include identity theft protection, electronic data recovery, green improvement reimbursem*nt, sports equipment, musical instruments and scheduled personal property coverage.

Cost

Allstate’s average annual premium is $96.88cheaper than the average annual premium in the United States. Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Your rates may vary.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage for 2023.

Allstate discounts include:

  • Claim-free
  • Early signing
  • Easy pay plan
  • Home buyer
  • Multi-policy
  • Protective device
  • Responsible payment
  • Welcome and loyalty

Brand Trust

Allstate is the second-largest home insurer in the U.S. according to Triple-Iand has served homeowners across the country since 1931. It’s an established provider in the insurance industry with an A+ (Superior) rating by AM Best, which is AM Best’s second-highest rating for financial stability.

We also tracked Allstate’s rating in the J.D. Power US Claims Satisfaction Study from 2013 to 2024. The provider ranks close to average in every year we analyzed.

What Policyholders Say

We surveyed thousands of home insurance policyholders on their experiences shopping for a plan and filing a claim to better understand the strengths and pain points of various providers. Our most recent survey on home insurance claims, consisting of 1,000 participants nationwide, found that 137 had a policy through Allstate.

Water damage was the most common claim filed by Allstate policyholders, with 31% of these claims valued between $5,000 and $10,000. Ninety-five percent of these claims were approved, with half of the 5% of denials due to the homeowner not meeting the filing deadline.

When asked what their biggest frustration was during the claims process, many participants noted it was long and cumbersome, with the online documentation approval process taking longer than expected. However, most respondents with an Allstate policy reported no frustrations and satisfaction with the process.

Our team reached out to Allstate for comment on its claim process but did not receive a response.

State Farm

Our pick for new homeowners

4.8

Cost: 3.9
Availability and Ease of Use: 5
Brand Trust: 4.8
Coverage: 4.3

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestA++J.D. Power829/1000Annual Cost$2,084.90

MONTHLY COST$173.74

Pros and Cons

Pros Standard policy includes extra protection Offers many online educational resources Average premium is lower than the national average Cons Instant quotes not available in all states Fewer discounts than many competitors

Why We Chose State Farm

State Farm is a suitable option for new homeowners due to its user-friendly website and straightforward quote process. It generally takes between 15 and 20 minutes to get a quote and while you wait, you can read online explainers about coverage types.

In addition to an easy application process, State Farm offers many coverage options and discounts to help you lower your premiums and select a policy that fits your needs.

Cost

State Farm’s average annual premium is $426.35 cheaper than the average homeowners insurance rates in the United States. Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Your rates may vary.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage for 2023.

State Farm discounts include:

  • Bundling
  • Claim-free
  • Home security insurance
  • Roofing
  • Higher deductibles
  • Automatic sprinkler

Brand Trust

State Farm is the largest writer of home insurance in the U.S. by direct written premiums, according to Triple-I, with $22.1 billion in 2021. Coupled with the best possible AM Best credit rating, A++, policyholders can rest assured that State Farm is financially ready for any disaster.

State Farm has 24/7 customer service for claims filing, making it easy for policyholders to initiate a claim. After a covered loss, you can initiate the claims process by calling your agent, calling State Farm’s dedicated claims number or filing online. State Farm consistently ranks average or above average in J.D. Power’s US Property Claims Satisfaction Study.

What Policyholders Say

We surveyed thousands of homeowners regarding their experiences shopping for home insurance and filing claims to pinpoint provider strengths and weaknesses. Our most recent survey on home insurance claims, consisting of 1,000 participants, found that 136 had a policy with State Farm.

Like Allstate, water damage was the most common claim filed by State Farm policyholders, with 32% of these claims valued between $1,000 and $5,000. Notably, 95% percent of these claims were approved, with most denials primarily attributed to damage being considered normal wear and tear or negligence.

