Hippo, Liberty Mutual and Farmers offer the best homeowners insurance in North Carolina, based on the MarketWatch Guides team’s review. We ranked and reviewed companies after assessing options in the state based on price, coverage, discounts, customer service and more.
North Carolina faces a risk of natural disasters such as coastal storms, hurricanes, wind damage and flooding. Based on data from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), 5.3% of insured properties nationwide experienced a claim in 2021, which could include storm-related damages. Our review also determined the average cost of home insurance in North Carolina is $2,866 annually, higher than the national average of $2,728.
The Top Home Insurance Companies in North Carolina
Based on our in-depth research, here are the top providers of homeowners insurance in North Carolina:
- Hippo: Our top pick
- Liberty Mutual: Best for finished basem*nts
- Farmers: Best for eco-friendly homeowners
- Allstate: Best for discounts
- State Farm: Best for value
- Nationwide: Best for natural disaster damage
- USAA: Best for military members and veterans
According to 2024 homeowners insurance data from Quadrant Information Services, the average cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina is $2,866, which is higher than the national average of $2,728.
| Provider | Annual Premium | Our Rating | JD Power | AM Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hippo | $2,348 | 4.1 | NR | NR |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,296 | 4.4 | 789/1000 | A |
| Farmers | $5,069 | 4.3 | 800/1000 | A |
| Allstate | $1,298 | 4.5 | 809/1000 | A+ |
| State Farm | $742 | 4.7 | 829/1000 | A++ |
| Nationwide | $3,310 | 4.6 | 812/1000 | A |
| USAA | $2,649 | 4.6 | 881/1000 | A++ |
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Hippo
Best for quick quotes
4.1
Cost: 4.1/5
Customer Experience: 4.5/5
Industry Standing: 3.6/5
Coverage: 4.4/5
Our Review
A.M. BestNRJ.D. PowerNRAnnual Cost$2,348
Why We Chose Hippo
Hippo provides a straightforward online quote process, based on our experience, that requires your address, name and contact information, and various property details. The insurer will give you available coverage options based on the information you provide. It also has a mobile app that offers a personalized home maintenance checklist and further guidance.
Hippo home insurance policies also come with a smart home monitoring system that includes water sensors, smoke detectors, entry sensors and security cameras. Having security features can help you qualify for a discount on your premiums by protecting against theft and damage, especially if you live in Greensboro or other areas with a higher-than-average crime rate.
Pros and Cons
Pros Company website says it can provide a price quote in 60 seconds Has a mobile app with personalized guidance for homeowners Offers a smart home monitoring system with its policies Cons Does not provide many endorsem*nts compared to other options on our list Additional coverage availability can vary based on location
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Although Hippo does not offer some discounts typical with other providers, such as bundling, it still has ways to lower your homeowners insurance expenses. Here is a list of its discount options:
- Smart home
- Loss-free
- Homebuyer
- Theft protection devices
- Affinity
- Hail-resistant roof
- Homeowners Association (HOA)
- Companion policy
Hippo also has fewer endorsem*nt options providers compared to some competitors. You can generally add these additional coverages to your home insurance policy:
- Appliances and electronics
- Computers and home office
- Service line coverage
What Customers Think of Hippo
To get an idea of Hippo’s quality of customer service, our team read reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot and identified common positive and negative themes.
What Customers Like
- Fast online quotes: Some customers liked how the insurer allowed them to obtain a quote online without interacting with an agent.
- Simple claim process: Several policyholders, such as this one, appreciated how simple it was to file a claim with Hippo
What Customers Don’t Like
- Unresponsive agents: Many customers, including this one, were upset about the insurer’s customer service not responding to queries.
- Policy cancelation: A policyholder complained about the company canceling their policy without adequate notice, despite the customer making their monthly payment.
Our team reached out to Hippo for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Liberty Mutual
Best for finished basem*nts
4.4
Cost: 4.4/5
Customer Experience: 4.7/5
Industry Standing: 4/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Our Review
A.M. Best J.D. Power Annual Cost
Why We Chose Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers several discounts that could benefit North Carolina homeowners looking to lower policy costs — and most discount options are easy to qualify for. For instance, the company might lower your premium if you sign up for a policy before your current coverage expires. You can also get a discount if you use autopay each month.
The insurer has endorsem*nts against natural disasters such as hurricanes and storms, which North Carolina homeowners can routinely face. You can also add replacement cost coverage for your personal property, which does not consider depreciation over time, a benefit if you live in an area with a high risk of theft and vandalism.
