Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Written By
Les Masterson
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Les MastersonDeputy Editor, Insurance
Les Masterson is a deputy editor and insurance analyst at Forbes Advisor. He has been a journalist, reporter, editor and content creator for more than 25 years. He has covered insurance for a decade, including auto, home, life and health. Before cove...
See Full Bio
Deputy Editor, Insurance
George Hosfield Home Insurance Expert
George Hosfield is senior director and general manager of home insurance solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. In this role, he manages all aspects of the personal lines property business, including overall strategy, profitable growth, new product...
See Full Bio
George Hosfield Home Insurance Expert
George Hosfield is senior director and general manager of home insurance solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. In this role, he manages all aspects of the personal lines property business, including overall strategy, profitable growth, new product...
See Full Bio
George Hosfield
George Hosfield Home Insurance Expert
George Hosfield is senior director and general manager of home insurance solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. In this role, he manages all aspects of the personal lines property business, including overall strategy, profitable growth, new product...
See Full Bio
George Hosfield Home Insurance Expert
George Hosfield is senior director and general manager of home insurance solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions. In this role, he manages all aspects of the personal lines property business, including overall strategy, profitable growth, new product...
See Full Bio
Expert Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Sep 1, 2024, 8:06am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
Our analysis of 14 home insurers finds that Westfield is the best homeowners insurance company. State Farm and USAA are also among our top picks. Our analysis includes costs, complaints and coverage options. These factors all play into which home insurance company might be best for you. The right policy will cover your house, your personal belongings, your liability to others and more.
How We Chose the Best Homeowners Insurance Companies
Read more
Our Guides
- Compare Home Insurance Quotes
- How Much Is Home Insurance
- Home Insurance Discounts
- Home Insurance Calculator
Show Summary
- Summary: Best Home Insurance Companies
- Which Home Insurance Companies Offer Extended Replacement Cost?
- Which Home Insurance Companies Offer Guaranteed Replacement Cost?
- Which Home Insurance Companies Have a Banned Dog List?
- How Homeowners Can Find the Best Home Insurance
- How to Compare the Best Home Insurance Companies
- Expert Round-Up:
- Methodology
- Other Homeowners Insurance Companies We Rated
- Best Homeowners Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary: Best Home Insurance Companies
Best for Price
Westfield
5.0
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,344 yearly/$112 monthly
Online quotes
No
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,344 yearly/$112 monthly
No
Our Expert Take
Westfield has the lowest average prices among the top-scoring companies in our analysis. We also like its expanded dwelling coverage, including extended replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Westfield’s Estatepak home insurance is designed for high-value homes, and Wespak Estate combines luxury home coverage with auto insurance.
More: Westfield Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Low rates among the companies we evaluated.
- Low complaint level indicates overall customer satisfaction.
- Some Westfield home insurance policies include equipment breakdown coverage.
- Offers homeowners insurance in only 10 states.
- Customers may encounter a banned dog list.
More Insight
Westfield is known for its personalized approach to home insurance, offering customizable coverage options tailored to individual needs. Their customer service and claims handling are typically reliable, providing peace of mind to policyholders.
– David Perkins, founder of Assured Claim Service
3-Year Complaint Trend
Westfield has consistently had a low complaint ratio to state departments of insurance compared to the industry average over the past three years.
States Available In
Westfield sells home insurance in these 10 states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
Great for Bundling Auto and Home
State Farm
4.8
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,298 yearly/$108 monthly
Online quotes
Yes
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,298 yearly/$108 monthly
Yes
Our Expert Take
We found that State Farm has decent prices and the highest average discount for bundling home and auto insurance among the companies we evaluated. Dog owners will like that the company doesn’t have a banned dog list.
More: State Farm Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Average 23% savings when you bundle home and auto insurance.
- Offers an option for extended replacement cost coverage that extends your insurance limit when rebuilding costs are more than your stated dwelling coverage amount.
- No banned dog list.
- Complaint levels are at the industry average but many top competitors have much lower levels.
