Article
Top 10 Best Home Insurance Companies of 2026
Protect your home and belongings with the best homeowners insurance. We reviewed top-rated insurers for coverage options, competitive pricing, and outstanding claims service.
Homeowners insurance protects your most valuable asset—your home—along with your belongings and liability exposure. With premiums rising 24% over the past three years and insurers pulling out of high-risk markets, finding reliable, affordable coverage is more critical than ever.
Our team evaluated financial strength, coverage options, customer satisfaction, and pricing from leading home insurance companies. Here are the best homeowners insurers for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Company | Best For | Monthly Rate | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Amica Mutual | Best Overall Customer Satisfaction | $97/mo | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. USAA | Best for Military Families | $95/mo | ★4.9/5 |
| 3. Chubb | Best for High-Value Homes | $250/mo | ★4.8/5 |
| 4. NJM Insurance | Best Regional Provider | $105/mo | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Travelers | Best for Affordability | $171/mo | ★4.6/5 |
| 6. Nationwide | Best for New Homeowners | $180/mo | ★4.5/5 |
| 7. Lemonade | Best for Speedy Claims | $125/mo | ★4.4/5 |
| 8. Erie Insurance | Best Claims Handling | $165/mo | ★4.7/5 |
| 9. The Hartford | Best for Seniors (50+) | $190/mo | ★4.6/5 |
| 10. Foremost | Best for Bad Credit | $195/mo | ★4.3/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Amica Mutual
Amica Mutual earned the top spot in J.D. Power's 2026 Home Insurance Study with 711 out of 1,000 points. At an average of just $97 monthly—42% below the national average—Amica delivers exceptional value with comprehensive coverage and industry-leading customer satisfaction.
Pros
- ✓Highest J.D. Power satisfaction (711/1000)
- ✓Well below national average pricing ($97/mo)
- ✓Excellent claims handling
- ✓Comprehensive coverage options
- ✓Dividend program for policyholders
Cons
- ✗Not available in all states
- ✗May require higher credit scores
- ✗Limited online tools compared to digital-first competitors
USAA
USAA has won Bankrate's Best Home Insurance Company Overall award for four consecutive years. Available exclusively to military members, veterans, and their families, USAA offers unbeatable rates, comprehensive coverage including rare flood/earthquake protection, and exceptional service.
Pros
- ✓Exclusive military member benefits
- ✓Lowest average premiums
- ✓Includes flood and earthquake coverage
- ✓Superior customer satisfaction
- ✓Four consecutive Bankrate Best Overall awards
Cons
- ✗Available only to military community
- ✗Must qualify for membership
- ✗Limited to service members and families
Chubb
Chubb specializes in protecting high-value homes and luxury properties with agreed value coverage that ensures full replacement without depreciation. Ranked in the top three for both overall satisfaction and claims handling, Chubb provides white-glove service for homeowners with estates worth $1 million+.
Pros
- ✓Specialized high-value home coverage
- ✓Agreed value policies (no depreciation)
- ✓Exceptional claims handling
- ✓Worldwide coverage for belongings
- ✓Concierge-level service
Cons
- ✗Expensive premiums for luxury coverage
- ✗High minimum home values required
- ✗Not suitable for average homeowners
NJM Insurance
NJM Insurance excels in its Northeast service area with exceptional customer satisfaction and competitive rates. As a mutual company owned by policyholders, NJM prioritizes service quality over profits, making them the best choice for homeowners in their six-state region.
Pros
- ✓Excellent regional customer service
- ✓Competitive pricing for coverage area
- ✓Strong claims satisfaction
- ✓Multi-policy discounts available
- ✓Mutual company structure
Cons
- ✗Limited to Northeast states only
- ✗Smaller service area (NJ, PA, CT, DE, MD, OH)
- ✗Less name recognition nationally
Travelers
Travelers offers the most affordable home insurance among large national carriers, averaging $2,055 annually—nearly $250 below the industry average. Their nationwide availability and solid financial ratings make them an excellent budget-friendly choice for cost-conscious homeowners.
Pros
- ✓Cheapest among major national insurers
- ✓Strong financial strength (A++)
- ✓Available in all 50 states
- ✓Extensive coverage options
- ✓Good bundling discounts
Cons
- ✗Average customer satisfaction scores
- ✗Claims process can be slow
- ✗Digital tools less advanced
Nationwide
Nationwide's Brand New Belongings coverage replaces your possessions at full value with no depreciation—perfect for first-time homeowners building their household. Their Better Roof Replacement program and educational resources make the homeownership journey easier for newcomers.
Pros
- ✓Brand New Belongings coverage included
- ✓Better Roof Replacement program
- ✓First-time buyer discounts
- ✓Educational resources for new owners
- ✓Multi-policy bundling benefits
Cons
- ✗Mid-range pricing
- ✗Some claims processing delays reported
- ✗Coverage availability varies by state
Lemonade
Lemonade revolutionizes home insurance with AI-powered claims that can be approved in as little as three minutes and policies issued in 90 seconds. Their digital-first approach and unique Giveback program make them ideal for tech-savvy homeowners who value speed and transparency.
Pros
- ✓AI-powered claims in minutes
- ✓Fully digital experience (90-second quotes)
- ✓Transparent pricing
- ✓Giveback program donates unclaimed premiums
- ✓Easy mobile app management
Cons
- ✗Limited availability (not all states)
- ✗Newer company (less track record)
- ✗Coverage limits lower than traditional insurers
Erie Insurance
Erie Insurance consistently ranks in the top three for claims satisfaction according to J.D. Power. Their guaranteed replacement cost coverage and Rate Lock protection ensure you're fully covered without surprise premium increases—ideal for homeowners in their 12-state service area.