When asked what their biggest frustration was during the claims process, most respondents with a policy from State Farm reported no frustrations and general satisfaction with the process. However, experiences may vary —the second most common response was among policyholders frustrated with an overall slow process. Other respondents were pleased about the convenience of filing a claim through State Farm’s mobile app, while some appreciated how the process was more straightforward than they anticipated.

State Farm provided our team with the following response regarding its claims process:

“As an organization, we take pride in our customer service and are committed to paying what we owe, promptly, courteously and efficiently,” said Roszell Gadson, a company spokesperson. “State Farm values the relationships we have with our customers. If they have questions, we encourage them to reach out through their agent, online at StateFarm.com, or by calling 1-800-STATE-FARM.”

Farmers

Our pick for customizable coverage

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (17)

4.6

Cost: 4.3
Availability and Ease of Use: 5
Brand Trust: 4.5
Coverage: 4.6

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestAJ.D. Power800/1000Annual Cost$2,835.72

MONTHLY COST$236.31

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides unique discounts to lower premiums Features customizable coverage options and flexible policy limits Offers online tools to file and manage claims Cons Pricing may be higher than some other providers Does not provide the same coverage in all locations

Why We Chose Farmers

Farmers homeowners insurance policies are all about customization. You can choose from standard, enhanced or premiere packages, which differ by coverage limits, features and cost.

The insurer’s standard policy includes personal property, temporary living expenses, medical payments and dwelling coverages. Some of its available endorsem*nts include identity theft, replacement cost, building ordinance or law and scheduled personal articles coverages.

Cost

Farmers’ average annual premium is $2,835.72, which is higher than the average annual premium of $2,511.25. Your rate may vary.

Discounts:

  • Affinity
  • Claims-free
  • Connected home
  • Good payer
  • Green certification
  • Home safety
  • Multi-policy bundling
  • New home
  • Nonsmoker
  • Paperless policy
  • Preferred payment
  • Protective device
  • Rent-to-own
  • UL-approved roofing materials

Brand Trust

Farmers have been in the business since 1928. It earned an A rating with independent credit rating agency AM Best, which shows the insurer can meet its financial obligations, including paying customer claims.

Farmers lets policyholders file claims through its claims team, website or mobile app. Based on the chart below, it has historically had high customer satisfaction for property claims.

What Policyholders Say

We surveyed several thousand homeowners to gain insights into their experiences while shopping for a home insurance plan and filing a claim. In our 2024 survey on home insurance claims, none of the participants had an insurance policy with Farmers. However, we gathered insight into the company’s service by reading through and analyzing reviews on Trustpilot.

Some reviewers, such as this one, were disappointed with how Farmers increased their rate year over year despite filing no claims. Others, like this policyholder, felt the company unfairly canceled their policies. We were unable to find any positive reviews specifically about home insurance through Farmers within the last six months.

Our team reached out to Farmers for comment on its rate increases and other customer-reported home insurance issues and did not receive a response.

Nationwide

Our pick for inclusive standard coverage

4.6

Cost: 3.9
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.6
Brand Trust: 4.8
Coverage: 5

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestAJ.D. Power812/1000Annual Cost$2,969.71

MONTHLY COST$247.48

Pros and Cons

Pros Flood and earthquake are optional coverages Provides ordinance or law coverage and credit card coverage in basic policies Offers a variety of unique discounts Cons Higher than average premium based on our sample quote Unable to provide a single-policy quote online

Why We Chose Nationwide

Nationwide’s standard homeowners plan includes many coverages that insurers typically offer as add-ons, which makes it ideal for those looking for a comprehensive policy. For instance, it provides ordinance or law insurance, which helps you rebuild your house according to updated building codes after a covered loss.

Nationwide also offers credit card protection that protects you from unauthorized transactions on your debit or credit card. For all of their benefits, Nationwide’s policies are relatively more expensive than its competitors.

Cost

Nationwide’s average annual premium is $458.46 more expensive than the average annual premium in the United States. Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Your rates may vary.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage for 2023.