Pros and Cons of Liberty Mutual
Pros Has many discounts available Provides additional coverage against natural disasters, a potential benefit in North Carolina Offers a personal property replacement cost endorsem*nt Cons Does not have 24/7 customer support May require a Social Security number to obtain a quote online
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Liberty Mutual stands out among its competitors with a wide range of homeowners insurance discounts, including:
- Claims-free
- Safe homeowner program
- Early shopper
- Newly purchased home
- New or renovated home
- New roof
- Wind mitigation credit
- Multi-policy bundling
- Insured to value
- Preferred payment
- Paperless policy
- Online purchase
Although Liberty Mutual has fewer endorsem*nts than some companies on our list, it offers the following coverage options to North Carolina homeowners:
- Additional living expenses
- Hurricane damage
- Inflation protection
- Personal property replacement cost
- Water backup
What Customers Think of Liberty Mutual
Our team read through reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot to get an idea of what customers may experience with Liberty Mutual, both positive and negative.
What Customers Like
- Professional agents: Several customers, including this reviewer, appreciated the professionalism and concern shown by the company’s customer service agents.
- Fast claims process: A customer liked how it only took a few days to receive a payout after experiencing home damage. They also appreciated Liberty Mutual’s swift claims process.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Policy cancelation: Some policyholders, such as this one, were upset the company canceled their policy unexpectedly. The customer mentioned that Liberty Mutual did not provide them with certain information on time, which resulted in policy termination.
- Premium increases: One customer complained about a hefty increase in their policy costs, even after not filing a claim for a long time.
Our team reached out to Liberty Mutual for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Farmers
Best for eco-friendly homeowners
4.3
Cost: 4.4/5
Customer Experience: 4.9/5
Industry Standing: 3.6/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Our Review
A.M. Best J.D. Power Annual Cost
Why We Chose Farmers
Farmers has an online quote tool that lets you adjust your coverage limit and deductible, and you can add endorsem*nts when you get a home insurance estimate. The flexibility can help North Carolina homeowners modify their shopping experience based on their coverage needs and budget. However, the company’s online quote form requires a lot of information and might take a long time to fill out, based on our experience.
Farmers charges a higher premium than other insurers on our list, but you can lower your cost by leveraging discounts. For instance, the insurer might give you a discount for having a claims-free history or installing protective devices and home safety features.
Pros and Cons of Farmers
Pros Provides highly customizable policies, based on our review Offers endorsem*nts against severe weather events Many discounts available Cons Below-average J.D. Power and Associates customer satisfaction score Charges a higher premium than some providers on our list
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Farmers offers multiple ways for homeowners to lower policy costs. The following discounts may vary by location, but you can contact the company to understand your options.
- Affinity
- Multiline
- ePolicy
- UL-approved roofing materials
- New home
- Protective devices
- Home safety
- Green certifications
- Connected home
- Rent to own
- Preferred payment
- Good payer
- Claim-free
- Claim forgiveness
Farmers provides limited information on its website about which homeowners insurance endorsem*nts apply to North Carolina, based on our review. You can get a quote from the insurer directly to figure out your options. Here is a general list of the company’s add-ons:
- Eco-rebuilds
- Earthquake
- Flood damage
- Identity theft protection
- Mobile and manufactured homes
- Replacement cost coverage
What Customers Think of Farmers
To assess customer service, our team read dozens of Farmers reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot and identified what customers seem to like and dislike most about the company.
What Customers Like
- Knowledgeable customer service: Several policyholders, including this reviewer, appreciated Farmers’ responsive, friendly and knowledgeable customer service agents.
- Quick process: A customer liked how the process of filing and claim and receiving payment was quick and straightforward.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Policy cancelation: A policyholder complained about the company canceling their policy based on what the customer deemed as incorrect information.
- Expensive quote: Many customers, such as this one, were upset about receiving a significantly expensive estimate from the company.
Our team reached out to Farmers for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Allstate
Best for discounts
4.5
Cost: 4.6/5
Customer Experience: 4.3/5
Industry Standing: 4.3/5
Coverage: 4.6/5
Our Review
A.M. Best J.D. Power Annual Cost
Why We Chose Allstate
Allstate offers several add-on options to extend your home insurance coverage. You can add scheduled personal property coverage, which helps cover the cost of valuable appraised items in case of damage. This type of coverage may benefit you if you live in an area with a high crime rate or damage risk.
