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8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
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Chartered financial analyst
12+ years in data analysis and marketing
Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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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.
Table of contents
Homeowners insurance is relatively affordable in Wisconsin. The average policy costs $118 per month for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, compared to the national average of $212 per month.
But lower premiums don’t necessarily mean low risk. Wisconsin homes endure harsh winter weather, heavy snowfall, windstorms, and occasional hail, all of which can strain roofs, siding, and foundations. Flooding also affects some areas, especially near rivers and lakes, although standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage.[1]
Keep reading to find out which insurance companies offer the right balance of coverage, price, and service for Wisconsin homeowners.
American Family, State Farm, and Nationwide stand out for Wisconsin home insurance because of their unique coverage options, customer satisfaction ratings, and affordable policies.
American Family has the cheapest rates in Wisconsin, with an average monthly premium of $77.
Wisconsin homeowners pay an average of $1,416 per year for home insurance.
Best home insurance companies in Wisconsin
Many well-known and regional insurance companies offer homeowners insurance in Wisconsin, so you have a range of solid options to choose from. Coverage availability, pricing, and policy features vary by company and depend on your home type and location.
The best company for you depends on your specific situation and what you need most from a homeowners insurance policy. Here are some top insurers to help you get started on your search.
American Family: Best for first-time homeowners
first-time homeowners
American Family
| 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 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A |
| $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. | $77/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. | $105/mo |
American Family Insurance is a good pick for first-time homeowners in Wisconsin because it has deep local roots and a network of local agents across the state.
The company’s headquarters are in Madison, and it can tailor coverage to Wisconsin risks such as snow, ice dams, and wind damage. Its free virtual homeownership course and hands-on agent guidance can help new buyers understand coverage decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Free educational resources for first-time homeowners
Low average rates
Add-ons include hidden water damage coverage and sewer back-up
Lower AM Best financial strength rating than some competitors
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ranking
Restrictions on liability coverage for owners of certain dog breeds
State Farm: Best for excellent customer service
| 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 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A++ |
| $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. | $143/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. | $190/mo |
State Farm stands out for Wisconsin homeowners who value consistent service and dependable claims handling. Wisconsin has a high rate of long-term homeownership, and many residents prefer working with the same local agent over several years.
While its rates are a little higher than the statewide average, State Farm is a good choice if you’re looking for reliability and the ability to customize your policy to include debris removal and power interruption.
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking
Large network of local agents in Wisconsin
Specialized policies, including those for farms, ranches, and vineyards
Higher average monthly premiums
Comparatively few discounts and add-on coverages
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ranking
Nationwide: Best for high-net-worth homeowners
| 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 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A+ |
| $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. | $164/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. | $258/mo |
Nationwide is a good choice for Wisconsin homeowners with high-value properties or costly personal belongings. Many homes in the state feature finished basements, custom woodwork, or lakefront upgrades that cost more to repair or replace.
Nationwide’s optional coverage add-ons, including Better Roof Replacement, Brand New Belongings, and Valuables Plus, help protect those investments by covering full replacement cost and specialized protection for valuables.
Above-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ranking
Offers free annual reviews of coverages, limits, and discounts
Strong network of local agents
Above-average customer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Expensive average rates in Wisconsin
Low Trustpilot rating
Farmers: Best for environmentally conscious homeowners
environmentally conscious homeowners
Farmers
| 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 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A |
| $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. | $94/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. | $153/mo |
Farmers is a good fit for Wisconsin homeowners who invest in energy-efficient upgrades to help manage long heating seasons and rising utility costs. Farmers rewards these choices with green home discounts and flexible coverage options that adjust as your needs change over time. It also offers home insurance discounts for enrolling in paperless billing and policy documents.
Discounts for Energy Star, LEED, and EPA-certified homes
Customizable policies, including guaranteed replacement cost
Savings for renters transitioning to homeownership
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ranking
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking
Above-average customer complaints with the NAIC
Allstate: Best for homesharing arrangements
| 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 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A- |
| $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. | $97/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. | $129/mo |
Allstate works well for Wisconsin homeowners who want coverage that goes beyond the basics. Many residents own lake homes or occasionally rent out rooms during peak summer months. Allstate’s HostAdvantage coverage provides protection for personal belongings while the house is rented and offers discounts for housekeeping between renters.
