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What to Know
Shopping is worth the effort. According to data from Intercontinental Exchange, the average cost of homeowners insurance across the United States has risen from $1,230 in 2014 to $2,440 in 2025 – a 98% increase.
Comparing multiple quotes – ideally, at least three– is the best way to ensure you get the lowest price for the policy you're looking for. For an apples-to-apples comparison, compare the same dwelling and liability coverage levels, along with your chosen deductible.
How Comparing Homeowners Quotes Works
Lock in coverage first, then compare price last, in this order.
Set your coverage before you quote
Choose one dwelling limit, one deductible and one liability limit, and give every insurer the same numbers. In some storm-exposed areas, the wind/hail deductible is a percentage of dwelling coverage. At 2% of $400,000, that's $8,000. Ask each insurer for this deductible in writing, because quotes with different deductible structures aren't truly comparable unless you confirm which type each one uses.
Get at least three quotes
Request quotes from at least three home insurance companies, either directly, through an agent or with an insurance comparison tool like Solvable. Three quotes show you what a normal price looks like for your home.
Line the quotes up on the same terms
Check that dwelling, other structures, personal property, loss of use and the deductible all match, and re-request any quote that doesn't.
Confirm the price holds before you switch
Ask whether the quote is final or still subject to an inspection, a roof review or a claims-history check. That review usually happens before the policy is issued, and it's when the number tends to move. Keep your current policy until the new one is bound (officially in force). If you're buying a home, request quotes early enough that an inspection finding doesn't land during the week you're scheduled to close.
What You Need to Compare Homeowners Quotes
Have these ready before you request a home insurance quote:
Have these ready
- Your current declarations page
- This is the summary page of your existing policy, listing your limits and deductible. It lets every new quote start from the coverage you already have so that you can see exactly what changes.
- Home details
- You'll need square footage, year built, construction type, and the roof's age and material.
- Your claims history
- Insurers check your CLUE report, a database of past home insurance claims that can include claims a prior owner filed on the property. You can request a free copy from LexisNexis, which runs the database. Review it first to avoid surprises.
- Updates and safety features
- Gather the dates you replaced the roof, electrical, plumbing or HVAC, plus details on alarms and water-leak sensors. These can affect eligibility and discounts. Without the dates, an insurer may assume the original systems are still in place.
- Mortgage and closing details (if buying)
- Have your lender's name and your closing date. Lenders typically require proof of coverage before closing, so the closing date tells you how early to start comparing quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many homeowners insurance quotes should I get?
Get at least three quotes with identical coverage: the same dwelling limit, deductible, and liability limit.
Do home insurance companies charge different prices for the same coverage?
Yes, often by hundreds of dollars a year. Home insurance companies weigh home age, roof condition, location and claims history differently, so two insurers pricing the same dwelling limit and deductible can still land far apart. That spread is why you should compare homeowners insurance quotes instead of renewing on autopilot.
Is a free home insurance quote really free, and does it affect my credit?
A free home insurance quote costs nothing and carries no obligation to buy anything. Most insurers pull a credit-based insurance score using a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your credit score. Keep in mind that not all states allow insurers to use credit scores to set rates.
When should I compare homeowners insurance quotes, at renewal or before buying a home?
It's best to compare quotes for both situations. At renewal, compare once your new premium arrives and before it takes effect, so you have time to switch. If you're buying a home, start weeks before closing, since lenders require proof of coverage to close.
