Save an average of $736 when bundling home and auto insurance with SelectQuote.
Looking to compare home insurance quotes? You may consider bundling your home and auto insurance quote to save you money.
Comparing Homeowners Insurance Quotes in 2026
Homeowners insurance is a valuable tool to protect your home and loved ones. In 2026, severe weather across the country has driven up home insurance rates. That makes shopping around more important than ever.
When you buy homeowners insurance, you want to make sure you get a competitive rate. SelectQuote can help. We shop and compare home insurance quotes from recognized and trusted carriers to find you the right coverage for your budget.
What drives your home insurance policy quote in 2026?
There is no single set cost for home insurance. Everyone's rate looks a bit different. When you request quotes on home insurance, carriers look at key risk factors to set your premium:
Your ZIP Code and Location: States facing higher risks from natural disasters, like Florida, Texas, or California, often see higher rates.
Rebuild Costs in Your Area: Insurance prices depend on local labor and material costs to rebuild your house, not your home's real estate value.
The Age and Condition of Your Roof: Older roofs carry a higher risk of leaks and storm damage, which affects your monthly price.
Your Selected Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible lowers your annual premium, while a lower deductible raises it.
Your Credit Score: In most states, carriers use a credit-based insurance score to help set your rates.
Your Home's Age and Safety Features: Newer homes or houses with smart security systems usually cost less to insure.
Your Claims History: A history of past insurance claims can raise your policy costs.
Market Value vs. Replacement Cost Value (RCV)
A common mistake homeowners make is confusing market value with rebuild costs.
Market Value is what your home and land would sell for on the real estate market. It changes based on the local housing market, school districts, and location.
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) is the actual cost of labor and materials needed to rebuild your home from the ground up after a total loss.
Your homeowners insurance policy quote is based on the Replacement Cost Value, not the market value. Land does not burn down or get damaged by wind, so you only pay to insure the physical structures on the property.
How Roof Age and Condition Impact Your Rate
When you get a home insurance policy quote, carriers pay close attention to your roof. In 2026, many insurance companies will closely inspect roofs over 15 years old.
If your roof is older or shows wear, a carrier might limit your coverage to Actual Cash Value for wind and hail damage. They may also require a separate, higher wind-and-hail deductible. Keeping your roof in good shape or replacing an aging roof can unlock lower rates and better coverage.
(See our comparison table below to learn more about Replacement Cost Value vs. Actual Cash Value).
Quotes on Home Insurance for First-Time Buyers and New Construction
If you are looking for a home insurance quote for new construction, you have a financial edge. New homes usually cost significantly less to insure than older properties.
New construction built to modern building codes features updated wiring, brand-new plumbing, and modern roofing materials. Because these features lower the chance of sudden leaks or fires, insurance carriers view new builds as low risk. That low risk means big savings on your annual premium.
Navigating Homeowners Insurance Quotes with Bad Credit
In most states, insurance companies use a credit-based insurance score to help predict risk. If you have a lower credit score, you might see higher quotes on home insurance.
The best way to find affordable coverage with bad credit is to compare multiple quotes. Different insurance carriers weigh credit scores differently. While one carrier might raise rates significantly for a lower score, another recognized carrier may offer much fairer pricing for the same property. SelectQuote helps you shop across several options at once so you can find the best match.
A Closer Look at Deductibles
As insurance prices have risen, many homeowners are choosing higher policy deductibles to lower their annual bills. Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in for a claim.
Think of a higher deductible as a bet you make with the insurance company. You bet that you will not need to file a claim for a few years. In return for taking on that risk, the insurance company lowers your yearly bill.
Premium Savings vs. Out-of-Pocket Risk
If you raise your deductible from $1,000 to $2,500, you take on $1,500 more risk if severe weather damages your roof. But because you accepted that risk, the insurance carrier might lower your bill by $300 a year.
If you save that $300 each year, it will take exactly five years to build up the extra $1,500 in savings. If you go five years without a claim, you have fully funded your own potential out-of-pocket costs.
