Homeowners Insurance Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
A home is a big investment for you and your mortgage lender, so you’ll need to have homeowners insurance before you can close on a house.
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Written byJulia Taliesin
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Julia Taliesin is an insurance content writer at Insurify. She began her career as a journalist, covering local government and business in Somerville, Mass.
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Edited byEvelyn Pimplaskar
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10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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Data reviewed byChase Gardner
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
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Table of contents
Putting a down payment on your first home is undoubtedly exciting, but there’s a lot to figure out before you get the keys. Home insurance is one of those new things to learn about, and it’s part of the cost of homeownership.
Home insurance helps protect your investment. If you need a mortgage, like most homebuyers, your lender will require you to buy homeowners insurance to protect its financial interest in the property. If a covered event badly damages your house, home insurance helps protect you and your lender from financial loss.
Your age and experience don’t affect home insurance rates, so purchasing coverage as a first-time home buyer won’t work against you. But it’s important to know the other factors that can affect the cost of your homeowners insurance. Here’s what you need to know to find the best, most affordable home insurance coverage.
Quick Facts
Your lender will require proof of homeowners insurance before you can close on your new house.
Your insurance dwelling coverage limit should be enough to cover the cost of rebuilding your home after a total loss.
You may need extra coverage for floods, earthquakes, or pest damage.
What is homeowners insurance?
Home insurance provides financial protection against losses. A standard homeowners policy typically includes dwelling coverage for your home’s structure, personal property coverage, liability protection, and additional living expenses coverage.[1]
Depending on your needs and new home, you’ll need one of these policies: an HO-2 (broad form), HO-3 (special form), HO-5 (comprehensive form), or an HO-8 (older home form).
The most common is HO-3, an open-peril policy that insures owner-occupied, single-family, or multi-family homes.[2] A peril is an event, like a fire or storm, that can cause damage to your house. Open-peril policies cover any peril unless it’s specifically excluded, while named-peril policies like HO-2s only cover perils written in the policy.
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Why first-time homebuyers need homeowners insurance
Most mortgage lenders require proof of homeowners insurance before you can close on the house. You also have to maintain home insurance as long as you have a home loan. If your coverage lapses, your insurer will notify your lender, which could take action against you.
A home is a large asset, so not insuring it against accidents, damage, and theft or protecting yourself from liability is a huge financial risk, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).
7 best insurers for first-time homebuyers
No single homeowners insurance company is best for all first-time buyers because every homeowner has different insurance needs. Numerous factors affect your homeowners insurance rates, so shopping around and comparing quotes will help you find the best policy and rate.
These are some of the highest-rated and most broadly available home insurers in the U.S., so if you don’t know where to start, these companies are worth a look.
Amica: Best for customer service
AmicaCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 679 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $116/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $176/mo |
Amica has high customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power and Trustpilot and a low company complaint index for homeowner policies from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Its strong financial strength ratings and cheaper-than-average rates make it a great choice for first-time homebuyers.
Pros
Offers home, auto, and life insurance, as well as more insurance policies like motorcycle, flood, and pet insurance
Discounts for bundling, loyalty, and remaining claims-free
Able to file claims by phone, mobile, or desktop
Cons
Not available in all U.S. states
May have to get quote and buy policy over the phone
Can’t make policy changes in mobile app
American Family: Best for young homeowners
young homeowners
American Family
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.6/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 638 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $155/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $223/mo |
American Family offers several discounts that make it a solid choice for young, first-time homeowners. You could get a generational discount if your parent is a customer or a renovated home discount if you just replaced the main systems on your fixer-upper.
Though not available in every state, American Family offers multiple coverage options and many discounts.
Pros
Wide variety of optional coverages, like service line coverage, credit monitoring, and equipment breakdown insurance
Offers bundling, generational, and security feature discounts
Available coverage add-on for system or appliance breakdowns
Cons
Available in only 26 states
Liability insurance restrictions for owners of certain dog breeds
Earthquake coverage not available
Farmers: Best for environmentally conscious homeowners
environmentally conscious homeowners
Farmers
Compare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 609 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $180/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $296/mo |
First-time buyers can take advantage of numerous discounts and insurance add-ons with Farmers Insurance. Homeowners who want to “go green” can get discounts for achieving Energy Star, LEED, and EPA green certifications.