- Doesn’t offer guaranteed replacement coverage, which increases dwelling coverage to replace your home after a problem covered by your policy, regardless of a house’s rebuilding costs.
- State Farm agents will be knowledgeable about the company’s products but won’t help you compare other insurers.
More Insight
State Farm is often recognized for its broad national presence and generally reliable customer service, making it a staple in the home insurance market. Their ability to offer extensive resources and a stable claims process makes them a dependable choice for many homeowners. We often encounter clients who appreciate State Farm’s straightforward approach to claims and their comprehensive coverage options.
– John Christ, founder of Prestizia Insurance
3-Year Complaint Trend
State Farm has been consistently near the industry average for home insurance complaints, though higher than top competitors.
States Available In
State Farm offers home insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Best for Military and Veterans
USAA
4.8
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,270 yearly/$106 monthly
Online quotes
Yes
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,270 yearly/$106 monthly
Yes
Our Expert Take
We found that USAA delivers low prices and quality service to military members, veterans and their families. Those who are eligible should definitely consider USAA insurance. We also like that customers can take advantage of a variety of discounts through the USAA perks program, including hotels, rental cars and cruises.
More: USAA Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Excellent home insurance rates.
- Low complaints indicate quality customer service.
- No banned dog list.
- Offers extended replacement cost for dwellings.
- Available only to active military personnel and veterans and their families.
- Doesn’t offer guaranteed replacement coverage, which covers costs to rebuild your home, regardless of amount, if it’s destroyed.
More Insight
USAA is a highly reputable insurer known for its excellent customer service and competitive rates. They offer a wide range of coverage options to meet the needs of homeowners, including comprehensive coverage for both the structure of the home and its contents. Overall, I highly recommend USAA to homeowners who are looking for a reliable and affordable insurance provider.
– Paige Robinson, owner of House Buyers
3-Year Complaint Trend
USAA has much better complaint levels than the average. This result can signify strong customer satisfaction.
States Available In
USAA sells home insurance in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Great for High-Value Homes
Nationwide
4.6
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,157 yearly/$96 monthly
Online quotes
Yes
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,157 yearly/$96 monthly
Yes
Our Expert Take
We like Nationwide’s competitive rates and that it offers both extended and guaranteed replacement cost coverage. High-net-worth homeowners will probably like Nationwide’s Private Client insurance, which includes a cash-out option if your home is destroyed and you decide not to rebuild. That coverage also reimburses you for accidental breakage of items such as crystal and china, and equipment breakdown coverage for appliances and home systems.
More: Nationwide Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Low-cost average home insurance rates for varying levels of coverage—all well below the national averages.
- “Dwelling replacement cost plus” options provide extended coverage if your house is destroyed.
- No banned dog list.
- Not available in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico.
More Insight
Nationwide offers comprehensive home insurance coverage with additional options for policyholders to enhance their protection. Their strong financial stability and large presence make them a reliable choice for homeowners seeking peace of mind.
– David Perkins, an insurance expert and founder of Assured Claim Service
3-Year Complaint Trend
Nationwide’s recent complaint level for home insurance is lower than in previous years.
States Available In
Nationwide offers home insurance is available in 43 states and Washington, D.C. It is not available in Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico.
Best for High Liability Limits
Chubb
4.4
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,810 yearly/$151 monthly
Online quotes
No
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,810 yearly/$151 monthly
No
Our Expert Take
We think homeowners will appreciate Chubb’s excellent customer service and extended replacement cost coverage. Owners of high-value homes will appreciate Chubb’s high liability coverage limits. The company also offers the option to receive a cash settlement if your house is destroyed and you don’t wish to rebuild. Top-notch service includes Chubb’s Wildfire Defense Service for clients in wildfire-prone areas. This includes wildfire preparation and firefighting service when fires threaten a home.
More: Chubb Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- High liability limits available up to $100 million.
- Expanded benefits, including GreenWise, which pays to replace damaged items with environmentally-friendly materials, low-impact processes and efficient heating and cooling technology.