Nationwide discounts include:

  • Claims-free
  • Gated community
  • Home purchase
  • Home renovation credit
  • Multi-policy
  • Prior insurance
  • Protective device
  • Roof rating
  • Smart home

Brand Trust

Strong third-party ratings are indicative of Nationwide’s financial strength and customer satisfaction. The provider has an A+ rating with AM Best and has ranked above average in the 10 most recent J.D. Power US Claims Satisfaction Study reports.

What Policyholders Say

We surveyed several thousand homeowners with home insurance policies to gain insights into their experiences while shopping for a plan and filing a claim. In our most recent survey on home insurance claims, 136 out of 1,000 participants had an insurance policy with Nationwide.

Wind damage was the most common claim filed by Nationwide policyholders, with over 28% of these claims valued between $5,000 and $10,000. Our respondents reported 90% of their claims as approved, with the most common reason for denial provided by Nationwide being damage considered normal wear and tear or negligence.

When asked what their biggest frustration was during the claims process, most Nationwide policyholders reported no frustrations and general satisfaction. However, other respondents noted a slow claims process and difficulty gathering and submitting claim information. Out of all participants with a policy from Nationwide, over 56% said they would recommend the company to their friends or colleagues.

Our team reached out to Nationwide for comment on its claims process and received the following response:

“Nationwide takes pride in providing extraordinary care in the investigation, adjustment and resolution of claims based on its own unique facts, policy terms and applicable law,” said Jeff Rommel, the company’s senior vice president of personal lines claims. “We strive to provide the best claims experience possible and are always seeking ways we can continuously improve.”

Erie

Our pick for best service

4.5

Cost: 3.5
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.2
Brand Trust: 4.9
Coverage: 4.3

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestA+J.D. Power856/1000Annual Cost$2,326.78

MONTHLY COST$193.90

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers high levels of coverage in its standard policy Local independent agents offer a personal touch Bundling policies saves up to a generous 20% Cons Quotes only available through agents, not online Has a banned dog breed list

Why We Chose Erie

Erie gets high marks for its customer service, which is reflected in its customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power. Its standard homeowner policy also offers higher levels of coverage than other insurers. For example, Erie pays up to $500 for a covered loss to birds, fish and many other pets.

In addition, Erie covers your personal property with replacement cost coverage, which means you won’t have to worry about the depreciation in the item’s value over time. However, Erie’s policies are not available in every state.

Cost

Erie’s average annual premium is $184.47 cheaper than the average annual premium in the United States. Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Your rates may vary.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage for 2023.

Erie discounts include:

  • Advanced quote
  • Fire, burglary alarm, sprinkler system credit
  • Multi-policy

Brand Trust

Since its inception in 1925, Erie has grown into a Fortune 500 company with more than 6,000 employees and 6 million policies in force. The provider has solid financials, earning an A+ financial strength rating with A.M. Best.

Erie’s founders set out to create an insurance company that “emphasized customer service above all else.” That vision is evident in Erie’s high third-party ratings for customer service and claims satisfaction. It draws fewer than expected complaints filed with state insurance departments and consistently scores above average in J.D. Power’s claims satisfaction study.

File a claim by contacting your local Erie agent or calling a dedicated 24/7 claims line.

What Policyholders Say

To understand home insurance provider strengths and weaknesses, we surveyed thousands of homeowners with home insurance policies on their experiences shopping and filing claims. Our most recent survey on home insurance claims, consisting of 1,000 participants, found that 136 had purchased a policy with Erie.

Fire damage was the most common claim filed by Erie policyholders, with 28% of these claims valued between $10,000 and $20,000. Ninety-two percent of these claims were approved, with most denials due to damage considered normal wear and tear or negligence.

When asked what their biggest frustration was during the claims process, many participants noted no frustrations and were satisfied with their experience. However, when asked how likely they were to recommend Erie to friends or colleagues, over half of the respondents only voted seven or eight on a scale of one to 10.