Pros
Many available discounts
Lower-than-average number of homeowner complaints, according to the NAIC
Extended replacement cost and guaranteed replacement cost available
Cons
Not all discounts available in every state
Below-average customer satisfaction ranking in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Home Insurance Study
Rates more expensive than some competitors
Allstate: Best for broad availability
AllstateCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 631 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $188/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $282/mo |
Allstate home insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and offers a cheaper-than-average national annual premium. It’s a good company to consider if your area doesn’t have many home insurance options. But Allstate’s customer satisfaction ratings are only average.
Pros
Ability to file and track a claim online
Offers home-sharing and mobile home insurance
AM Best financial strength rating of A- (Excellent)
Cons
Fewer available discounts than other insurers
Low Trustpilot score
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints, according to the NAIC
Nationwide: Best for optional coverages
NationwideCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 641 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $223/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $339/mo |
Nationwide offers all the standard home insurance coverages, plus many additional coverage options. You can buy earthquake, water backup, service line, and umbrella insurance protections and bundle your policy with auto or pet insurance, too.
Pros
AM Best financial strength rating of A (Excellent)
Average customer service ratings from J.D. Power and the NAIC
Multiple homeowners insurance discounts
Cons
Low Trustpilot score
Coverage isn’t available in seven states
Doesn’t cover mobile or manufactured homes
State Farm: Best for bundling
State FarmCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.2/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 643 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $226/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $317/mo |
Since State Farm offers many different types of insurance, it’s a great choice for first-time homebuyers who want to save by bundling multiple policies. State Farm offers auto, boat, farm, pet, and small-business insurance.
Pros
Above-average score in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Study
Long-standing history in the insurance industry
Network of 19,000 agents
Cons
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints, according to the NAIC
Not available in all states
Limited number of discounts compared to other insurers
Chubb: Best for high-value homes
ChubbCompare personalized, real-time quotes
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.8/10 |
|---|---|
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 688 |
| $300,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $300,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $303/mo |
| $500,000 Dwelling A standard HO-3 home insurance policy typically includes dwelling, personal property, and liability coverage. The average rate displayed here reflects a policy with the following coverage limits: $500,000 dwelling; $25,000 personal property; $300,000 personal liability; $30,000 loss of use; and a $1,000 deductible for medical payments to others. | $457/mo |
Chubb offers several coverages and higher policy limits that are great for higher-value homes. Policies include extended replacement cost coverage and a cash-out option after a total loss. You can purchase personal liability limits of up to $100 million.
Pros
Lower-than-average number of customer complaints, according to the NAIC
AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Numerous coverage options available
Cons
Low Trustpilot score
Quotes and policies only available through an agent
National premiums more expensive than average
Parts of a home insurance policy
Standard home insurance policies typically include the same core components, though homeowners can purchase higher limits or additional coverages to expand protection. These are some standard elements:
Dwelling coverage
Your home’s structure is your dwelling, so this coverage pays for repairing or replacing your home’s structure when a covered peril causes damage. You’ll need a dwelling coverage limit high enough to rebuild your home after a total loss.
Other structures coverage
These policies typically include coverage for other structures, like sheds and detached garages, at about 10% of your dwelling coverage.
Personal property coverage
Personal property coverage insures your furniture, clothes, and other belongings — typically about 50%–70% of your dwelling coverage.[3]
Liability coverage
Liability insurance covers lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage you or your family and pets cause to other people.
Medical payments coverage
This is another kind of liability protection that covers medical expenses for someone you, your family, or pets injured on your property.
Additional living expenses coverage
If a covered event forces you to move out of your home temporarily, additional living expenses coverage pays for costs like hotel and meal bills. This coverage is also known as loss-of-use coverage.
What homeowners insurance covers
It’s smart to understand what your home insurance policy covers so you can buy additional coverage if you need more protection. For example, your insurer will only pay for repairs when a covered event causes the damage. This is what a standard HO-3 policy commonly includes, according to Triple-I:
Fire (including wildfire) and lightning
Windstorm and hail
Theft and vandalism
Explosions and falling objects
Riots and damage from vehicles
Volcanic eruption
Weight of snow, ice, or sleet
Accidental water overflow from household or municipal system
Freezing of household system
What homeowners insurance won’t cover
Home insurance is essential financial protection, but it doesn’t cover all possible damage. Homeowners insurance completely excludes some perils, like flooding, while other exclusions — like damage from wind — may depend on where you live. For example, if you live on the coast you may need to purchase separate wind insurance or higher limits on your existing policy.