If Your Deductible Is | You Pay This Much Out-of-Pocket for a Claim | The Extra Risk You Take On | Estimated Annual Premium Savings* | Timeframe to Fund Extra Risk |
$1,000 | $1,000 | $0 (Baseline) | $0 (Baseline) | N/A |
$2,500 | $2,500 | $1,500 | ~$300 / year | 5 years |
$5,000 | $5,000 | $4,000 | ~$500 / year | 8 years |
*Note: Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Actual savings depend on your specific carrier, location, and property details.
The Takeaway: Choose a deductible that you can comfortably pay out of pocket if an unexpected event strikes your home tomorrow.
Understanding Your Coverage: Hazard Insurance, RCV, and ACV
When buying a home, your mortgage lender may ask for proof of "hazard insurance." Hazard insurance is not a separate policy. It simply refers to the dwelling coverage section of your standard homeowners insurance policy, which protects the building's structure.
Standard Homeowners Coverage Types and Limits (Coverage A through F)
Standard homeowners insurance policies split your protection into six main coverage areas based on your overall home rebuild cost:
Coverage Type | What It Protects | Standard Default Limit |
Coverage A: Dwelling | The physical structure of your home (roof, walls, foundation) and attached structures, like an attached garage. | The base policy limit (calculated using your home's 2026 local Replacement Cost Value, not market value). |
Coverage B: Other Structures | Structures on your property set apart from the main house by clear space (detached garages, storage sheds, fences, driveways, gazebos). | 10% of Coverage A |
Coverage C: Personal Property | Belongings inside your home, including furniture, clothing, electronics, and tools. | 50% of Coverage A (can be increased to 70% upon request) |
Coverage D: Loss of Use | Necessary additional living expenses (hotel bills, restaurant meals, temporary rentals, pet boarding) if a covered loss makes your home uninhabitable. | 20% to 30% of Coverage A (varies by carrier) |
Coverage F: Medical Payments | Necessary, immediate medical bills for guests injured on your property, regardless of who was legally at fault (helps resolve minor injuries without litigation). | $1,000 standard base limit (can be increased to $5,000 per person) |
Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value
Feature | Replacement Cost Value (RCV) | Actual Cash Value (ACV) |
Basic Concept | Pays to repair or replace your property with brand-new items of similar kind and quality at today’s retail prices. | Pays what your property was worth right before the damage occurred (fair market value). |
Depreciation Deduction | Does NOT subtract money for age, wear and tear, or obsolescence. | Subtracts money for depreciation based on the age, condition, and expected lifespan of the item. |
Real-World Example (Damaged 7-Year-Old Sofa) | A fire destroys a sofa you bought years ago. Buying a similar new sofa costs $1,200 today. RCV pays the full $1,200 to buy a brand-new sofa.* | The carrier calculates $900 in depreciation due to 7 years of wear. ACV pays $300. You must pay the remaining $900 out of pocket to buy a new one. |
Impact on Premium | Requires a slightly higher annual premium but protects your personal savings in the event of a major claim. | Results in a lower annual premium, but leaves you with higher out-of-pocket costs when replacing items. |
Bottom Line | Restores your property back to its pre-loss condition without dipping into your emergency funds. | Covers only the depreciated value of what was lost, leaving you to pay the difference to buy replacements. |
*Note: On personal property claims, standard RCV policies typically pay out the ACV portion first, then send a check for the remaining depreciation once you provide a receipt proving you purchased the replacement item.
How an insurance carrier pays out your claim depends on whether your policy uses Replacement Cost Value or Actual Cash Value.
Important Note: In 2026, many carriers will issue ACV coverage for older roofs over 15 years old. If wind or hail damages an old roof, an ACV policy only pays out its depreciated value, leaving you to pay the remaining cost for a new roof out of pocket.
HO-3 vs. HO-5: Open Perils vs. Named Perils
When shopping for home insurance policy quotes, you will likely choose between an HO-3 policy and an HO-5 policy.
Policy Feature | HO-3 Policy (Special Form) | HO-5 Policy (Comprehensive Form) |
Dwelling Coverage (Structure) | Open Perils: Your house is covered against all causes of loss except those specifically excluded in the policy (such as flood, earthquake, or neglect). | Open Perils: Your house is covered against all causes of loss except those specifically excluded in the policy. |
Personal Property (Belongings) | Named Perils: Belongings are covered only against ~16 specific causes listed in the policy (e.g., fire, wind, theft, lightning). | Open Perils: Belongings are covered against all causes of loss unless explicitly excluded (e.g., accidental damage, such as spilling paint on a rug, is covered). |
Burden of Proof During a Claim | On You (The Homeowner): If personal belongings are damaged, you must prove the damage was caused by one of the 16 named perils. | On the Insurer: If personal belongings are damaged, the carrier must prove the cause is explicitly listed on their exclusion list to deny your claim. |
Contents Valuation Default | Actual Cash Value (ACV): Standard HO-3 policies deduct for depreciation on personal property (can be upgraded to RCV via endorsement). | Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Standard HO-5 policies automatically pay the full cost to replace items with brand-new equivalents. |
Cost and Eligibility | Most Common and Affordable: Widely available across all carriers for standard single-family homes. | Higher Premium (typically 10%–15% more): Usually reserved for newer homes, high-value properties, or homeowners with strong credit/claims profiles. |
Best Option For... | Budget-conscious homeowners looking for standard, comprehensive home protection. | Homeowners with high-value belongings, high-end electronics, or art who want the broadest protection and fewer claim gray areas. |
Does home insurance cover roof leaks?
Yes, homeowners insurance covers roof leaks if the leak is caused by a sudden, covered event—such as a fallen tree branch, hail, or severe storm winds.
No, home insurance does not cover roof leaks caused by normal wear and tear, lack of maintenance, or old age. Regular home upkeep is essential to keeping your coverage active.
Smart Ways to Lower Your Homeowners Insurance Premium
Finding affordable coverage does not mean you have to sacrifice protection. Here are simple ways to lower your rate:
Bundle Policies and Save
Combining your home and auto insurance with one carrier is one of the easiest ways to secure discounts. The average bundled savings for new SelectQuote auto and home insurance policyholders is $736. Learn more about bundling home and auto insurance.
Maintain Your New Construction
Buying a newly built home or updating major systems, such as plumbing and electrical, helps keep your rates low.
Install Smart Home Technology
Adding internet-connected water leak detectors, fire alarms, or security systems can lower your monthly rates.
Update Your Payment Method
Paying your yearly bill in full or enrolling in automatic paperless billing often qualifies you for instant carrier discounts.
How to Buy Home Insurance Online or Over the Phone
Buying home insurance does not have to feel confusing. Captive insurance agents work for one specific insurance company and can only offer you that single company's rates. As an independent broker, SelectQuote compares policies from dozens of recognized carriers at once to find the best fit for you.
You can buy home insurance online or over the phone (1-855-297-6856) using these three easy steps:
Gather Your Home Details: Have basic info handy, such as your home's square footage, the age of your roof, and major home updates.
Choose Your Limits and Deductible: Decide how much coverage you need and pick a deductible that fits your family's budget.
Let SelectQuote Shop for You: We compare rates from trusted carriers in minutes, helping you find competitive pricing without the stress.
Recent Reviews From Satisfied SelectQuote Home Insurance Customers
Types of Homeowners Insurance Coverage
Depending on your lifestyle and living situation, you may need additional property coverage:
Umbrella Insurance | Provides extra liability protection above your standard home and auto policy limits. |
Renters Insurance | Protects personal belongings and offers liability coverage for tenant households. |
Condo Insurance | Covers your personal belongings, interior walls, and fixtures not covered by a condo association policy. |
Flood Insurance | Protects your home and belongings against rising water and flood damage that standard policies do not cover. |
Earthquake Insurance | Covers repairs to your home and belongings after a seismic event. |
RV Insurance | Provides comprehensive, collision, and liability protection for your recreational vehicle. |
Boat Insurance | Protects your watercraft against theft, severe weather damage, and collisions on the water. |
Let SelectQuote Shop and Compare Home Insurance Quotes For You
We understand that shopping for homeowners insurance can feel overwhelming, so we’ve made it easy to save time and money when shopping. We compare home insurance quotes from dozens of highly rated insurance carriers in just minutes, providing you a free homeowners insurance quote at no extra cost to you. Let us see how much we can help you save today.
