120+ more)
)
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
)
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
Featured in
)
)
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
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Home insurance renewal is when your current insurer provides a contract for another year of coverage. It usually happens once a year, and you’ll get a notice at least 30 days before. Sometimes, your insurer may give you a non-renewal notice. If that happens, you can ask the company to review the decision while you look for other options.
You may see some small changes to your policy, especially if your home’s value has increased or you filed a claim. The rate can also go up, even if nothing else changes.[1]
Here are some important steps to take when your home insurance is up for renewal, and how to get the best home insurance rate for your situation.
Insurers reassess your claims history and your risk level when renewing your policy.
Your policy automatically renews unless you get a non-renewal notice or you notify the insurer that you want to switch companies.
The national average for home insurance is $217 per month for $300,000 worth of coverage.
When notice arrives: You get notice about 30 days before your current policy ends.
What insurers reassess: Your claims history and regional risk affects rates.
What happens if you do nothing: Your policy automatically renews at the new rate.
Home insurance renewal means your insurer offers coverage for another year. The insurer stays the same, but the terms and price may change.
You usually get a notice about 30 days before your existing policy ends, but the exact timing can vary by insurance company.
Insurers review your risk and costs, looking at things like your claims history, any renovations, and the chance of natural disasters. It’s smart to read your renewal documents before you agree to them. If you’re satisfied with the price and coverage, and unless otherwise specified, you don’t need to do anything since your policy renews automatically.[2]
Compare rates from leading insurers
Your renewal statement includes your policy period, renewal date, new cost, and any other updates. The document is long, so here are the main things to check as you review it:[3]
Coverage limits: This is the bulk of your policy and outlines the maximum amounts your insurer will pay when you file a claim.
Deductible: This is what you pay out of pocket for a claim. Usually, a higher deductible means a lower monthly premium.
Endorsements and exclusions: Your notice lists extra coverage and what isn’t covered. Think about any home upgrades, renovations, or new valuables like jewelry that may need extra protection this year.
Replacement cost vs. actual cash value: See if your insurer pays the current value of your items or the cost to replace them at today’s prices.
Discounts: Check which discounts you still have or may have gained since last year. New features like a home security system or a new roof could qualify you for more savings. Contact your insurance agent to make sure you get every discount you qualify for.
New rate: Your premium may have gone up or down, so be sure to check the new amount.
Your home insurance rate could increase when you renew. Here are some common reasons why this might happen:
Regional risk of natural disasters: With more severe weather, insurers are rethinking coverage costs. Plus, whenever there’s a major disaster, insurers have to recoup the money they paid out in claims by increasing rates for everyone. For example, people in California pay more because of wildfire risk.
Inflation increases replacement costs: Insurers charge more to cover higher repair costs.
Changes to your home: Upgrades, renovations, or adding things like a trampoline or pool can raise your coverage and costs.
Recent claims history: If you filed a claim in the past year, your coverage may cost more.
High-value endorsements: Adding coverage for jewelry or sports equipment will increase your costs.
Decrease in credit health: If your insurance-based credit score goes down, your rate could go up.
See personalized quotes from top home insurers in minutes
A non-renewal notice means your insurance company will stop covering your home once your current policy ends. Unlike a cancellation, your coverage doesn’t end immediately.
Contact your insurance company to request clarification on why your home was non-renewed. Some common reasons include the number of claims, home condition, and an increased risk of severe weather.
If you believe the decision is unfair, you can appeal with your insurer or file a complaint with your state insurance department.
While you wait for a response, you can start preparing by taking these steps:
Start shopping for new coverage right away to avoid a gap. If your non-renewal was because of local weather risks, ask your neighbors for advice and recommendations.
Check with your state’s insurance department to find out about last-resort insurance options, such as a FAIR Plan. Some states require that you try to get coverage from traditional insurers before you can qualify.
If you don’t have coverage, your mortgage lender may put a force-placed insurance policy on your home. This type of policy is usually expensive and not the best option for homeowners. Keep your lender updated and let them know as soon as you get new coverage.
