Many or all companies we feature compensate us. Compensation and editorial research influence how products appear on a page. Insurance Homeowners Insurance 8 Best Homeowners Insurance Companies Updated Aug 23, 2024 15-min read Expert Approved Expert Approved This article has been reviewed by a Certified Financial Planner™ for accuracy. Written by Cassidy Horton Written by Cassidy Horton Expertise: Banking, insurance, home loans Cassidy Horton is a finance writer passionate about helping people find financial freedom. With an MBA and a bachelor's in public relations, her work has been published more than a thousand times online. Learn more about Cassidy Horton Reviewed by Chloe Moore, CFP® Reviewed by Chloe Moore, CFP® Expertise: Equity compensation, home ownership, employee benefits, general finance Chloe Moore, CFP®, is the founder of Financial Staples, a virtual, fee-only financial planning firm based in Atlanta, GA, and serving clients nationwide. Her firm is dedicated to assisting tech employees in their 30s and 40s who are entrepreneurial-minded, philanthropic, and purpose-driven. Learn more about Chloe Moore, CFP® Homeowners insurance is a form of protection that covers your home, personal property, and legal and medical expenses if your home is damaged or you’re deemed liable for an accident that occurred on your property. This type of insurance is also often required by mortgage lenders. While several companies offer home insurance, not all policies are created equally. To find the best homeowners insurance, check out the table and reviews below, and keep reading to learn more about how these policies work. CompanyWhat stands out… Excellent customer service Learn More Customizable coverage Learn More Extensive network of local agents Learn More User-friendly website and mobile app Learn More Flexible coverage Learn More Added benefits Learn More Name Your Price tool to find a policy to fit budget Learn More Coverage tailored to military families Learn More Show more Best homeowners insurance companies When searching for a comprehensive homeowners insurance plan, you should consider each company’s financial strength, customer service, discounts, and extra coverage opportunities. Amica Mutual Travelers Allstate State Farm Safeco Liberty Mutual Progressive USAA Amica Mutual Learn More Why it’s one of the best Amica Mutual is renowned for its exceptional customer service, which has earned it high ratings in customer satisfaction surveys year after year. The company offers comprehensive coverage options and discounts, including those for bundling policies, loyalty, and claims-free customers. Additionally, Amica provides dividend policies that return a portion of premiums to policyholders, making it a cost-effective choice. Excellent customer service Wide range of coverage options and discounts Dividend policies that can reduce overall costs Higher premiums compared to some competitors Limited availability of local agents Travelers Learn More Why it’s one of the best Travelers stands out for its customizable coverage options and robust discounts, making it a versatile choice for homeowners with diverse needs. The company also offers extensive online tools and resources, which help policyholders manage their coverage and file claims efficiently. Travelers is also known for its financial stability and solid reputation in the insurance industry. Customizable coverage options Numerous discounts available Strong financial stability and reputation Customer service can be inconsistent Higher premiums for some coverage options Allstate Learn More Why it’s one of the best Allstate is a top choice for homeowners insurance due to its extensive network of local agents and comprehensive coverage options. The company offers innovative tools like the Digital Locker app, which helps policyholders catalog their possessions for easier claims processing. Allstate’s wide range of discounts, including those for new homebuyers and bundling policies, makes it an attractive option. Extensive network of local agents Innovative digital tools for policy management Wide range of discounts Premiums can be higher than average Mixed reviews on customer service State Farm Learn More Why it’s one of the best State Farm is a leading homeowners insurance provider known for its extensive network of local agents and solid financial stability. The company offers a variety of coverage options that can be tailored to meet individual needs, including endorsements for high-value items and additional living expenses. State Farm also provides a range of discounts, such as multi-policy discounts and discounts for installing safety devices. The company’s user-friendly website and mobile app make it easy for policyholders to manage their accounts, file claims, and access resources. Extensive network of local agents Solid financial stability Variety of customizable coverage options Range of discounts available User-friendly website and mobile app Premiums can be higher than average Mixed reviews on claims handling Safeco Learn More Why it’s one of the best Safeco, a Liberty