You can also include endorsem*nts while getting an online quote, but might have to contact an agent directly for a homeowners insurance estimate in North Carolina. The insurer also charges affordable rates, which you can lower even more with discounts.
Pros and Cons of Allstate
Pros Offers several endorsem*nt options Provides many discounts to lower costs Has affordable premiums compared to some other providers on our list Cons Below-average score in J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction study Might not offer online quotes in North Carolina, based on our experience
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Allstate has several saving opportunities for homeowners insurance policyholders, including:
- Multi-policy bundling
- Responsible payment
- Claim-free
- Welcome and loyalty
- Homebuyer
- Easy pay plan
- Protective device
- Early signing
To help you extend your policy’s coverage limits, Allstate provides many endorsem*nt options:
- Business property
- Electronic data recovery
- Green improvement reimbursem*nt
- Identity theft restoration
- Musical instruments
- Scheduled personal property
- Sports equipment
- Water backup
- Yard and garden
What Customers Think of Allstate
To learn more about Allstate’s customer service, our team read through reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot.
What Customers Like
- Reliable agents: Many customers, such as this policyholder, commented on Allstate’s professional and reliable agents for being knowledgeable and trustworthy.
- Quick claims assistance: A customer appreciated the insurer’s response time regarding claims and mentioned how the company fixed everything promptly.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Coverage denial: A customer was upset about the insurer refusing to cover roof damage even though they had paid their premium regularly for an extended period.
- Premium increase: Some customers, including this reviewer, complained about a significant premium increase after filing a claim.
Our team reached out to Allstate for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
State Farm
Best for Value
4.7
Cost: 4.6/5
Customer Experience: 4.9/5
Industry Standing: 4.2/5
Coverage: 5/5
Our Review
A.M. Best J.D. Power Annual Cost
Why We Chose State Farm
State Farm can appeal to new homeowners because you can contact a local agent for a quote, a benefit for those seeking an in-person experience. New homeowners not well-versed in insurance may find value in having someone to talk them through coverage options and answer questions. However, you will have to enter your ZIP code on the company’s website to find a local agent.
State Farm has no endorsem*nts for flood damage and other natural disasters, except for earthquake damage —a potential drawback for North Carolina homes at risk of such events.
Pros and Cons of State Farm
Pros Has a broad network of local agents Provides several online resources to help customers purchase coverage Charges a lower-than-average annual premium compared to some other options on our list Cons Lacks some common discounts that other companies we reviewed offer Does not offer additional coverage against flood damage
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Although State Farm provides several discounts to lower overall expenses, it lacks some traditional options offered by other insurers. Here is a list of its discount offerings:
- Multi-policy bundling
- Home security
- Roofing
State Farm may let you add these optional coverages:
- Earthquake protection
- Home systems protection
- Identity theft protection
- Loss assessment for HOA charges
- Water backup
What Customers Think of State Farm
To better understand State Farm’s level of customer service, our team read dozens of reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot.
What Customers Like
- Customer service: Several policyholders, such as this one, liked the company’s responsive customer support agents.
- Easy enrollment: A customer praised the simple process of switching to a State Farm policy from another insurer.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Slow claims process: A customer was upset because of State Farm’s slow handling of their water damage claim.
- Premium increase: Some policyholders, such as this reviewer, complained about the company significantly raising their premium.
Our team reached out to State Farm for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
Nationwide
Best for natural disaster damage
4.6
Cost: 4.4/5
Customer Experience: 4.7/5
Industry Standing: 4.2/5
Coverage: 5/5
Our Review
A.M. Best J.D. Power Annual Cost
Why We Chose Nationwide
Nationwide has several endorsem*nts available and might include extra coverage in a standard policy quote, such as loss assessment, identity theft protection and ordinance law protections. It also offers “Better Roof Replacement” coverage, which can help you rebuild your roof with stronger and safer materials in case of a covered loss.
You can buy a separate policy from the insurer to protect against flood damage, a risk in North Carolina.