- Chubb’s HomeScan program helps prevent damage by finding leaks, missing insulation and faulty electrical connections.
- No banned dog list.
- Home insurance rates are higher than many competitors but policies include superior coverage.
More Insight
Chubb is targeted toward the high-end market and offers some of the most comprehensive coverage available, which is a boon for clients with high-value properties that require more than just basic coverage. They handle claims with utmost professionalism and detail, ensuring that their affluent clientele receives the level of service they expect.
– Patti Yencho, owner and agent at Professional Insurance Advisors
3-Year Complaint Trend
Chubb has consistently had extremely low levels of complaints about its home insurance. This reflects strong customer satisfaction.
States Available In
Chubb offers home insurance policies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Great for Coverage Perks
Erie
4.4
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,256 yearly/$105 monthly
Online quotes
No
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,256 yearly/$105 monthly
No
Our Expert Take
We found that Erie stands out from many competitors for its competitive rates, good customer service and superior dwelling coverage options. Erie is worthy of being a top contender if you live where it’s available. With both extended and guaranteed replacement cost options, you can make sure you have ample funds to rebuild your house.
More: Erie Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Low complaint level indicates good customer service.
- Erie’s Extended Water covers natural disaster floods, which aren’t typically covered by standard home insurance, and other water damage.
- Erie’s SecureHome policies include several perks such as coverage for misplacing and lost jewelry, watches, silverware, guns and more.
- Available in only 12 states and Washington, D.C.
- Has a banned dogs list.
More Insight
Erie Insurance is known for its exceptional customer service and competitive rates. They offer a range of coverage options and discounts, making them a popular choice among homeowners looking for affordable yet reliable insurance protection.
– David Perkins, founder of Assured Claim Service
3-Year Complaint Trend
Erie has very low complaint levels about its home insurance, and much better than the industry average.
States Available In
Erie sells home insurance in 12 states and Washington, D.C.:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Great for Extended Coverage for Dwellings
American Family
4.0
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$2,020 yearly/$168 monthly
Online quotes
Yes
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$2,020 yearly/$168 monthly
Yes
Our Expert Take
We like American Family for its extended and replacement cost coverage, which allows you to exceed dwelling coverage limits if you need to rebuild your home. We also like its multiple types of home insurance discounts.
More: American Family Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Low complaint levels for home insurance.
- Offers a variety of discounts, such as a “renovated home” discount if you’ve updated your electrical, heating or plumbing systems.
- Doesn’t have a banned dog list.
- Higher than average home insurance rates.
- Not available in many states.
More Insight
American Family insurance offers customizable home insurance policies with additional options for policyholders to tailor their coverage to their specific needs. Their focus on customer satisfaction and community involvement sets them apart in the industry.
– David Perkins, founder of Assured Claim Service
3-Year Complaint Trend
American Family home insurance has had low complaint levels over the past three years.
States Available In
American Family offers home insurance in 19 states:
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Great for Discounts
Auto-Owners
4.0
Our ratings take into account homeowners insurance rates and complaints against the companies. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Average cost for $350,000 of coverage
$1,525 yearly/$127 monthly
Online quotes
No
Compare rates from participating partners via EverQuote's website.
$1,525 yearly/$127 monthly
No
Our Expert Take
We’re impressed by Auto-Owners many policy discounts, including price breaks for being claims-free, being mortgage-free, having an automatic generator back-up, having protective devices, paying in full and more.
More: Auto-Owners Home Insurance Review
Pros & Cons
- Competitive home insurance rates.
- Additional coverage types such as equipment breakdown and home cyber insurance.
- Provides both extended replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
- Level of home insurance complaints against Auto-Owners to state insurance departments is very low.
- Has a banned dog list, which could restrict your coverage if you have a canine breed on the list.
- Only available in 26 states.
More Insight
Auto-Owners often gets overlooked, which is a shame. Very strong customer satisfaction ratings. Their niche is well-maintained, not-too-unusual homes. If your house fits that profile, they’re absolutely worth a look.