We reached out to Erie for comment on the above-mentioned issues with claim denials and received the following response:

“Since 1925, Erie Insurance has been fulfilling its promise of providing auto, home, business and life insurance rooted in the principles of honesty, decency, service and affordability,” said Matthew Cummings, an Erie spokesperson. “Erie Insurance is consistently ranked highest in J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys and maintains one of the strongest customer retention rates in the insurance industry — from year to year, more than 91% of our policyholders stay with Erie due to our promise of being above all in service.”

USAA

Our pick for military members

4.5

Cost: 3.7
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.6
Brand Trust: 5
Coverage: 3.6

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestA++J.D. Power881/1000Annual Cost$2,409.42

MONTHLY COST$200.79

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides excellent member benefits Includes unique personal property coverage for military uniforms Premiums are lower than many competitors on average Cons Available only to active-duty military, veterans and immediate family members Some competitors offer more additional coverage options

Why We Chose USAA

USAA provides many military-specific coverages and discounts, making it ideal for active-duty military members, veterans and their families. With this insurer, you do not have to pay a deductible in case of a covered loss to your military equipment or uniform. It also offers replacement cost coverage as part of its standard policy.

You can save on your USAA policy by taking advantage of discounts for multi-policy bundling, customer loyalty, and protective and connected home devices.

Cost

USAA’s average annual premium is $101.83 cheaper than the average annual premium in the United States. Sample rates are for illustrative purposes only. Your rates may vary.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage for 2023.

USAA discounts include:

  • Bundling
  • Claims-free
  • Connected home
  • Protected home

Brand Trust

USAA has an A++ financial strength rating with AM Best, removing any doubt around its claims-paying ability. It also consistently scores higher than the national average and other providers on this list in the J.D. Power US Property Claims Satisfaction Study.

However, although J.D. Power publishes scores for USAA, it notes that USAA is not rank-eligible because of its coverage eligibility restrictions.

What Policyholders Say

Since every provider has strengths and weaknesses, we surveyed thousands of homeowners on their experiences shopping for a plan and filing a claim with top insurers. In our most recent survey, which focused on claims and consisted of 1,000 participants, we found that 136 had a USAA home insurance policy.

Fire damage was the most common claim filed through USAA, with over 26% of these claims valued between $10,000 and $20,000. Over 93% of claims filed by survey participants through USAA were approved, with almost all denials due to damage considered normal wear and tear or negligence.

When asked their biggest frustration when filing a claim, most survey participants with a USAA policy were displeased with an overall slow process. Our team reached out to USAA for comment on its claim process but did not receive a response. However, when asked how likely they were to recommend USAA to friends or colleagues on a scale of one to 10, over half of the respondents voted an eight or above.

Liberty Mutual Our pick for discounts

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (21)

4.3

Cost: 4.3
Availability and Ease of Use: 4.6
Brand Trust: 4.5
Coverage: 3.9

Our Rating

Our Review

A.M. BestAJ.D. Power789/1000Annual CostN/A

Pros and Cons

Pros Live chat helps homeowners during the quote process Offers a 10% discount for shopping online Inflation protection add-on that adjusts replacement cost coverage each year to account for inflation Cons Lower deductible options than many competitors Fewer add-on options than many other insurers

Why We Chose Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual is our pick for homeowners looking for extra savings opportunities and discounts when signing up for a policy. During our research, we pulled dozens of sample quotes from the provider on homes across the country and found that it consistently offers impressive discounts, such as an online purchase discount and a discount for insuring the home to its replacement cost value. However, these discounts can vary depending on each homeowner’s personal details and location.

Liberty Mutual’s home insurance covers your belongings at replacement cost, meaning it will pay you the cost for a new item rather than the value of your used item minus depreciation. It covers your home for damage caused by perils like wind, hail, fire and hurricanes. Protection for damage caused by water backup and overflow is optional.

Cost

We source provider cost data from Quadrant Information Services, the leading source of property and casualty insurance solutions and data. Quadrant is unable to provide sample premiums for this provider.

*All quotes are based on $350,000 in dwelling coverage for 2023.

Liberty Mutual discounts include:

  • Claims-free
  • Early shopper
  • Insured to value
  • Multi-policy
  • New/renovated home
  • New roof
  • Newly purchased home
  • Preferred payment
  • Paperless
  • Safe homeowner

Brand Trust

Liberty Mutual is a top-rated homeowners insurance company with more than 110 years in business nationwide and an A (Excellent) financial strength rating by AM Best. This isn’t as high as some other providers on this list but is still a positive reflection of the provider’s claims-paying ability. The provider also scored well for receiving fewer than expected complaints, according to the NAIC.

Because we can’t gain first-hand experience with provider claims processes, we rely on customer reviews and the J.D. Power US Property Claims Satisfaction Study to assess the overall consumer sentiment regarding claims. Liberty Mutual scored above average in J.D. Power’s claims study for six of the 10 years we analyzed.

What Policyholders Say

We surveyed thousands of homeowners nationwide to learn more about their experiences shopping for home insurance and filing a claim. In our most recent survey, which focused on claims and consisted of 1,000 participants, we found that 136 had a home insurance policy through Liberty Mutual.

Water damage was the most common claim filed by Liberty Mutual policyholders, with 33% of these claims valued between $1,000 and $5,000. Almost 95% of claims filed by survey participants with a Liberty mutual policy were approved, with the majority of denials due to damage considered normal wear and tear or negligence.

When asked about their biggest frustration when filing a claim, most survey participants with a Liberty Mutual policy were satisfied with their experience overall. However, the most common complaint among other respondents was dissatisfaction with a slow claims process. When asked how likely they were to recommend Liberty Mutual to friends or colleagues on a scale of one to ten, over half of the respondents voted a nine or above.

We reached out to Liberty Mutual to learn more about its claims process but did not receive a response.

*A.M. Best ratings accurate as of May 2024

Homeowners insurance can feel overwhelming to the uninitiated, but it’s not difficult to find a great policy once you understand the basics. Here are three important aspects to remember as you compare providers:

Your cost for home insurance is dependent on factors such as your location, square footage and condition of your home, claims history, credit history and more. One way to reduce your premiums is to look for bundling discounts or savings for installing safety devices, paying annually and more.

Besides standard coverage for your dwelling, other structures, personal property, liability and medical payments, most insurers offer additional coverage for a fee. These add-ons, or endorsem*nts, include coverage for water backup, equipment breakdown, service line repair, identity theft, valuable personal property and more.

Hopefully you never need to file a home insurance claim, but if you do, you want the process to go quickly and smoothly without adding stress to your situation. In addition to asking company representatives about their claim turnaround times and communication channels for initiating claims, find out if the provider was scored in the 2023 J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Survey. This annual study measures overall customer satisfaction with homeowner insurance property claims on a scale of 0 to 1,000. Satisfaction is based on settlement, claim servicing, first notification of loss, estimation process and repair process.

Homeowners Insurance For Common Scenarios

The cost of homeowners insurance coverage will vary based on your specific needs, with your property, belongings, location and even credit history playing a role. We spoke with Kate Terry, the CEO of Surround Insurance, to learn more about how to find the right coverage across several circ*mstances:

Home Insurance for First-Time Homebuyers

For first-time homebuyers, it is important to take the time to understand home insurance fundamentals, terminology and coverage options. Look for providers that explain the basics, whether with informational content online or by speaking with an agent.

“If you don’t know what you’re buying, find a knowledgeable independent agent who can walk you through the process,” said Terry. Some providers also provide online tools to help policyholders create home inventories, estimate replacement value, understand local risks and more.

