Homeowners Insurance

Last updated: December 9, 2025 Recently updated

Homeowners Insurance Guide

Coverage protecting your home, belongings, and liability as a homeowner

Not sure what coverage you need? Take our free 2-minute quiz to get personalized insurance recommendations.

What is Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners Insurance provides essential protection for you and your family. Understanding how it works helps you make better coverage decisions.

Key Features

Coverage details and benefits
What’s typically included
Common exclusions to be aware of
Cost factors that affect premiums

Who Needs Homeowners Insurance?

Learn whether this type of coverage is right for your situation and how to determine the appropriate coverage amount.

How to Choose a Policy

Tips for comparing policies, understanding terms, and finding the best value for your needs.

Home Insurance Costs by State

Home insurance costs range from $855/year in Vermont to $4,899/year in Oklahoma. Natural disaster risk (tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires) is the primary cost driver.

→ View all 50 states ranked | Detailed cost guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about homeowners insurance answered.

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Data Sources

Homeowners insurance data in this guide come from NAIC (opens in new tab) , Insurance Information Institute (opens in new tab) , and state insurance department filings. Learn more about our data collection methods on our Methodology page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Standard homeowners insurance covers: dwelling (structure of your home), other structures (detached garage, fence), personal property (belongings), loss of use (temporary living expenses), liability (if someone is injured on your property), and medical payments to others. Flood and earthquake damage require separate policies.

How much homeowners insurance do I need?

Your dwelling coverage should equal the cost to rebuild your home (not market value or purchase price). Personal property coverage is typically 50-70% of dwelling coverage. Liability coverage of $300,000-$500,000 is recommended; consider an umbrella policy for additional protection.

Does homeowners insurance cover floods or earthquakes?

No, standard homeowners insurance excludes flood and earthquake damage. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or private insurers. Earthquake coverage is available as a separate policy or endorsement. These are essential in high-risk areas.

What is the difference between HO-3 and HO-5 policies?

HO-3 (most common) covers your dwelling against all perils except those specifically excluded, but covers personal property only for named perils. HO-5 provides open-peril coverage for both dwelling and personal property, offering broader protection at higher cost.

Property-Casualty by State

Property-Casualty requirements and costs vary significantly by state. Select your state for specific regulations, average premiums, and local resources.