Homeowners Insurance Costs are Getting Out of Hand

It’s not just Florida and California anymore. The Midwest is now seeing similar spikes. According to The Cool Down, it all ties back to two things: natural disasters are more common, and rebuilding costs are way up.

For anyone with a mortgage or a home to protect, this isn’t just a headline—it’s a real financial pressure.

Thankfully, there are ways to lower insurance costs. These tips come straight from the Insurance Information Institute, and while some are common sense, others are often overlooked:

• Shop around – Rates can vary a lot between companies. It’s worth the time to compare.

• Raise the deductible – Going from $500 to $1,000 could mean savings as large as 25% if the budget allows.

• Insure the structure, not the land – The land may burn or flood, but it will still be there after the disaster. It doesn't typically cover damage to the land (per Rathbun Insurance).

• Bundle policies – Many insurers give a discount for combining home and auto coverage.

• Upgrade for disasters – Storm shutters, stronger roofs, even a new water heater can help you earn discounts on your policy.

• Add security features – Smoke detectors and monitored alarm systems often earn discounts.

• Ask about discounts – Some are based on age, profession, or even how long the policy’s been in place.

• Keep credit in check – Like it or not, many insurers factor it in.

• Review coverage yearly – Home values change. So should insurance.

• Explore private options – Especially if stuck in a high-risk government plan.

𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘂𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹. 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿.