Get personalized quotes from 50+ top-rated insurers in just 2 minutes. Comprehensive coverage options, expert guidance, and guaranteed savings.
Complete our detailed questionnaire for the most accurate rates
Based on your detailed information, here are the best rates from top-rated insurers:
Homeowners file a claim annually
Average cost of a home insurance claim
Average annual home insurance premium
Americans saved with comparison tools
Home insurance protects your most valuable asset—your home—plus your belongings and provides liability coverage. Understanding the main components helps you choose the right policy for your needs.
If your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss, ALE coverage pays for temporary housing, meals, and other necessary expenses while your home is being repaired. This coverage is typically 10-20% of your dwelling coverage amount.
Standard home insurance policies have exclusions that every homeowner should understand:
HO-3 (Special Form): Most common policy for homeowners. Covers dwelling against all perils except those specifically excluded. Personal property covered for named perils only.
HO-5 (Comprehensive): Premium coverage that protects both dwelling and personal property against all perils except those excluded.
HO-6 (Condo): For condominium owners, covers personal property and interior improvements.
The key is ensuring you have enough coverage to rebuild your home at current construction costs, not the market value. Your dwelling coverage should equal 100% of the replacement cost.
• Dwelling: Based on square footage and local construction costs
• Personal Property: Make a home inventory to determine value
• Liability: Minimum $300,000, but $500,000+ recommended
• Deductible: Higher deductible = lower premium
Get answers to the most common home insurance questions
You should have enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your home at current construction costs (not market value). Most experts recommend 100% replacement cost coverage for your dwelling, plus adequate liability coverage of at least $300,000. Personal property coverage is typically 50-70% of your dwelling amount.
Several factors influence your premium: location (weather risks, crime rates), home age and construction materials, coverage amounts, deductible level, credit score, claims history, and safety features. Homes in high-risk areas for natural disasters typically have higher premiums.
Home insurance isn't legally required, but if you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. Even if you own your home outright, insurance protects your largest investment and is highly recommended. Most homeowners associations also require coverage.
You can reduce costs by: bundling with auto insurance (save 15-25%), increasing your deductible, installing security systems, maintaining good credit, staying claim-free, shopping around annually, and asking about available discounts like non-smoker or senior citizen discounts.
Replacement cost coverage pays to rebuild or replace items at current prices without deducting for depreciation. Actual cash value pays replacement cost minus depreciation. Replacement cost coverage costs more but provides better protection, especially for older homes and belongings.
Review your policy annually and after major life changes like renovations, new purchases, or changes in home value. Construction costs and home values change over time, so your coverage should be adjusted accordingly. Shopping around yearly can also help you find better rates.
Join thousands who found better coverage and significant savings