Insuring a Home in a High-Risk Area

Homeowners insurance will likely cost more in areas considered high-risk, including living in an area prone to natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes or earthquakes, or a higher-crime area with elevated theft risk. You may need to purchase separate coverage for windstorms or hurricanes if you live in a coastal area. Having a newer roof can help keep your rates lower or improve your home's chances of insurability.

“In a high-risk area, homeowners insurance may be difficult to find, or you may need both a policy from a state plan and a private insurance policy to give you more coverage,” said Terry. “Don’t leave shopping to the last minute — this can take some time to sort out.” If you get denied coverage by private insurers, you can look into your state’s Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan, which subsidizes high-risk insurance.

Homeowners Insurance With a Dog

Standard policies typically cover damage caused by some dogs, but other insurers may exclude specific pets with a history of biting or even exclude entire breeds. Terry notes that honesty is the best policy, offering homeowners the following advice: “Be upfront with your agent about what kind and how many dogs you have so they can match you to a company that will insure you. This way, if your dog does bite, the insurance company doesn’t refuse to pay the claim.”

Providers that institute a banned breed list may refuse coverage for certain breeds perceived as aggressive, such as pit bulls and rottweilers. If this can affect your application, consider finding an insurer that does not ban animals or working with an agent to find a policy that meets your pet-related needs.

Insuring Valuable Items

Homeowners insurance also covers your personal belongings damaged by named perils such as fire, windstorms, theft and vandalism. But policies often enforce sub-limits of $1,500 to $5,000 on valuable items, such as jewelry, furs and original art. You may consider purchasing an endorsem*nt for scheduled personal property if the value of your luxury items exceeds your policy’s coverage limit. Scheduled items are covered for the appraised value if damaged by perils not included in standard coverage, such as accidental loss.

“There are also stand-alone policies for very high-value collections, like fine art or wine,” said Terry. “The same agent who you use for homeowners will typically have access to these.”

Home Insurance for an Older Home

Older homes built with outdated materials are riskier to insure because they may require more extensive plumbing, electrical or roofing repairs, or feature historical architecture that is difficult or expensive to replace. If you’re having trouble finding affordable coverage for an older home, consider updating the aging components of your home with modern materials and techniques. You can also look into local building codes to bring your home up to current standards.

Terry offers the following advice if you need help: “An insurance agent in your area will know which companies will accept your home in the first place, and are less likely to cancel your policy after an inspection.”

Switching Home Insurance Companies

If you already have home insurance, you do not have to stick with your provider for life — you can switch insurers if you’re unsatisfied with your current policy for any reason. However, you’ll want to consider if the pros of changing companies outweigh the cons. For example, you could face penalties for terminating your coverage early, so you may find it more cost-effective to wait until your current policy’s renewal date before you move forward with switching providers.

Once you’re ready to make the switch, it’s best practice to compare home insurance rates from several companies to ensure you’re receiving the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget. In addition, comparing your current policy to a new policy could help you identify any gaps in coverage. If you’d prefer assistance during this transition process, working with a licensed insurance agent may help alleviate your worries and ensure you find the right plan.

“The biggest thing to watch out for is whether your new insurance carrier is going to do an inspection,” said Terry. “If [a company] does [an inspection] and finds anything [deemed] not acceptable — such as a loose shingle or an overhanging tree limb — it may give you a relatively short period of time, like 30 days, to fix the problem or it will cancel your policy.”

How Much Homeowners Insurance Do I Need?

Generally, you need enough homeowners insurance to rebuild your home completely in the event of total damage, factoring in inflation’s impact on replacement costs. Many home insurance providers have detailed forms asking for information about your home to calculate estimated replacement costs. The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) also has information to help determine your home’s rebuilding cost and a home inventory guide to estimate the value of your belongings.

Here are some recommended coverage amounts to keep in mind when shopping for a home insurance policy:

Coverage TypeRecommended Coverage*
DwellingAmount needed to replace or rebuild your home
Other structures10% of your dwelling coverage
Personal property50% of your dwelling coverage
Loss of use10% of your dwelling coverage
Liability$300,000–$500,000
Medical payments$1,000–$5,000

*We obtained recommended coverage amounts from the Triple-I and Policygenius.

