The best homeowners insurance in North Carolina (2021)
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From temperate weather to damaging hurricanes, North Carolina is known for its unpredictable and moody climate. This means homeowners in the state should look to purchasing policies on their property for peace of mind that it stays protected through disasters. The Home Media team has put in the work to determine the best homeowners insurance companies in North Carolina and what makes them great to save MarketWatch readers’ time on their decision.
Get a quote with this easy tool or by calling 855-948-5219 to check precise premium rates and coverage from providers in your ZIP Code. Getting a quote is an essential part of your decision, since it’s the only way to know exactly what each company offers based on your unique property and personal details. However, we include sample premiums from quotes we received on a single-family, 1,600 square-foot house in Charlotte, N.C., with an estimated dwelling value of $250,000—$300,000.
In this article:
1. Best overall: Allstate
2. Best for new homeowners: State Farm
3. Best coverage options: Nationwide
4. Best discounts and savings: Liberty Mutual
5. Best for military families: USAA
6. The bottom line
7. Frequently asked questions
1. Best overall: Allstate
We chose Allstate as the best overall homeowners insurance company in North Carolina. It excels in many categories that make up a quality insurer, such as customer service, reputation, discounts and additional coverage options. However, homeowners in North Carolina should reach out to independent agents for quote information and sign-up, since the online quote tool isn’t available in the state.
| Pros | Cons |
| Local agents phone lines available 24/7 | Online quote tool not available in North Carolina |
| Includes water backup up to $5,000 | |
| Liability coverage includes family members |
Annual premium: $1,298 with $2,500 deductible
Discounts: Responsible payment, claim-free history, protective devices, welcome discount for new customers, easy pay plan, loyalty, bundling with other policies
Additional coverage options: Roof surfaces extended coverage endorsement, water backup, green improvements, identity theft, jewelry, watches, furs, building codes
2. Best for new homeowners: State Farm
State Farm connects each prospective customer and policyholder to a specific local agent to provide customer service. New homeowners can take advantage of this benefit by having someone to turn to for questions about coverage or policy management. This insurer’s website also features valuable resources for those that need extra guidance. Although our quote was on the pricier side compared with other providers, a bundled policy with auto insurance was quoted at $865 a year.
| Pros | Cons |
| Basic policies include extra personal property coverage | General customer service can be hard to reach |
| Connects each policyholder to specific local agents | Fewer discount options than competitors |
| Offers very cheap rates when bundling |
Annual premium: $1,330 with $2,500 deductible
Discounts: Roof type, security and fire alarm systems, claim-free history, multi-policy bundling
Additional coverage options: Loss assessment for HOA charges, water backup, earthquake protection, home systems protection, identity theft
3. Best coverage options: Nationwide
Are you looking for extra roof protection on your policy? Do you want some extra insurance coverage options included under standard premiums? Nationwide might be a great place to start, since the company offers the most extensive list of add-ons and even includes some of those endorsements in the standard quote. For example, our quote included loss assessment, identity theft protection up to $25,000, building ordinance coverage, rented personal property, business property and fire department service charge coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
| Includes inflation protection | Fewer discounts |
| Dwelling replacement cost covers 150% during rebuilding | Policies may have a separate deductible for personal property claims |
| Basic policies include extra coverage such as loss assessment and identify theft |
Annual premium: $1,233 with $1,000 deductible
Discounts: Protective devices, construction or renovation age, claim free history, bundling
Additional coverage options: Replacement cost for personal property, tools, loss assessment, identity theft protection, water backup, building ordinance, better roof replacement, equipment breakdown, service line, landlord furnishings increased coverage for homeowners that have tenants
4. Best discounts and savings: Liberty Mutual
Discounts are a great way to lower your home insurance rates. Getting a quote from Liberty Mutual is a good idea to check what opportunities for savings might be available to you. In fact, in North Carolina, there are a few partnered companies with Liberty Mutual that qualify their employees for extra discounts. On the quote form, you’ll find a list of companies and organizations to choose from. If your employer is on this list, you’ll be able to take advantage of reduced rates.