Pros and Cons of Nationwide
Pros May include extra coverage as standard in its policies, such as identity theft protection Offers a Brand New Belongings endorsem*nt with replacement cost coverage for stolen items Can provide an additional flood insurance policy Cons Below-average customer satisfaction score based on J.D. Power surveys Might include a separate deductible for personal property claims
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
Nationwide offers discounts to help you save on homeowners insurance, including:
- Multi-policy bundling
- Protective devices
- Claims-free
- Home renovation credit
- Roof rating
- Home purchase
- Prior insurance
- Gated community
- Smart home
You can buy these add-on coverages from Nationwide:
- Better roof replacement
- Dwelling replacement cost
- Earthquake
- Equipment breakdown
- Flood insurance
- Identity theft
- New belongings
- Service line coverage
- Valuables plus
- Water backup
What Customers Think of Nationwide
To better understand Nationwide’s quality of customer service, our team read through reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot.
What Customers Like
- Quick claims process: Many customers, such as this reviewer, appreciated how the company processed claims in a few days.
- Kind agents: A customer praised Nationwide’s agents for showing kindness while dealing with their concerns.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Policy cancellation: A policyholder was upset because the insurer refused to cover the structures on their property and canceled their coverage.
- Hefty premium increase: Many customers, such as this one, complained about Nationwide increasing their policy costs after renewal.
Our team reached out to Nationwide for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
USAA
Best for military members and veterans
4.6
Cost: 4.6/5
Customer Experience: 4.6/5
Industry Standing: 4.3/5
Coverage: 5/5
Our Review
A.M. Best J.D. Power Annual Cost
Why We Chose USAA
USAA only offers homeowners insurance to active-duty soldiers and veterans and tailors policies to military lifestyles and needs. Although USAA is one of the most affordable insurers on our list, the company has several discounts to lower policy costs.
The insurer provides replacement cost coverage as part of its standard policy. In addition, you will not have to pay a deductible if your military gear and clothing are lost in a covered event. USAA also lets you buy flood insurance if you live in a high-risk flood zone.
Pros and Cons of USAA
Pros Replacement cost coverage included in standard policies Offers a separate flood insurance policy Provides valuable endorsem*nts to customize coverage Cons Only covers military members and veterans Customers must have a USAA membership to get a quote
Discounts and Endorsem*nts
USAA offers a limited number of common discounts, including:
- Policy bundling
- Protective device credit
- Connected home
- Multi-product
- Loyalty
- Claims-free
You can buy these extra insurance endorsem*nts from USAA:
- Earthquake
- Electronics coverage
- Home protector
- Home sharing coverage
- Personal injury
- Water backup
What Customers Think of USAA
Based on our research into USAA’s customer reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, here is what policyholders like and dislike most about the company.
What Customers Like
- Reliable service: A long-time customer of the company praised its consistent and reliable service.
- Competent agents: Several policyholders, such as this one, appreciated the company’s friendly and helpful agents.
What Customers Don’t Like
- Expensive policy: A reviewer was upset the company charged significantly high prices.
- Coverage denial: Some policyholders, such as this one, disliked how the company refused to cover roof damage.
Our team reached out to USAA for comment on the above-mentioned negative reviews but did not receive a response.
What Is the Average Homeowners Insurance Cost in North Carolina?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina is $2,866 which is higher than the national average of $2,728 according to our analysis of homeowners insurance premiums using data provided by Quadrant Information Services. The annual cost of homeowners insurance can vary greatly based on your specific location which can cause your home to be more or less susceptible to risk. Use the charts below to determine the average cost in your specific area before getting quotes from multiple providers.
Cheapest Home Insurance in North Carolina
Cost is an important factor in selecting a home insurance company, so we have compiled a list of the most affordable providers in North Carolina to help you find the best coverage at the lowest cost. The cheapest provider in the state is State Farm at $742 annually.
| Provider | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $742 |
| Kemper Insurance | $1,126 |
| Lititz Mutual | $1,845 |
| USAA | $2,649 |
| Hippo | $2,348 |
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How To Save on Homeowners Insurance
You can lower the cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina by requesting and comparing quotes, installing security devices for discounts and regularly reviewing your policy.
- Disaster-proof your property: If you live in an area with a high risk of natural disasters, you may qualify for lower rates by protecting your property against those disasters. This could involve installing storm shutters and impact-resistant windows, hail-resistant roofing or flood barriers.
- Improve home security: You might also lower your insurance expenses by improving your home’s security, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of theft and vandalism. You can install burglar alarms, security cameras, locks and deadbolts to help protect your property against potential damage.
- Review your policy annually: Your home insurance needs can change over time due to property improvements, housing market shifts and significant life events such as marriage. It is best practice to review your policy annually and adjust coverage based on your current situation to ensure sufficient protection and savings in the long run.
