Home insurance is one of those things you hope you never have to use, but you’re grateful you have it when you need it. While it’s essential to protect your home and property, the cost of home insurance can vary widely depending on where you live, the size and age of your home, and other factors. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at home insurance costs per month and what you can expect to pay.
What factors determine home insurance costs?
Several factors determine the cost of home insurance, including:
- Location: If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes, you can expect to pay more for home insurance.
- Age of your home: Older homes may be more expensive to insure because they may have outdated electrical and plumbing systems, which can increase the risk of fire or water damage.
- Size of your home: The larger your home, the more coverage you’ll need, which can drive up the cost of your insurance.
- Construction materials: The type of materials used to build your home can also affect your insurance costs. For example, a home made of brick may be less expensive to insure than a home made of wood.
- Claims history: If you’ve filed multiple claims in the past, your insurance premiums may be higher.
How much does home insurance cost per month?
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the average cost of homeowners insurance in the United States is $1,211 per year, which breaks down to about $101 per month. However, this is just an average, and your actual costs may vary widely depending on where you live and the factors we mentioned above.
In general, you can expect to pay more for home insurance if you live in an area with a high risk of natural disasters or if you have a larger or older home. On the other hand, if you live in a newer home, have a good claims history, and live in an area with a low risk of natural disasters, you may be able to get lower insurance premiums.
What is included in home insurance coverage?
Home insurance typically covers damage to your home and personal property caused by events such as fire, theft, and natural disasters. It may also provide liability coverage if someone is injured on your property or if you damage someone else’s property. Some policies may also provide additional coverage for things like water damage or mold remediation.
How can you lower your home insurance costs?
While home insurance is essential, there are several things you can do to lower your costs:
- Shop around: Don’t settle for the first insurance company you find. Shop around and compare rates from multiple providers to find the best deal.
- Increase your deductible: If you’re willing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, you may be able to lower your insurance premiums.
- Bundle your policies: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.
- Install safety features: Installing smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and other safety features can lower your insurance costs.
- Maintain your home: Keeping your home in good condition can reduce the risk of damage and lower your insurance premiums.
- Review your policy annually: Make sure your coverage is up to date and that you’re not paying for more coverage than you need.
Conclusion
Home insurance is an important investment in protecting your home and property, but it’s essential to understand the factors that determine your insurance costs and how you can lower them. By shopping around, increasing your deductible, and maintaining your home, you can reduce your home insurance costs and get the coverage you need.