Pros
- ✓Top-rated claims satisfaction
- ✓Guaranteed replacement cost coverage
- ✓Rate Lock protection available
- ✓Personal agent relationships
- ✓Strong regional reputation
Cons
- ✗Limited to 12 states and DC
- ✗Regional availability only
- ✗Requires local agent interaction
The Hartford
The Hartford partners with AARP to provide specialized coverage for homeowners 50 and older, including unique benefits like home systems protection and mature homeowner discounts. Their top-three claims ranking and financial strength make them the best choice for senior homeowners.
Pros
- ✓AARP member discounts
- ✓Age 50+ specialized benefits
- ✓Top 3 claims satisfaction ranking
- ✓Home systems protection included
- ✓Strong financial stability
Cons
- ✗Best pricing requires AARP membership
- ✗Higher premiums for younger homeowners
- ✗Some coverage restrictions by state
Foremost
Foremost specializes in insuring homeowners who struggle to get coverage elsewhere, including those with poor credit, specialty homes, or non-traditional properties. While premiums run higher, Foremost provides essential protection when other insurers decline coverage.
Pros
- ✓Accepts homeowners with poor credit
- ✓Specialty property coverage (mobile, manufactured)
- ✓Vacant home insurance available
- ✓Flexible underwriting standards
- ✓Seasonal home coverage
Cons
- ✗Higher premiums due to risk acceptance
- ✗Limited to certain property types in some areas
- ✗Average customer satisfaction scores
How We Evaluate Home Insurance Companies
Our evaluation methodology examines critical factors that determine the best homeowners insurance:
Coverage Quality and Options
We assess policy comprehensiveness:
- Dwelling coverage: Building structure protection types (replacement cost vs. actual cash value)
- Personal property: Belongings coverage limits and depreciation policies
- Liability protection: Coverage for injuries or damages you cause
- Additional living expenses: Costs if your home becomes uninhabitable
- Optional riders: Water backup, equipment breakdown, scheduled items
Pricing and Value
We compare costs across insurers:
- Average premiums: National and regional pricing
- Discount availability: Bundling, security systems, claims-free
- Price-to-coverage ratio: Value delivered per premium dollar
The national average for homeowners insurance is $2,110 annually or $176 monthly in 2026.
Claims Satisfaction
We analyze the claims experience:
- J.D. Power rankings: Industry-standard satisfaction metrics
- Settlement speed: Average time from claim to payment
- Dispute rates: Percentage of denied or contested claims
- Customer reviews: Real homeowner experiences
Financial Strength
We verify long-term stability:
- AM Best ratings: Insurance financial strength grades
- Market presence: Years in business and claims-paying history
- Reserve adequacy: Ability to pay claims during catastrophes
Understanding Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Standard Policy Components (HO-3)
Most homeowners have an HO-3 policy that includes:
- Coverage A - Dwelling: Your home’s structure
- Coverage B - Other Structures: Detached garage, fence, shed
- Coverage C - Personal Property: Your belongings (typically 50-70% of dwelling coverage)
- Coverage D - Loss of Use: Hotel and living expenses during repairs
- Coverage E - Liability: Legal protection if someone is injured on your property
- Coverage F - Medical Payments: Medical bills for injured guests
What’s Typically NOT Covered
Standard policies exclude:
- Flood damage (requires separate flood insurance)
- Earthquake damage (separate policy or rider needed)
- Normal wear and tear
- Maintenance issues (roof wear, plumbing deterioration)
- Business property or liability
Important Policy Features
- Replacement cost vs. Actual cash value: Replacement cost pays to rebuild; actual cash value deducts depreciation
- Guaranteed/extended replacement cost: Covers rebuilding costs that exceed your policy limit
- Ordinance or law coverage: Pays for upgrades required by current building codes
Ways to Save on Home Insurance
- Increase your deductible: Raising from $500 to $1,000 can save 10-25%
- Bundle policies: Combine home and auto for 15-25% discounts
- Improve home security: Alarms, cameras, and deadbolts earn discounts
- Strengthen disaster resistance: Storm shutters, roof upgrades, impact-resistant materials
- Maintain good credit: Better credit scores typically mean lower premiums
- Review coverage annually: Drop unnecessary riders, update coverage limits
Frequently Asked Questions
How much home insurance do I need?
Your dwelling coverage should equal the cost to rebuild your home (not the market value). Most lenders require coverage equal to your loan amount. Personal property coverage is typically 50-70% of dwelling coverage, but itemize high-value items separately.
What is the average cost of homeowners insurance?
The national average is $2,110 annually ($176/month) in 2026. Oklahoma, Texas, and Nebraska have the highest rates due to severe weather, while Hawaii, Vermont, and Delaware are the cheapest. Your actual rate depends on home value, location, coverage limits, and deductibles.
How can I lower my homeowners insurance?
Increase deductibles, bundle with auto insurance, install security and fire prevention systems, maintain good credit, and shop around annually. Some insurers offer claims-free discounts—avoid filing small claims you can afford to pay yourself.
Is home insurance required?
While not legally required, mortgage lenders mandate homeowners insurance until your loan is paid off. Even without a mortgage, home insurance is essential financial protection—most people can’t afford to rebuild or replace everything without coverage.
What’s the difference between HO-3 and HO-5 policies?
HO-3 is the standard policy covering your dwelling against all perils except those specifically excluded, while personal property is covered for named perils only. HO-5 provides open-peril coverage for both dwelling and belongings, offering broader protection at higher cost.
How do I file a home insurance claim?
Contact your insurer immediately after damage occurs, document everything with photos/video, make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (save receipts), get repair estimates, and work with the adjuster. Most claims are resolved within 30-60 days.