Discounts for paying on time or in full, or setting up a payment plan
Optional green improvement coverage replaces damaged property with energy-efficient items
Affordable rates compared to statewide average
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction ranking
Above-average customer complaints with NAIC
Our editorial team analyzed dozens of regional and national home insurance companies that sell policies in Wisconsin to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to homeowners. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Cheapest home insurance in Wisconsin
If you’re looking for the lowest rates in Wisconsin, you might start your search with American Family, based on Insurify data. But this may not be the cheapest company for your home.
The table below shows the cheapest home insurance companies in Wisconsin, based on average annual premiums. Your rates will vary depending on your location, the age and size of your home, your claims history, and other factors.
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Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $924 |
| Farmers | $1,128 |
| Allstate | $1,164 |
| Foremost | $1,260 |
| Travelers | $1,296 |
| USAA | $1,320 |
| Chubb | $1,356 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,416 |
| Allied | $1,416 |
| Encompass | $1,692 |
| State Farm | $1,716 |
| Erie | $1,800 |
| Nationwide | $1,968 |
Find Cheap Home Insurance in Wisconsin
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How much does homeowners insurance cost in Wisconsin?
Homeowners insurance in Wisconsin costs an average of $118 per month for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is lower than the national average of $212 per month, but several factors still influence what you pay.
Severe winter storms, hail, and wind drive claims more than hurricanes or wildfires in Wisconsin. Flood risk affects homes near rivers and low-lying areas, but standard policies typically exclude flood coverage, so you may need to purchase separate coverage.
Your home’s age, roof condition, and construction materials matter as they affect how well it holds up in severe weather. Crime rates in your ZIP code and your deductible amount also play a part in your final premium.
Cheapest home insurance companies in Wisconsin by dwelling coverage
Dwelling coverage pays to repair or rebuild your home’s structure after a covered loss.[2] The table below shows the average annual premiums from different insurance companies at various dwelling coverage limits, so you can compare costs as coverage increases.
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Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $806 |
| Farmers | $873 |
| Foremost | $873 |
| Chubb | $1,007 |
| Allied | $1,034 |
| Travelers | $1,047 |
| Allstate | $1,101 |
| USAA | $1,182 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,209 |
| Erie | $1,370 |
| Encompass | $1,504 |
| State Farm | $1,517 |
| Nationwide | $1,544 |
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Chartered financial analyst
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Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $1,034 |
| Farmers | $1,262 |
| Allstate | $1,303 |
| Foremost | $1,410 |
| Travelers | $1,450 |
| USAA | $1,477 |
| Chubb | $1,517 |
| Auto-Owners | $1,585 |
| Allied | $1,585 |
| Encompass | $1,894 |
| State Farm | $1,920 |
| Erie | $2,014 |
| Nationwide | $2,202 |
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Chartered financial analyst
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Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $1,410 |
| Allstate | $1,732 |
| Farmers | $2,055 |
| USAA | $2,068 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,270 |
| Foremost | $2,270 |
| Travelers | $2,296 |
| Allied | $2,377 |
| Chubb | $2,444 |
| Encompass | $2,552 |
| State Farm | $2,552 |
| Erie | $3,129 |
| Nationwide | $3,465 |
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Chartered financial analyst
12+ years in data analysis and marketing
Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| American Family | $1,920 |
| Allstate | $2,296 |
| USAA | $2,699 |
| Farmers | $2,941 |
| Auto-Owners | $3,089 |
| Foremost | $3,089 |
| State Farm | $3,223 |
| Travelers | $3,250 |
| Encompass | $3,290 |
| Allied | $3,518 |
| Chubb | $3,572 |
| Erie | $4,606 |
| Nationwide | $5,936 |
Wisconsin homeowners insurance cost by city
Home insurance costs vary by city and across Wisconsin. Homes in smaller inland towns and rural areas are often less expensive to insure than those in metro areas like Milwaukee. Rates vary depending on the property’s exposure to wind and hailstorms, proximity to rivers and flood zones, local crime and vandalism rates, and distance to fire stations.
The table below shows the average annual rates for several different cities in the Badger State.
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Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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City | Average Annual Premium: With $300,000 in Dwelling Coverage |
|---|---|
| Madison | $1,284 |
| Green Bay | $1,284 |
| Milwaukee | $1,392 |
What homeowners should know about insurance in Wisconsin
Homeowners insurance protects your home from many common risks, but it doesn’t cover all potential perils. Understanding Wisconsin’s specific climate risks helps you decide what coverage you need. Below are three key risks you should consider as a Wisconsin homeowner.