– Samuel Green, CEO of Blue Insurance
3-Year Complaint Trend
Auto-Owners’ home insurance consistently has lower complaints than the average—a good sign of customer satisfaction.
States Available In
Auto-Owners is available in these 26 states:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
Which Home Insurance Companies Offer Extended Replacement Cost?
Which Home Insurance Companies Offer Guaranteed Replacement Cost?
Which Home Insurance Companies Have a Banned Dog List?
How Homeowners Can Find the Best Home Insurance
The best home insurance isn’t the same for everyone. You may want to work with an insurance agent who can explain what home insurance covers and guide you in selecting the right amount of coverage.
Let’s look at a few common situations.
First-Time Homebuyers
First-time home insurance buyers should familiarize themselves with home insurance basics before shopping for a policy. Learn how home insurance compensates you if problems arise that are covered by your policy. The types of home insurance found in standard policies include dwelling coverage, liability insurance, personal property insurance and additional living expenses coverage.
You will also want to learn how deductibles apply so that you can choose one you’re satisfied with. A deductible is the amount the insurer deducts from your claim check.
You Own Valuable Items
If you have expensive items like jewelry, antiques or artwork, you can schedule personal property coverage, which gives you added coverage for those items. This coverage is an endorsem*nt, floater or policy rider that allows you to list items and insure the full value of them outside the policy limit for personal property coverage.
You Have an Aggressive Dog
Homeowners with dog breeds that are “aggressive” may need to ask insurance companies about dog bans. Some insurers may exclude certain dog breeds from liability insurance, such as pit bulls and Rottweilers. You may even get denied if you have a dog breed on a banned list, but not all insurers have banned dog lists.
Your Property Is in a Flood Zone
If your home is in a risk area for flooding, you may face added obstacles to finding affordable coverage. Standard home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you’ll need to buy separate flood insurance if you want coverage.
Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) caps dwelling coverage at $250,000. Private insurance companies also offer flood insurance and may have higher limits than NFIP’s coverage max.
More: Find your property in FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center
You’ve Made Many Claims
If you recently filed home insurance claims, you may have trouble finding affordable home insurance. Insurers typically view people with multiple claims as high risk and charge more for coverage.
Get quotes from multiple insurance companies if this is your situation. Ways to cut your home insurance cost include choosing a higher home insurance deductible, bundling your home and auto policies, improving your credit and maximizing small discounts like those for paperless billing and having protective devices.
How to Compare the Best Home Insurance Companies
We suggest taking these steps to find the best home insurance.
1. Determine How Much Coverage You Need
Review each basic coverage type and adjust the limits to fit your specific needs. Here are the main coverage types to consider.
| Dwelling coverage. The dwelling coverage should match the cost to rebuild your house, based on local construction labor and material costs. |
| Extended dwelling coverage. We recommend adding extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage if your insurer offers one or both. These provide reimbursem*nt above your dwelling limit if the cost of rebuilding turns out to be more than expected. We think this coverage is a smart buy. |
| Contents coverage. This reimburses you for replacing stolen or damaged possessions, including furniture and clothes. We recommend making sure your policy has replacement cost coverage. This reimburses you for the cost of new items, as opposed to the depreciated value of your damaged items. If you have high-value items such as antiques, we recommend scheduling personal property. |
| Liability insurance. This pays other people if you cause injuries or property damage. We recommend buying enough liability coverage to cover what can be taken from you in a lawsuit. Supplement home insurance with umbrella insurance for extra liability coverage. |
| Medical payments. Medical payments coverage is available in small amounts, such as $1,000 to $5,000. It pays the medical bills of people who blame you for accidental injuries, without regard to fault. |
| Additional living expenses. Additional living expenses coverage reimburses you for extra costs—such as a hotel or rental—if you can’t live at home because of damage from a problem covered by your policy. |
| Other coverage. Fill in gaps with supplemental coverage like insurance for floods, earthquakes, water and sump overflow, and more. |
2. Compare Home Insurance Quotes
It’s smart to compare home insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies. Insurers’ rates can vary considerably for the same coverage, so it’s good to compare quotes from at least three companies.