Compare Home Insurance Discounts
You may benefit from one or multiple discounts that insurers offer to lower your overall insurance costs. See the table below to compare the discounts offered by the companies we reviewed.
| Provider | Policy Bundling | New Homeowner or Home | Claims-Free History | Protective Devices | Military Member or Veteran |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hippo | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Liberty Mutual | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Farmers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Allstate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| State Farm | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Nationwide | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| USAA | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
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We at the Guides Home Team gathered 2024 home insurance quotes for the providers in this article using data from Quadrant Information Services. Quadrant is a leading source of property and casualty insurance solutions and data.
Our sample homeowner is a 40-year-old single male with good credit and no prior claims history. Our sample policies featured a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage and limits:
- Dwelling: $350,000
- Other Structures: $25,000
- Personal Property: $150,000
- Loss of Use: $50,000
- Liability: $300,000
- Medical Payments: $1,000
For each provider, we gathered a quote for 50% of the ZIP codes in every state it is licensed in. We used the most populous ZIP codes for our study. We took the average of these individual quotes to calculate national and state average premiums for each provider. Our sample rates are for informational purposes only. Actual premiums will vary.
What Factors Affect Home Insurance Rates in North Carolina?
Your location significantly affects home insurance rates in North Carolina, especially considering the state is at risk of natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, hurricanes and other types of storms. We explain other factors insurance providers consider when determining your rates below.
- Risk of severe weather events: If your property is in an area at risk of extreme weather events, insurers will charge you higher rates. For instance, residents of coastal cities like Wilmington and Morehead City are at a higher risk of hurricanes and tropical storms, resulting in more expensive home insurance rates.
- Property age and features: Your property age also determines how much you pay for coverage. For example, homes in historical cities like New Bern may be built with old construction materials that are expensive to repair, leading insurers to charge higher rates. Insurers also consider if you install safety devices that reduce the risk of damage, such as theft or fire, and charge you lower rates as a result.
- Local crime rates: Insurance providers will look at your area's crime rate to determine the risk of theft and vandalism. If you live in an urban area like Charlotte or Raleigh, you may pay higher rates due to an increased risk of crimes.
- Credit score: Your credit score helps an insurer determine how likely you are to file a claim. An insurer may charge you higher rates if you do not have a strong credit history. However, you may qualify for lower rates by improving your credit score.
- Claims history: Insurance companies also consider how often you have filed claims and their severity. Insurers consider individuals who have filed many claims in the past as more risky and may charge higher rates.
Tips for Insuring a Coastal Home
Living on the coast exposes homeowners to natural beauty, but also the potential for natural disasters. Coastal homes, or homes near the coast or major bodies of water, are subjected to more risk from hurricanes, named storms, flooding, erosion and other natural disasters than inland homes. This heightened risk means coastal homes are more expensive to insure and can require certain additional coverage.
Coastal insurance is home insurance for coastal properties. It is pricier, more comprehensive, and less common than traditional home insurance. It is specially designed to protect you from the severe weather risks faced by living in a coastal home. You may also need two other insurance policies, flood insurance and windstorm insurance, to ensure the full protection of your coastal home.
Coastal insurance coverage differs from traditional home insurance in a few ways, including the way in which an insurance company reimburses you for damage. Learn more about the differences in the chart below:
| Coverage Type | Standard Home Insurance | Coastal Home Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Dwelling | Replacement cost | Extended replacement cost |
| Other structures | Actual cash value | Extended replacement cost |
| Personal property | Actual cash value | Replacement cost |
| Deductible | Single deductible | Multiple deductibles, set between 1% and 10% of dwelling coverage limit |
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Finding coastal home insurance may be difficult. Traditional home insurance providers tend not to offer coastal home insurance. To find a policy that suits your needs, consider the following:
- Seek coverage from specialty carriers: Traditional insurers may not be of much assistance, but North Carolina is host to numerous specialty insurers that offer beach home coverage. While these providers, such as NC Coastal Insurance and Coastal Insurance, are too niche to make our list of the best home insurance companies in North Carolina, they may be worth considering if your home is at risk of coastal weather events.
- Look into the Coastal Property Insurance Pool (CPIP): Under the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association – Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plan, CPIP provides property insurance to homeowners who live within 18 eligible coastal counties in the state. Homeowners are encouraged to seek private insurance first and use this option as a last resort.