Severe thunderstorms and hail
Wisconsin averaged about six major weather disasters per year from 2022 through 2024, and most were severe storms that produced high winds, heavy snow, and hail.[3] These storms can damage roofs, siding, and windows.
Standard home insurance policies typically cover damage from hail and wind, but you should confirm limits and deductibles.[2]
Tornadoes and high winds
Wisconsin isn’t in Tornado Alley, but it still experiences tornadoes and straight-line winds that can destroy structures and topple trees. Standard home insurance policies typically cover wind damage, but check for exclusions and make sure your coverage limits reflect rebuilding costs in your area.
Flooding
Floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in Wisconsin, according to the state’s Department of Health Services.[4] Flooding from heavy rain or rapid snowmelt affects several parts of Wisconsin, particularly near rivers and low-lying areas.
Standard home insurance policies don’t cover flood damage. If you’re in a flood-prone zone, you can buy a separate flood policy through a private insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law doesn’t require homeowners insurance, but most mortgage lenders do. If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will require you to carry enough coverage to protect the structure and their financial interest in the property. But that minimum might not be enough to protect you financially.
Your policy’s coverage limits should be high enough to rebuild your home at today’s construction costs, not what you paid for it. You can find a rough estimate by multiplying your home’s square footage by local rebuilding costs. Your insurance agent, a local realtor, or a local construction company can give you this number.
Your personal property coverage should reflect the value of your belongings. It’s helpful to create a home inventory of your possessions so you know how much coverage you’ll need.
If someone sues you after getting an injury on your property, personal liability coverage should protect your assets.
You may also need endorsements for higher policy limits for valuables. Many home insurance policies cap coverage on certain valuables, like jewelry, coin collections, furs, and artwork.[5]
Compare Wisconsin Home Insurance Quotes
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How to contact the Wisconsin Department of Insurance
The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance regulates insurance companies operating in the state and helps consumers understand their rights. It provides resources on coverage, licensing, and complaints, and it can assist you if you have problems with an insurance company.
Here’s how to contact the department:
Phone: 1 (608) 266-3585
Email: [email protected]
Wisconsin homeowners insurance FAQs
Buying homeowners insurance can feel complicated — especially if you’re buying your first policy. Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about costs, requirements, and how to find affordable home insurance coverage.
How much is home insurance in Wisconsin?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is $1,416 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, Insurify data shows. Your rate may vary based on location, home features, deductible, and claim history.
Which company has the cheapest homeowners insurance in Wisconsin?
American Family is the cheapest homeowners insurance company in Wisconsin, with an average monthly premium of $77. But the cheapest insurer for you will depend on your ZIP code, home condition, and coverage limits.
Does Wisconsin require homeowners insurance?
No. Wisconsin law doesn’t require homeowners insurance, but mortgage lenders almost always do. Lenders require dwelling coverage to protect the home itself, but additional coverage decisions are up to you.
How can you lower your home insurance premiums in Wisconsin?
You can lower your premiums by comparing multiple quotes, raising your deductible, making the roof and structure more resistant to storm damage, bundling home and auto coverage, and asking about discounts for security systems or other safety features.
What is the best homeowners insurance company in Wisconsin?
The top home insurance companies in Wisconsin include American Family, State Farm, Farmers, Nationwide, and Allstate. But the best home insurance company for you depends on your needs. Some insurance companies focus on low prices, while others offer extensive coverage options, better customer service, or local agents for in-person service.
How much is home insurance on a $500,000 house?
Home insurance for a $500,000 house in Wisconsin averages $176 per month. Your premiums will depend on the home’s construction type, location, roof condition, and whether you add extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage.
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
- III. "12 Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Costs."
- III. "Homeowners Insurance Basics."
- NOAA. "Wisconsin Summary."
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services. "Climate and Health: Flood Hazards and Recovery."
- III. "Special coverage for jewelry and other valuables."
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Janet Berry-Johnson is a CPA and a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
Since joining Insurify’s freelance writing team in October 2022, Janet’s covered vital insurance topics from regional auto insurance costs to homeowners insurance and dog breed restrictions. A passionate advocate for insurance and personal financial empowerment, she lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
MacKenzie Korris is an insurance copy editor with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance in Missouri.
)
)
Chartered financial analyst
12+ years in data analysis and marketing
Andrew applies his vast knowledge of analytics and insurance industry trends to help inform Insurify’s content and marketing efforts.
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