| Pros | Cons |
| 24/7 customer service | Extensive questions about property in online quote form |
| Unique discount for employment and education | Policies without discounts can be pricey |
| Includes mold coverage |
Annual premium: $1,296 with $2,500 deductible
Discounts: Basic home safety features, claim history, fire and theft protection, bundling, new home-buyer, water safety systems, fire sprinklers, employment status, early shopping, education level, discount for insuring the dwelling coverage limit to the home’s value
Additional coverage options: Blanket jewelry protection, computer and smartphone coverage, water backup and sump pump, earthquake coverage, identity theft protection
5. Best for military families: USAA
A study in 2017 by Governing shows that North Carolina is fourth among the states in the country with the most active military service members at a population of 112,951. A different study by Carolina Demography shows that more than 667,000 veterans lived in the state in 2018. Anyone in those populations can qualify for a membership with USAA as well as their families, making it an exclusive company for residents’ needs, which includes banking and insurance products.
Those that aren’t eligible for a membership or want to avoid the hassle of signing up before getting a quote can call 855-948-5219 or use this online tool to get details from other providers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers coverage for high-value homes | Only available to active or former service members and their families |
| Members get access to other financial services such as banking | Getting quote information requires membership |
| Additional coverage for military uniform replacement |
Annual premium: Depends on personal information and eligibility — membership is required
Discounts: New building or renovations, payment history, weather-resistant roofing, home protection devices, bundling
Additional coverage options: Military uniform replacement, identity theft, earthquake insurance, increased coverage limits for personal property and dwelling
The bottom line
Each of these companies offer unique values to policyholders and may be the best choice for you based on your priorities. Look to Allstate for trusted and reliable overall coverage, State Farm for helpful educational resources, Nationwide for extra coverage options, Liberty Mutual for extensive savings opportunities and USAA for membership benefits offered to military members.
Getting a quote from a few different providers is our biggest recommendation to homeowners before selecting a policy, since it’s the best way to compare exact prices based on your property details and personal information. You can get started by calling 855-948-5219 or filling out this quick form.
Hurricane and flood insurance coverage in North Carolina
Although flood insurance is typically not included in standard home insurance policies, damage from hurricanes, windstorms and hailstorms usually falls under a separate deductible. This means if your house or property is damaged after a hurricane, you can file a claim and pay the associated deductible rather than the standard all-peril deductible on your policy. You can expect to choose a wind and hail deductible amount between 2% and 6% of the total dwelling coverage limit on the policy.
Coverage for flood-related damages may be offered as an add-on for your policy. Flood insurance endorsements sold through your provider are likely written by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is an organization managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Not only does the NFIP offer comprehensive coverage to policyholders who live in flood zones and anywhere in the state, but the program also has a website that includes valuable resources and information to keep North Carolina residents educated and aware.
However, according to the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI), NFIP policies are not offered in every area. After a study in June 2020, the department found that there are 28 communities throughout the state that do not participate in the program. Although, there may be flood insurance policies offered by private companies in those areas. Check with your insurance agent to see what may be available in your ZIP Code, or reach out to the NFIP to purchase a policy directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does home insurance in North Carolina cost?
In general, the average cost of North Carolina homeowners insurance falls between $1,200 and $1,350 based on the quotes we received on a $250,000—$300,000 single family house in Charlotte, N.C.
Does homeowners insurance cover hurricanes?
Homeowners insurance typically covers damage from wind-related storms. However, your provider may specify a separate deductible for any claims from hurricanes, wind or hail. Often, the company will set this deductible at a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit, but you should have options that customize how it affects your premium.
How do I know if I need homeowners insurance?
Although home insurance is not legally required in any state, you may be contractually required by your mortgage lender to purchase a policy with certain minimum coverage limits. Check your loan agreement for details on what’s necessary. However, you should consider a homeowners insurance policy even when it’s not mandated, since it can protect your property, keeping you from unreasonable out-of-pocket expenses after a calamity.
What’s the cheapest homeowners insurance company in North Carolina?
According to the samples quotes we received from a number of providers in the state, we determined that Nationwide offers the cheapest homeowners insurance. However, many of the other top companies were very close. Getting quotes from a few insurers can give you a better idea of which ones is the most affordable for your home.