Hurricane and Flood Insurance Coverage in North Carolina
Although flood insurance is typically not included in standard home insurance policies, damage from hurricanes, windstorms and hailstorms usually falls under a separate deductible. This means if your house or property is damaged after a hurricane, you can file a claim and pay the associated deductible rather than the standard all-peril deductible on your policy. You can expect to choose a wind and hail deductible amount between 2% and 6% of the total dwelling coverage limit on the policy.
Coverage for flood-related damages may be offered as an add-on for your policy. Flood insurance endorsem*nts sold through your provider are likely written by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is an organization managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Not only does the NFIP offer comprehensive coverage to policyholders who live in flood zones and anywhere in the state, but the program also has a website that includes valuable resources and information to keep North Carolina residents educated and aware.
However, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI), NFIP policies are not offered in every area. After a study in June 2020, the department found that there are 28 communities throughout the state that do not participate in the program. Although, there may be flood insurance policies offered by private companies in those areas. Check with your insurance agent to see what may be available in your ZIP Code, or reach out to the NFIP to purchase a policy directly.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Home Insurance
In general, the average cost of North Carolina homeowners insurance is $2,866 based on the quotes we received from Quadrant Information Services.
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from wind-related storms. However, your provider may specify a separate deductible for any claims from hurricanes, wind or hail. Often, the company will set this deductible at a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit, but you should have options that customize how it affects your premium.
Although home insurance is not legally required in any state, you may be contractually required by your mortgage lender to purchase a policy with certain minimum coverage limits. Check your loan agreement for details on what’s necessary. However, you should consider a homeowners insurance policy even when it’s not mandated, since it can protect your property, keeping you from unreasonable out-of-pocket expenses after a calamity.
According to the data we received from Quadrant Information Services, we determined that State Farm offers the cheapest homeowners insurance. However, many of the other top companies were very close. Getting quotes from a few insurers can give you a better idea of which ones is the most affordable for your home.
The best way to find homeowners insurance in North Carolina is to read guides like this one to review and compare top companies and quotes in your area. You’ll want to know what coverage each of your choices can offer for your home. Once you’ve finished your research, we recommend getting at least 3 quotes to find your best rates and choosing the provider who can offer you the most comprehensive coverage for a reasonable price.
Methodology: Our System for Ranking the Best Home Insurance Companies in North Carolina
To rank the best home insurance companies in North Carolina, we analyzed 18 providers nationwide and obtained estimates for properties in the state. We then scored each company based on the following factors:
- Coverage (28%): We analyze the comprehensiveness of each provider’s standard home insurance policy and compare optional policy endorsem*nts to determine the quality of coverage.
- Cost (27%): We compare cost data for homes nationwide to assess how competitively priced each provider is. We also consider each company’s available discounts when determining its overall cost of coverage.
- Availability and ease of use (25%): We evaluate each company’s customer service options, such as live chat, a customer support phone line, and multiple channels for filing claims and generating quotes. Similarly, we score providers based on their digital resources, such as a mobile app or online customer portal.
- Brand trust (20%): We gauge reputation by evaluating consumer reviews and third-party financial strength and customer experience ratings, including from J.D. Power, AM Best, and customer review aggregators including the BBB and Trustpilot.
The companies that made our list offer various ways to reach customer service, digital tools for policy management and a straightforward claims process. We also considered providers with various discount options, endorsem*nts, customizable coverage and other unique features.
We update this data regularly to help you get the most recent information. You can read our full methodology to learn more.
AM Best Disclaimer
How We Gather Cost Data
We at the Marketwatch Guides Team gathered home insurance quotes for the providers in this article using 2024 data from Quadrant Information Services. Quadrant is a leading source of property and casualty insurance solutions and data.
Our sample homeowner is a 40-year-old single male with good credit and no prior claims history. Our sample policies featured a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage and limits:
- Dwelling: $350,000
- Other Structures: $25,000
- Personal Property: $150,000
- Loss of Use: $50,000
- Liability: $300,000
- Medical Payments: $1,000
For each provider, we gathered a quote for 50% of the ZIP codes in every state it is licensed in. We used the most populous ZIP codes for our study. We took the average of these individual quotes to calculate a national average premium per provider. Our sample rates are for informational purposes only. Actual premiums will vary.
Other Insurance Resources From MarketWatch Guides
Gain insight into our ratings for the best home, renters, pet, travel or life insurance providers and find affordable recommendations for necessary insurance products.
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- Outstanding Homeowners Insurance Providers
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If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at [email protected].