3. Ask About Home Insurance Discounts
Insurance companies offer many home insurance discounts that can reduce your policy costs. Here are common ones.
| Type of discount | How to qualify |
|---|---|
Claims-free discount | Don’t file a home insurance claim within the last few years. |
Insurance payment discounts | Pay in full or go paperless. |
Loyalty discount | Stay with the same company. |
Multi-policy discount | Buy auto insurance from your home insurance company |
Protective device discounts | Install security, fire-safety or water leak-detection devices. |
Renovated home discount | Upgrade plumbing, heating or electrical. |
Roof age discount | Install a new roof. |
Expert Round-Up:
What’s the best home insurance isn’t the same for everyone. Here’s how to find the best home insurance for you.
EXPERT TIPS
Tips for Finding the Best Home Insurance
George Hosfield
Advisory Board Member
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Examine the Roof Coverage
Roof claims are one of the most common (and expensive) claim types and the terms of roof coverage can vary significantly. Some policies provide coverage for the full replacement cost of the roof. Others only provide the current “actual cash value” which may be a fraction of the total cost. Some policies have separate, higher deductibles for roof claims. When comparing policies, be sure to understand these nuances.
George Hosfield
Advisory Board Member
Get the Right Dwelling Coverage Amount
Your home insurance company or agent should be able to provide an estimate of how much it would cost to rebuild your house. This should be your dwelling coverage amount. One common mistake I’ve seen is that people confuse this amount with the real estate market value, but it’s not the same. And don’t include land value.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Ask About a Bundling Discount
One of the best insurance discounts is for bundling home and auto policies. We found that State Farm beats competitors with an average 23% multi-policy discount. Make sure to ask about how much you can save by bundling.
Ashlee Valentine
Insurance Editor
Look for Insurers That Specialize in High-Value Homes
We suggest owners of high-value homes focus on insurers that specialize in high-value homes such as Chubb. They can provide high levels of liability coverage and have special coverage options that address the needs of these homeowners.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Get Multiple Quotes So You Know What’s a Good Deal
When shopping for home insurance, I recommend making sure you get quotes for the same coverage from at least three insurers. That will allow you to accurately compare each company.
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Find the Best Home Insurance Companies in Your State
Ask an expert
We Answer Your Questions
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
What’s the difference between replacement cost and actual cost value?
Harry C, Tacoma, Washington
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value is something you need to decide on when buying home insurance. Actual cash value reimburses you for the value of destroyed or stolen personal property minus depreciation. Replacement cost value reimburses you so you can buy new, equivalent items. ACV is cheaper but you also don’t get as much claim money when you file personal property claims. Replacement cost coverage is good if you don’t want to pay out of pocket to buy new items but that comes with an added cost.
Amy Danise
Insurance Managing Editor
Does home insurance cover flood damage?
-Michael I., Brentwood, Tennessee
No, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. You instead typically need to buy a separate flood insurance policy either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer that sells flood coverage. NFIP policies are capped at $250,000 dwelling coverage but I’ve found that you may be able to find higher levels with a private insurance company.
Michelle Megna
Insurance Lead Editor
When should you not file a home insurance claim?
-Ron T., St. Louis, Missouri
Filing a home insurance claim can increase your rates at the next renewal time, so you want to make sure you won’t pay more to fix your home or replace your items in the long run. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible and you’re reporting a loss of, say, less than $1,500, it likely wouldn’t be wise to file a claim, since you’ll likely pay more over time because of the possible rate increase.
Les Masterson
Insurance Editor
How do you figure out how much liability insurance you need?
-Don D., Phoenix, Arizona
When choosing a liability insurance amount, think about your assets and savings, which could be at risk if you’re sued. A policy’s liability coverage generally only goes up to $500,000. If you need more coverage, you can buy umbrella insurance, which will offer liability coverage of $1 million and up.