Mutual company, offers competitive homeowners insurance with flexible coverage options and various discounts. The company is known for its comprehensive coverage packages that can be tailored to fit individual needs. Safeco’s partnership with independent agents ensures personalized service and expert advice, enhancing the customer experience. Flexible coverage options Variety of discounts Personalized service through independent agents Average customer service ratings Limited online resources compared to competitors Liberty Mutual Learn More Why it’s one of the best Liberty Mutual is highly regarded for its extensive coverage options and benefits, such as inflation protection and new home discounts. The company provides a user-friendly online platform and mobile app, making it easy for policyholders to manage their accounts and file claims. Liberty Mutual’s strong financial stability and nationwide presence also add to its appeal. Extensive coverage options User-friendly online platform and mobile app Strong financial stability Premiums can be higher than some competitors Average customer service satisfaction Progressive Learn More Why it’s one of the best Progressive offers a comprehensive suite of homeowners insurance products, often bundled with its popular auto insurance policies for additional savings. The company’s Name Your Price tool helps customers find coverage that fits their budget. Progressive also excels in providing various discounts and a robust online experience, including an intuitive mobile app for policy management. Ability to bundle with auto insurance for savings Name Your Price tool for budget-friendly options Strong online and mobile app experience Customer service can vary Some coverage options may have limitations USAA Learn More Why it’s one of the best USAA is consistently rated among the best homeowners insurance providers for its exceptional customer service and comprehensive coverage tailored to military families. The company offers unique benefits, including uniform coverage for active duty members and replacement cost coverage for personal belongings. USAA’s strong financial ratings and customer satisfaction scores make it a top choice for eligible members. Exceptional customer service Comprehensive coverage tailored to military families Unique benefits for military members Eligibility limited to military members and their families Higher premiums for some coverage options How to choose the best homeowners insurance You can use the list above to quickly and easily find the best homeowners insurance company. Follow these steps: 1. Review the table of top home insurance companies above The table highlights what makes each provider stand out, like great customer service (Amica Mutual), customizable coverage (Travelers), or an extensive network of local agents (Allstate). Think about which of these features matter most to you. 2. Read our reviews to get a better feel for each insurer See a company you think might be a good fit? Click on its name in the list to read why we recommend it. This will help you narrow down your options based on what you’re looking for. 3. Think about the types of coverage you need The base coverage for a home insurance policy may not cover all of your belongings or financial needs. For example, a policy may provide actual cash value (ACV) coverage rather than replacement value coverage, meaning if you lose your home to a disaster, you could receive less than it would cost to buy or build a new home today. Read our guides on how homeowners insurance works, what it covers, and the types of homeowners insurance to understand the coverage you may need. 4. Get personalized online quotes from your top three choices When comparing companies, don’t just compare the base coverage costs if you plan on purchasing additional coverage. Always compare costs after you know how much additional coverage you’ll need. 5. Apply with your top pick After you compare quotes, formally apply with the company you think is best. Your quote should include instructions for locking in your home insurance policy. How to adjust your policy to find the most affordable premium Homeowners insurance companies use several factors to calculate your premium—your zip code, the age of your home, its rebuild costs, your credit score, and the level of coverage you choose. You can find the most affordable premium by adjusting certain policy terms, like your deductible, coverage limits, and optional coverages. Deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay each time a claim is approved. For example, if your home sustains $20,000 in covered damages, and your deductible is $2,000, your insurer will pay $18,000 for damages and you’ll pay $2,000 out-of-pocket. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly premium. But ensure you have enough in savings to afford the amount you choose. Coverage limits. Lowering your coverage limits will reduce your premium. But be cautious not to underinsure your property. Ideally, your dwelling coverage should equal 100% of your rebuild costs. If it exceeds this limit, you could be overpaying for coverage. Optional coverage. Another way to lower your premium is to remove unnecessary riders you don’t use—like identity theft insurance. But evaluate your needs carefully before removing any optional coverage. As you get home insurance quotes, you can select different deductible amounts, coverage limits, and optional coverage to compare prices. For instance, this table shows how adjusting your policy term could affect your premium. Policy termsPremium$500 deductible, $200,000 dwelling coverage, replacement cost coverage$2,000$1,000 deductible, $200,000 dwelling coverage, replacement cost coverage$1,850$1,000 deductible, $200,000 dwelling coverage, actual cash value coverage$1,600$1,000 deductible, $150,000 dwelling coverage, actual cash value coverage$1,400 The best homeowners insurance companies offer discounts to help lower the overall cost of your policy. Not every company offers the same discounts, but some common ones include: DiscountTypical savingsHome and auto bundleUp to 25%Security systemUp to 5%Smart home discountUp to 20%Claim-freeUp to 15%New home constructionUp to 40%Loyalty5% – 10% What do the best homeowners insurance policies cover? There are many types of home insurance, but most policies cover these basics: Basic coverage typePurposeDwelling coverageProtects your home and attached structures (like a garage or deck)Other structures coverageCovers detached structures on your property (like a fence or shed)Personal property coverageProtects the stuff you own (like furniture, clothes, gear, and electronics)Loss of use coveragePays for temporary living expenses while your home is being repairedPersonal liability coveragePays for legal and medical bills if you’re responsible for someone’s injuries or property damageMedical payments coverageCovers medical expenses for guests injured on your property, even if you’re not at fault If you experience a covered event—like damage from theft, hail, strong winds, or fire—and need to file a claim, your policy will reimburse you up to the coverage limits you select. In addition to these basic coverage options, many companies let you add these to your policy for an extra cost: Add-on coverage typeDescriptionExtra contents coverageIncrease coverage limits for high-value items like jewelry and artReplacement cost coveragePays to replace your belongings without factoring in depreciationAdditional liability coverageIncreases your liability limits beyond the standard policyFlood insuranceCovers damages caused by flooding (typically a separate policy)Earthquake insuranceProtects your home from earthquake damage (may be a separate policy or endorsement) Not all providers will offer the add-on coverage above. Ask your insurance company what coverage it provides and whether it is included in your base policy or needs to be added on. Likewise, some of the best homeowners insurance companies offer unique coverage options that set them apart. For example, USAA waives your deductible if you file a military gear or clothing claim. Travelers offers green home coverage, which pays to rebuild your home with eco-friendly materials after a covered loss. Tip You can typically adjust your coverage amounts as your needs change. For example, if you inherit your grandmother’s fine jewelry collection, you may want to add jewelry insurance to your policy. Are you underinsured? Another critical aspect of homeowners insurance is ensuring you’re adequately covered. Many people unknowingly carry insufficient coverage, leaving them vulnerable to significant financial loss in a disaster or accident. Here are three critical areas where you might be underinsured: Property coverage: Your home might be covered, but do you have full replacement cost or actual cash value coverage? If you have actual cash value coverage, you might not be able to rebuild your home if the replacement cost is more expensive than the current value. Special item coverage: Expensive items or those in certain categories like electronics or jewelry might not be covered without a special rider insuring them. It’s important to read your policy closely to know what’s covered and where you might need extra coverage. Liability coverage: Most homeowner plans come with around $100,000 in liability coverage by default, covering injuries on your property. Consider the costs of severe injury with life-long repercussions; $100,000 in liability coverage may not be enough to cover expenses and loss of income for the injured over their lifetime.. Ask the expert Chloe Moore CFP® Homeowners insurance is critical, as it protects you in the event of damage, theft, or a liability claim on your property. A total loss could be catastrophic if you do not have adequate coverage. Work with your agent to ensure you have the coverage you need and understand the risks of reducing or adjusting coverage. Also, ask about discounts that are available to help lower the premium. Does the cost of coverage change over time? Yes, homeowners insurance costs can change over time for various reasons. Inflation. This is one major factor that can increase the