Question 1

How much dwelling coverage (Coverage A) do I need?

Accepted Answer

Set Coverage A to your home's rebuild cost — what a contractor would charge to reconstruct it today — not its market price (which includes land) and not what you paid. In fast-rising markets rebuild cost is often below market value; after a construction-cost spike it can be higher. Under-insuring here is the most common and costliest mistake, and many policies pro-rate even partial claims if you insure for less than 80% of rebuild cost. Ask your insurer to run a free replacement-cost estimate and update it after renovations.

Question 2

What do Coverage B, C, D, E, and F mean on a homeowners policy?

Accepted Answer

Coverage B (Other Structures) covers detached structures like a garage, shed, or fence, usually defaulting to 10% of dwelling. Coverage C (Personal Property) covers your belongings, usually 50% of dwelling. Coverage D (Loss of Use) pays hotel and extra living costs if your home is unlivable, typically 20–30% of dwelling. Coverage E (Personal Liability) covers injuries or damage you cause, with $100,000 the minimum and $300,000–$500,000 recommended. Coverage F (Medical Payments) pays small medical bills for injured guests, usually $1,000–$5,000.

Question 3

Does homeowners insurance cover flood or sewer backup?

Accepted Answer

No. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood or earthquake — those require separate policies (flood through the NFIP or a private insurer, earthquake as a separate policy or endorsement). It also excludes water that backs up through sewers or drains and sump-pump failure unless you add a water backup endorsement, which typically costs $50–$100 per year and is worth it if you have a finished basement or sump pump.

Question 4

How much does homeowners insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

The national average runs roughly $1,900–$2,500 per year for about $300,000 in dwelling coverage, but it ranges enormously — from around $1,100 in low-risk states like Hawaii and Vermont to over $4,000 in Florida, Oklahoma, and other catastrophe-prone states. Premiums are driven mainly by your dwelling amount, your state and local risk, your deductible, your home's age and roof, and your claims history. Bundling with auto and raising your deductible are the two biggest levers.

How much homeowners insurance do you actually need?

See who's cheapest
for your coverage.

Now see who's cheapest
for the coverage you need.

How much homeowners insurance do you actually need?

See who's cheapestfor your coverage.

Now see who's cheapestfor the coverage you need.

See who's cheapest
for your coverage.

Now see who's cheapest
for the coverage you need.