Jason Metz
Insurance Lead Editor
Besides a home insurance company’s costs, what else is important when deciding on an insurer?
-Joseph M., Martinsville, Virginia
An insurance company’s offerings, financial stability and customer satisfaction may all be factors when choosing an insurer. For instance, extended replacement and guaranteed replacement coverage are options not offered by all insurers. These coverage upgrades provide higher dwelling coverage if your home is damaged or destroyed and inflation and/or higher building costs exceed your policy’s coverage limit. If that extra coverage is important to you, narrow your options to companies that offer that coverage.
Penny Gusner
Insurance Senior Writer
Methodology
To find the best home insurance companies we analyzed costs around the country, policy information and complaints against insurers. We scored companies based on these factors:
- Home insurance rates (50% of score): Based on average rates for each insurance company for homes with dwelling coverage of $200,000, $350,000, $500,000 and $750,000. Source: Quadrant Information Services.
- Complaints (20% of score): Based on complaints about home insurance that were upheld by state insurance departments. Source: National Association of Insurance Commissioners.Nearly all of our top picks for the best home insurance companies have complaint levels that are below the industry average.
- Availability of extended and/or guaranteed replacement cost coverage (20% of score): Extra dwelling coverage is valuable in the event of large disasters, when construction materials and labor costs tend to spike. We gave points to companies that offer either extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage. Source: Forbes Advisor research.
- Banned dog lists (10% of score): Banned dog breed lists can make homeowners ineligible for coverage. (A company’s banned dog list might not be applicable in all states.) While any homeowners insurance company could potentially ban any dog with a biting history, not all put a ban on specific breeds. Source: Forbes Advisor research.
Read more: How Forbes Advisor rates home insurance companies
Other Homeowners Insurance Companies We Rated
Here are other companies we analyzed.
| Company | Forbes Advisor rating |
|---|---|
Country Financial |
3.8 stars |
Farmers |
3.4 stars |
Allstate |
3.2 stars |
Shelter |
3.0 stars |
Progressive |
2.9 stars |
Travelers |
1.0 stars |
Looking for Homeowners Insurance?
Compare policies from participating partners via EverQuote
Best Homeowners Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has the cheapest home insurance?
Based on our analysis, the cheapest home insurance companies are Progressive, Nationwide, Erie, USAA and State Farm.
Those are good starting points, but the cheapest home insurance for you will vary depending on your location and the type of house you’re insuring. Shop around for a few home insurance quotes. And if you’re also getting car insurance quotes, ask about a discount for bundling auto and home insurance with the same company.
What does homeowners insurance cover?
Homeowners insurance covers your house, other structures on your property like a detached garage, personal property like furniture and clothing, liability insurance, additional living expenses and medical payments coverage.
HO-3 is the most common type of homeowners insurance policy and it covers your house for any problems except those specifically excluded in the policy. It additionally covers personal property for specific problems named in the policy, such as fire, theft and smoke damage.
How do I file a homeowners insurance claim?
Contact the home insurance company or your insurance agent to file a home insurance claim over the phone, through the company’s website, chat, email or app, depending on the company. You want to document the loss by providing information about the cause, when it happened and a list of what was lost.
If your home was damaged, you should try to prevent more damage, such as boarding up a broken window. We wouldn’t suggest fixing the problem before contacting your insurance company. The insurer may want to send an adjuster to observe the damage. You should also keep damaged items so the insurer can document. Once the insurance company is done with its investigation, the insurer will offer a claims payout.
Next Up In Homeowners Insurance
- Cheapest Homeowners Insurance
- Compare Home Insurance Quotes
- Homeowners Insurance Discounts
- How Much Is Homeowners Insurance?
- Homeowners Insurance for Veterans
- Best Home and Auto Insurance Bundle
- Homeowners Insurance Tips
Helping You Make Smart Insurance Decisions
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