Do I Need Home Insurance Endorsem*nts?

Although your main policy will cover the basics, those who want extra coverage for things like natural disasters, high-value jewelry or even identity theft will have the option to select add-ons, or endorsem*nts, when signing up for a policy. Endorsem*nts are only required for certain natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding when the risk of an event is extremely high, but just because coverage is not required does not mean it is not beneficial. Use the map below to discover the top three home insurance threats in your state and decide whether or not purchasing extra coverage is the right decision for you.

Do I Need Homeowners Insurance?

State laws within the U.S. don't typically require you to purchase homeowners insurance. However, if you currently have a mortgage on your home, your lender will likely require you to buy a policy, as the bank has a financial interest in your home if something goes wrong.

You could skip purchasing a homeowners policy if you own your house outright. However, remember that you will have to cover any damages in the event of a fire, theft or injury to another party on your property. If you don't have the savings to pay out-of-pocket for potential damages in situations such as these, homeowners insurance can help protect you against any financial risks associated with home ownership.

Types of Property Insurance

If you own property other than a house – such as a condo or mobile home – there are coverage options that work similarly to traditional homeowners insurance policies. Coverages are also available if you rent a house from a landlord or are a landlord yourself. Learn more about the different types of property insurance in the sections below.

Renters Insurance

If you rent instead of owning your residence, your landlord is responsible for taking care of repairs, covering the cost of injuries related to issues with your home and insuring your residence. However, some landlords may request or require you to have your own renters insurance policy to supplement what they provide.

Renters insurance is designed to protect you from paying out-of-pocket if your belongings get damaged by events such as burglary, fires and more. Renters insurance coverage typically includes personal property, liability and other protections rather than the actual structure of the building.

Landlord Insurance

If you own property that you rent out or plan to rent out long-term, you may need landlord insurance. While state laws do not typically require landlord insurance, lenders will require it if you have a mortgage or are financing the property you lease out.

While this coverage may seem similar to homeowners insurance, there are differences. For example, landlord insurance allows property owners to make claims if a tenant damages the house and makes it unrentable. However, landlord insurance does not cover a renter's personal property. This means personal items within a covered building — such as clothing, furniture and more — are excluded from coverage.

Condo Insurance

Condo insurance falls into a similar vein as renters insurance. It provides various coverage types that can protect you in the event of a fire, theft, accidental injury and more. While you may have coverage through a condo association that insures your building and common areas, a personal condo insurance policy can help protect your personal belongings. Like other types of insurance, a lender may require a condo policy if you have a mortgage.

Mobile Home Insurance

Mobile home insurance is similar to a traditional homeowners policy. It covers the physical structure of your mobile home in addition to your personal belongings from damages caused by fires, wind, theft and more. It can also cover any injuries visitors incur on your property.

Homeowner Trends in 2024

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), U.S. house prices rose 7% from February 2023 to February 2024, with Redfin putting the median U.S. home sale price at the end of April 2024 at over $383,000. Redfin also points out that new home listings are up 10.2% year over year and that its Homebuyer Demand Index — which measures the requests for tours and other services from Redfin agents — is near its highest level in eight months.

Zillow reports that almost 59% of U.S. homeowners own their home with a mortgage or a loan — meaning that around 30% of homeowners are mortgage-free. If you’re one of these homeowners with no mortgage, you may choose to go without homeowners insurance, as it’s not required if you don’t owe money to a lender. However, you’ll need to be ready to take on the costs associated with events such as fires, theft, accidents, and more occurring in your home and on your property.