Here’s what an HO-3 policy typically won’t cover:
Flooding
Earth movement (earthquakes, landslides, and sinkholes)
Routine wear and tear
Neglect
Pest damage
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Home insurance costs for first-time homebuyers
Home insurance costs vary widely, especially based on location and your home’s condition. Your premium also depends on your dwelling coverage limit and chosen deductible.
Here are average annual home insurance premiums from 10 insurance companies for a home insurance policy with $300,000 of dwelling coverage.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, August 19 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Data reviewed by Chase Gardner
Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
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Insurance Company  | Average Annual Rate |
|---|---|
| Amica | $1,392 |
| USAA | $1,752 |
| American Family | $1,860 |
| Travelers | $2,004 |
| Farmers | $2,160 |
| Mercury | $2,220 |
| Allstate | $2,256 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,388 |
| Nationwide | $2,676 |
| State Farm | $2,712 |
Factors that affect home insurance costs
Your insurer considers many factors to set your rates. Here are some factors that affect your home insurance premium.
Location
The climate risk and crime rates in your area affect your likelihood of filing a claim. If you live in an urban or coastal area, you may pay more. Insurers also consider your proximity to a fire station.
Building condition
Your home’s age, condition, and systems, like plumbing and electrical, affect your rates. Style and materials also matter since they influence rebuild costs.
Deductible and coverage amount
A lower dwelling coverage amount means lower premiums. A higher deductible can lower your rates, but you’d need to have the cash to cover it if you file a claim.
Credit history
Insurers don’t formally check your credit score but will review your credit history to estimate your likelihood of filing claims.
Inflation
Labor and material costs affect how much it’ll cost to rebuild your home.
Discounts
If you can take advantage of discounts for installing safety systems or bundling policies, you could find a lower rate.
How much homeowners insurance do first-time homebuyers need?
You should have enough insurance coverage to rebuild your home from the ground up if the worst happens, replace your personal belongings, reduce costs if you’re unable to live in your home, and protect yourself from liability.
Your insurer and lender will help you assess the right dwelling coverage limit, and you can make an inventory of your belongings to determine the right personal property coverage amount. Liability limits typically start at $100,000, but you can also purchase higher limits.
Below are some important concepts and coverages to understand as you consider the right policies for you.
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value
When you’re considering coverage, especially for your belongings, look for whether you’ll have replacement cost or actual cash value coverage. Replacement cost policies pay for repairing your home or replacing your possessions without deducting any depreciation. Actual cash value policies factor in depreciation to claims payout amounts.
For example: Say a covered event damages your five-year-old refrigerator. Replacement cost coverage will pay for a new refrigerator to replace what you lost. Actual cash value coverage will pay you the current value of that old refrigerator, which may not be enough to purchase a replacement.
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Learn More: How Do Home Insurance Companies Pay Out Claims?
Optional coverages to consider
These coverages may be essential to protect your home appropriately or just a smart backup coverage for added protection.
Flood insurance: Home insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, but you can buy flood insurance from a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program. If you have a federally backed mortgage and live in a Special Flood Hazard Area, federal law requires you to purchase flood coverage. And if you have a conventional mortgage, your lender may also require you to buy flood insurance if your home is in a high-risk area.
Earthquake coverage: Home insurance doesn’t cover “earth movement” like earthquakes and landslides, but you can get coverage as an add-on or separate policy.
Water backup coverage: If a clogged pipe or broken sump pump causes a backup, you’ll need this coverage to pay for the water damage. You’re more at risk for a water backup if your area’s sewer system is old or if you have an older home and a basement.
Service line coverage: This covers repairing or replacing broken utility lines, such as water and gas pipes, and buried power or fiber optic lines.
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Home insurance terminology to know
Insurance is full of enough jargon to make your head ache while you read through your policy documents. Below are a few important terms to understand.
Deductibles
Your deductible is the amount you pay toward an insured loss.[4] Say a fire or storm causes $10,000 of damage to your home, and you have a $1,000 deductible. You’ll pay $1,000 and receive a claims check for $9,000. A homeowners insurance deductible applies each time you file a claim.
