Insuring your home is always a good idea to protect your investment and is required by mortgage companies until the loan is paid off.
Here's a look at the cost of house insurance and some factors influencing it.
You must pay nearly $1,400 a year for homeowners insurance on the average house valued at $250,000, according to Bankrate.
Other factors that companies consider when setting a house insurance rate include the age of the home, how much it would cost to rebuild it, what it's made of, and the fire rating of the location.
Hawaii, where prices for most goods and services are higher than average, usually has the lowest house insurance rates. Prices there could be less than half the average.
Shopping around is the easiest way to lower the cost of your house insurance. You can also save by choosing a higher deductible or asking for a discount if you have multiple policies with the company.
Homeowners Insurance Rates
You must pay nearly $1,400 a year for homeowners insurance on the average house valued at $250,000, according to Bankrate.
Companies consider various factors when setting prices, and they all have different standards. Comparison shopping for homeowners insurance can save you hundreds each year, but costs are rising overall.
The industry cites inflation, supply chain issues, and catastrophic losses from climate-related disasters for causing rates to rise.
Other Factors Involved
Other factors that companies consider when setting a house insurance rate include the age of the home, how much it would cost to rebuild it, what it's made of, and the fire rating of the location.
Homes far from fire hydrants pay higher rates, and so do those made of especially expensive materials. Your claims history and the history of the location may also be considered. Your credit score is included in the calculation in most states.
Highest and Lowest
Hawaii, where prices for most goods and services are higher than average, usually has the lowest house insurance rates. Prices there could be less than half the average.
The unlucky homeowners of Oklahoma pay the highest rates. They may pay nearly three times the average. Alabama and Arkansas are among other states where rates are high.
No matter where a home is located, the factors in the previous section are involved in calculations.
How to Lower Your Cost
Shopping around is the easiest way to lower the cost of your house insurance. You can also save by choosing a higher deductible or asking for a discount if you have multiple policies with the company.
Sometimes, a small investment in safety and security devices like doorbell cameras, fire alarms, and deadbolts can also reduce rates.
Additionally, when you don't file a claim for three to five years, you may qualify for a reduced rate with some companies.
Homeowners insurance is expensive, but understanding where you stand compared to the average may ease your mind. If you're paying too much, you can often reduce your cost by shopping around and looking for discounts.
Homeowners insurance is expensive, but understanding where you stand compared to the average may ease your mind. If you're paying too much, you can often reduce your cost by shopping around and looking for discounts.
House insurance isn't sexy or exciting, but you may find saving hundreds every year worth your time.