Here are some steps you can take to lower your home insurance costs now and in the future:
Increase your deductible. A higher deductible usually means you pay less each month, but more if you file a claim. Make sure your deductible is still affordable for you.
Bundle with auto insurance. Many insurance companies offer bundling discounts if you have more than one type of coverage.
Maintain a good claims history. Use your insurance when you need it, but try not to file claims unless it’s necessary.
Remove attractive nuisances. Think about getting rid of attractive nuisances such as pools, built-in water features, trampolines, and other items that can raise your insurance costs.
Compare homeowners insurance quotes. Shopping around can help you find a better deal.
Ask about discounts. Customer loyalty and home upgrades are among the most common, so double-check with your insurer. You can also save up to 15% on coverage with a monitored security system.
Insurance companies often charge different prices for the same coverage. Comparing quotes can help you find out if you’re getting the cheapest rate or if there are better options on the market. Here are some of the most affordable insurers.
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
Insurance Company  | Average Yearly Quote: $300,000 in Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|
| Grange | $1,368 |
| Westfield | $1,440 |
| Amica | $1,464 |
| CSAA | $1,500 |
| USAA | $1,776 |
| AIG | $1,860 |
| AFI | $1,908 |
| American Family | $1,956 |
| National General | $1,968 |
| Travelers | $2,064 |
| Farmers | $2,244 |
| Mercury | $2,316 |
| Allstate | $2,316 |
| ASI | $2,388 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,472 |
| Foremost | $2,484 |
| State Farm | $2,760 |
| Nationwide | $2,760 |
| Encompass | $2,988 |
| Country Financial | $3,180 |
| Erie | $3,216 |
| Allied | $3,480 |
| Chubb | $3,636 |
| Shelter | $3,816 |
| Metropolitan | $4,500 |
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
You don’t have to renew your homeowners insurance policy, and switching home insurance is usually simple if you want to try another company. Be sure to arrange your new coverage before your current policy ends so you don’t have a gap, and notify your lender of any changes you’re making.
Here’s how to determine if you should renew your policy or get a new one.
Your rate is affordable: It stays the same or only increases a bit.
Coverage is adequate: You have enough protection for your home and valuables.
Claims are smooth: It’s easy to submit a claim and the agents are helpful.
Customer service is strong: Agents are a good resource if you need help.
Your rate is higher: Costs increase a lot.
Coverage isn’t cutting it: You don’t have the coverage options you need or want.
Claims are stressful: You had a stressful claims experience.
You want more support: Customer service is lacking.
Begin looking for new insurance coverage at least a few weeks before your current policy ends to give yourself enough time. After you choose a new insurer, tell your current company before your renewal date so your policy doesn’t renew automatically.
Follow these steps as you shop:
Review your current policy. Knowing your current coverage helps you find a similar or better plan. Note any coverage gaps you may want to focus on.
Gather home information. List your home’s size, any recent upgrades, and new systems to get an accurate quote.
Compare rates. Get quotes from at least three insurance companies so you know what to expect.
Ask about discounts. Contact each company to check if you qualify for any savings.
Confirm lender requirements. Make sure your new policy meets your lender’s coverage rules before you switch.
Most home insurance policies last for one year, and you’ll get a renewal notice a few weeks before your policy ends. Below are answers to some common questions about renewing your home insurance.
Yes. Your home insurance will typically renew automatically unless you decide to cancel it. If your insurer chooses not to renew, it must let you know in advance.
When your home insurance expires, it usually renews unless you or your insurer cancel it. Your insurance company will let you know what to expect next, whether it’s a cancellation, non-renewal, or a new policy.[4]
It depends. You could very likely find a lower price, or it might end up costing more. Every insurer evaluates risk differently. To get the best deal, compare quotes from at least three companies and ask your current insurer about possible discounts.[5]
You can find your home insurance renewal date on your declarations page. This document is usually available in your online account, or you can ask your agent for a copy.
Yes, you can try to negotiate your home insurance premium when it’s time to renew. Reach out to your insurer to ask for a rate review, look for discounts, and see if bundling policies could save you money.
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
Additional data points beyond these default values are sourced from Insurify’s proprietary database. Rates are updated monthly.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Featured in
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.
Featured in
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