If you’re a new homeowner in 2024, budgeting is likely something you’ve considered as you take on new bills and costs associated with homeownership. If you have a mortgage and are required to purchase a policy, finding the right insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. Several of our top picks — such as State Farm, Erie, USAA and Allstate — made our list of cheapest homeowners insurance companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeowners Insurance

A deductible is the amount of money that you are responsible for paying toward an insured loss and is subtracted from your claim payment. If your deductible is $1,000 and your repair costs $5,000, your insurer will subtract $1,000 from your claim payment, providing you with a net amount of $4,000. Many providers let you choose your deductible, and a higher deductible will result in a lower monthly premium. However, it’s important to choose a deductible that you will be able to afford in the wake of an incident.

Home insurance provides financial protection from disasters and accidents. Fire, theft, vandalism, smoke and personal injury will usually be covered. Earthquakes and flooding are not covered with most standard plans, but many companies offer protection for these events as an endorsem*nt. Flood and earthquake coverage can also be purchased separately. Repairs needed due to poor home maintenance are not covered.

Whether you’re purchasing a home and need to buy a policy for your new property or you’re looking to add coverage on the house you’ve owned for a while, buying a home insurance policy is a straightforward process. You’ll get a quote from the provider based on your specific needs either online or by consulting an insurance agent, then you’ll set up your policy for the start date you need.

Since homeowners insurance premiums depend on a wide range of factors, there could be multiple reasons for abnormally high prices. For example, as your home ages, it becomes more expensive to insure since its structure is more likely to need repairs after covered incidents. However, if you recently had your roof replaced, this cost can be considerably mediated. Additionally, your prices may be higher than usual if you have filed a home insurance claim previously, live in an area prone to natural disasters or have an unfavorable credit history. If none of these factors apply to you, your homeowners insurance may still increase due to the rising costs of construction materials and labor in the market as a whole.

While homeowners insurance isn’t required by law in the U.S., most mortgage lenders require it in their lending agreements with homeowners. If you have a loan on your property, you’ll likely need a policy with a certain amount of dwelling and liability coverage to protect it from unexpected events, such as natural disasters or fires. Speak with your lender and check your agreement for more information about how much coverage you need.

Many companies adhere to something called the 80% rule for home insurance. This unwritten rule means insurance companies will provide complete coverage after a disaster only if your policy equals at least 80% of your home’s total replacement value. If the amount of coverage purchased is less than 80%, the company may only reimburse you a proportionate amount. Be sure to ask your insurance provider or agent about this rule when purchasing your policy.

Other Insurance Resources From MarketWatch Guides

Discover our top recommendations for the following insurance types to find the providers that best meet your needs.

  • Best Pet Insurance Providers
  • Best Travel Insurance Companies
  • Best Renters Insurance Companies
  • Cheapest Renters Insurance Providers
  • Best Term Life Insurance Providers
  • Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Companies

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies

Our team surveyed dozens of home insurance providers and created a scoring system to assess and compare each company’s quality and service. Here are the factors that account for our provider scores according to our home insurance rating methodology:

  • Cost (27%): We compare cost data for homes nationwide to assess how competitively priced each provider is. We also consider each company’s available discounts when determining its overall cost of coverage.
  • Coverage (28%): We analyze the comprehensiveness of each provider’s standard home insurance policy and compare optional policy endorsem*nts to determine the quality of coverage.
  • Availability and ease of use (15%): We evaluate each company’s customer service options, such as live chat, a customer support phone line, and multiple channels for filing claims and generating quotes. Similarly, we score providers based on their digital resources, such as a mobile app or online customer portal.
  • Brand trust (15%): We gauge reputation by evaluating consumer reviews and third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, including from J.D. Power, AM Best and customer review aggregators.

Companies with the best customer service exhibit 24/7 availability, useful digital tools and a quick claims-filing process. Providers that offer extensive discount options, endorsem*nts, customizable coverage options and unique features score significantly higher than those that don’t, putting them toward the top of our recommendations to readers.

AM Best Disclaimer

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.

7 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies of May 2024 (2024)

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