Policy limits
A policy limit — or an insurance or coverage limit — is the maximum amount an insurer will pay for a covered claim. For example, if a fire damages your belongings and you have a $150,000 personal property limit, your insurer will pay up to $150,000 to replace your items.
Exclusions
Exclusions are events, losses, or property that your home insurer won’t cover. Examples include flood or earthquake damage, wear and tear, a car, or a certain breed of dog.
Mortgage escrow
A mortgage escrow is a kind of bank account that you fund each month to cover your home insurance, property tax, and mortgage payments.[5] Your lender will manage the account and pay those bills with your escrow account funds. Your lender may require you to keep a “cushion” amount in your account.
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Keep Reading: What Is an Escrow Refund and How Do You Get One?
First-time homebuyer insurance FAQs
Finding home insurance can be a daunting process for a first-time buyer, but having good information can make things easier. Here’s some additional information about the insurance-shopping process.
When should you buy homeowners insurance?
Your lender will require you to purchase home insurance when you’re buying a home. Do your research, shop around, and compare quotes before the closing date so you know what policy you want to purchase.
What’s the first thing to consider when buying homeowners insurance?
First, determine how much coverage you need for your home. Your lender and insurer can help you decide the right dwelling coverage limit for your home’s structure and whether additional coverage, like flood or earthquake insurance, is important.
Why is homeowners insurance so expensive?
Natural disasters and inflation are contributing to rising home insurance rates nationwide, according to Insurify’s home insurance report. Your location affects your premiums significantly, so regional climate risk or labor and repair costs may drive up your premium.
What information do you need to get a home insurance quote?
You’ll need personal and financial information, building details, insurance history, and your desired policy limits to get a home insurance quote. Insurers will also want to know about existing safety features and fire protection response, as well as high-value items that may increase coverage limits.
Do you need home insurance if your house is paid off?
No federal or state laws exist to require you to buy home insurance if you don’t have a mortgage. But it’s still a good idea to buy home insurance anyway. It can cover financial losses to your home and belongings and your personal liability for anyone injured on your property. Without home insurance, you’d be financially responsible for all those risks.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed rates from more than 180 home insurance companies sourced directly from Insurify’s partner companies and Quadrant Information Services. Rates span all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and quote averages represent the mean price for a given coverage level and geographic area. To ensure data reliability, only insurers meeting minimum quote thresholds were included in the analysis.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for homeowners with no prior claims and good credit with a home construction year of 1980. The default coverage assumptions include:
Default Coverage Assumptions
- Dwelling coverage: $300,000
- Deductible: $1,000
- Personal property limit: $25,000
- Liability limit: $300,000
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
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Sources
- Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). "What is covered by standard homeowners insurance?."
- International Risk Management Institute (IRMI). "Homeowners Policy Special Form 3 (ho 3)."
- Triple-I. "Homeowners Insurance Basics."
- Triple-I. "Understanding your insurance deductibles."
- Wells Fargo. "What is an Escrow Account?."
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Julia TaliesinData Journalist
Julia Taliesin is a data journalist at Insurify. She began her career as a journalist, covering local government and business in Somerville, Mass. She reported multiple investigative stories about municipal finances and budget allocation, building development and inspection, and personnel. When the pandemic began she became a de facto public health reporter, writing daily and weekly reports using available data to quickly communicate rates of infection and city response.
She's worked for print and digital outlets, writing everything from quick-hit breaking news to long-form community features. More recently, Julia managed content strategy at a startup creating a social platform for licensed nurses, overseeing a team of nurse freelancers and editing interview transcripts and news articles for publication.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in communications from Simmons University, with a focus in journalism. Outside of work, Julia enjoys working on crafting projects, learning about homesteading, and singing in cover bands.
10+ years in insurance and personal finance content
30+ years in media, PR, and content creation
Evelyn leads Insurify’s content team. She’s passionate about creating empowering content to help people transform their financial lives and make sound insurance-buying decisions.
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Data expert on auto trends and driver behavior
University of Chicago graduate with statistics degree
Chase spearheads analytics for Insurify’s data insights team. With his deep expertise in insurance data, Chase is often interviewed on industry trends.
Featured in