cost of building materials and labor. If the amount of coverage you need to rebuild your home goes up, your insurance premiums may rise to reflect this—even if your home is still exactly the same as it was before. Changes in crime rates and weather patterns in your area. Insurers regularly perform risk assessments and may adjust premiums based on this data. Home improvements. Increasing your home’s value can, in turn, increase your insurance costs. If you’ve made major upgrades, let your insurer know so they can ensure you have enough coverage. Claims history. If you file multiple claims, your premiums may go up. How does the claims process work? Filing a home insurance claim usually works like this: Take photos and videos of your home and all damaged items for which you’ll file a claim. File a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible, usually through their mobile app or online account. (When in doubt, call them and ask the easiest way to file a claim.) The insurance company will assign a claims adjuster to inspect the damage. Get repair estimates (and receipts for temporary living expenses, if needed). The adjuster will determine the coverage you’re entitled to under your policy. Your insurer will pay your claim, minus any deductible you’re responsible for. You’ll use the payment to make repairs and replace damaged belongings. Some companies, like Allstate, will pay your contractor directly if you work with someone in-network. For example, say a severe hailstorm hits your area and damages your roof and siding. Here’s how the claims process might unfold: After the storm, you notice dents in your siding and missing shingles on your roof. You take photos and videos of the damage. You log into your home insurance company’s mobile app and start the claims process. You provide details about the damage and the date it occurred. The insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to your case. The adjuster schedules a time to inspect the damage to your home. You get repair estimates from local contractors for the roof and siding damage. You provide these estimates to the claims adjuster. The adjuster assesses the damage and determines it’s covered under your policy. They calculate the total cost of repairs. Your insurer approves the claim and pays you for the covered damages minus your deductible. You receive the funds via direct deposit. You hire a contractor to repair the roof and replace the damaged siding using the money from the insurance claim. Once they finish the repairs, your home returns to its pre-storm condition. FAQ How soon will your coverage take effect? Getting a home insurance quote online takes just a few minutes, but it can take anywhere from a few hours to three business days to lock in your policy. It all depends on the property you’re insuring and your claims history. You’ll usually have a shorter waiting time if you haven’t filed any claims and you’re insuring a low-risk property. On the flip side, you may have to wait a few days if you’ve filed claims in the past or are insuring a higher-risk home. Can you cancel a policy at any time? Yes, you can cancel your home insurance policy anytime by contacting your insurer. Sometimes, you may need to provide a written request to cancel. (Your insurer will let you know if this is needed.) If you’re switching insurance companies, make sure your new policy is in place before canceling to avoid gaps in coverage. You’ll usually get a refund for the part of your policy you didn’t use. Some companies may charge cancellation fees, so read your policy details. Is homeowners insurance required to purchase a home? There are no federal or state laws that mandate home insurance. But if you’re purchasing a property with a mortgage, you will need homeowners insurance. Mortgage lenders require it. Your lender will tell you what minimum coverage amounts you need. Still, it’s usually enough to rebuild your home if destroyed fully. You’ll provide your lender with proof of coverage before you close on your home. Home insurance is optional but highly encouraged if you purchase a home with cash (no lender). According to Q2 2024 Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average home price in the U.S. is currently $501,700. That’s not including the cost of everything you keep inside your home—like furniture, recreational gear, appliances, clothes, and everything else. You need home insurance if you can’t comfortably afford to rebuild your home from scratch and replace all your belongings. It’s a simple way to protect you from damage or loss. There’s also the risk of a liability claim, which could wipe out your life savings (and, in some cases, your future earnings). Recap of the best homeowners insurance CompanyWhat stands out… Excellent customer service Learn More Customizable coverage Learn More Extensive network of local agents Learn More User-friendly website and mobile app Learn More Flexible coverage Learn More Added benefits Learn More Name Your Price tool to find a policy to fit budget Learn More Coverage tailored to military families Learn More Show more