Factors that Affect the Cost of Home Insurance
Several factors affect the cost of home insurance in the USA. These include:
- Location: The location of your home plays a significant role in the cost of home insurance. Areas with higher rates of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires, may have higher insurance premiums.
- Age and condition of the home: Older homes or homes in poor condition may have higher insurance premiums. This is because they may be more at risk for damage or require more expensive repairs.
- Coverage level: The amount of coverage you choose will also affect the cost of your home insurance. Policies with higher limits and additional coverage, such as flood insurance or earthquake insurance, typically have higher premiums.
- Deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. A higher deductible typically means lower insurance premiums, but it also means that you will have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
- Credit score: In some states, your credit score can also affect the cost of your home insurance. Individuals with lower credit scores may have higher insurance premiums.
Average Cost of Home Insurance in the USA
According to a report by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average cost of home insurance in the USA in 2018 was $1,192 per year, or approximately $99 per month. However, these figures can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above.
Location
The location of your home can significantly affect the cost of home insurance. According to the NAIC, the average cost of home insurance in 2018 was highest in Louisiana ($1,968 per year) and lowest in Oregon ($677 per year).
Age and Condition of the Home
The age and condition of your home can also affect your home insurance premiums. According to the NAIC, homes that are 20 years old or older paid an average of $1,376 per year for home insurance in 2018, while homes that were less than 10 years old paid an average of $1,249 per year.
Coverage Level
The amount of coverage you choose will also affect the cost of your home insurance. Policies with higher limits and additional coverage, such as flood insurance or earthquake insurance, typically have higher premiums. According to the NAIC, the average cost of home insurance for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and $100,000 in liability coverage in 2018 was $1,322 per year, while the average cost for a policy with $500,000 in dwelling coverage and $300,000 in liability coverage was $2,119 per year.
Deductible
The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. According to the NAIC, the average cost of home insurance for a policy with a $1,000 deductible in 2018 was $1,132 per year, while the average cost for a policy with a $2,500 deductible was $993 per year.
Credit Score
In some states, your credit score can also affect the cost of your home insurance. According to a study by InsuranceQuotes.com, individuals with fair credit scores (580-669) paid an average of 36% more for home insurance than those with excellent credit scores (800-850).