Best homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. for 2023

Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

Based on data supplied by Quadrant Information Services, our insurance editorial team determined that the average annual rate for Washington, D.C. home insurance is $893 for $250,000 of dwelling coverage. The following companies all met our high standards for service, insurance offerings and financial stability, while also offering reasonably priced policies to Washington, D.C. homeowners. To determine the quality of a company's customer service, we relied on the rankings by J.D. Power; financial strength was indicated by each company's AM Best rating. The following companies may be a good starting point for D.C. homeowners seeking the best homeowners insurance company.

The top five home insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

How Bankrate chose the best home insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

Bankrate's insurance editorial team surveyed multiple factors before determining the best Washington, D.C. homeowners insurance companies. After analyzing the data, a Bankrate Score, from 0 to 5, was assigned to each company.

How much is home insurance in Washington, D.C.?

The average annual cost of homeowners insurance in Washington D.C. is $893, which is significantly less than the national average of $1,428 for the same $250,000 in dwelling coverage. Washington, D.C. is prone to natural disasters such as storms and hail, similar to other states in the mid-Atlantic region. The District's rates are roughly in line with insurance costs in neighboring states. For instance, Virginia averages $887 annually; Maryland is more expensive, with an average of $1,164 per year.

Keep in mind that rates vary between Washington, D.C. homeowners insurance companies and based on your own personal rating factors. You may pay more or less than the area average.

How to find the best cheap home insurance in Washington, D.C.

No homeowner wants to pay more for their policy than they need to, but the good news is that there are strategies you can take to help you save money on your Washington, D.C. home insurance while still ensuring that you have solid coverage. 

1. Shop around. Don't settle on a policy after receiving a single quote. Every insurance company has their own method of determining quotes, so you are likely to get a range of prices when you compare quotes, which can help you see which company offers you the best rate.
2. Keep your roof in good repair. When you request quotes, insurers are likely to ask the age of your roof. Aging or damaged roofs may result in costly insurance claims, so a newer roof is likely to net you a lower premium. If your roof is made of storm-resistant materials, you may even earn a discount.
3. Bundle your policies. Most insurers offer multiple discounts, and one that is fairly standard is a bundling discount. This will usually pertain to the purchase of your home and your auto insurance from the same company, but you can check with your agent to see if you can earn a discount for bundling home insurance with another type of policy, such as life or umbrella insurance.
4. Keep your credit score high. A good credit history indicates a lower likelihood that you will file future claims according to actuarial data used by insurers. A positive credit history may earn you a lower premium rate with some insurers. On the other hand, a poor credit history may indicate that you’re more likely to file claims, potentially resulting in a higher premium.
5. Choose a higher deductible. The deductible is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. Boosting your deductible means more out of pocket if you do file a claim, but would decrease your insurance premium.

Common home insurance discounts in Washington, D.C.

One way to save on your home insurance is by utilizing discounts. Most insurers offer discounts, which can be easy to earn and save you a percentage off your premium rate. Here are a few that are common with Washington, D.C. homeowners.

Home insurance coverage options in Washington, D.C.

Common causes of loss in Washington, D.C. are often predicated by the severe summer storms that happen each year. The entire district is in an area that sees frequent flooding according to data from FEMA. Wind and hail can also damage homes during a storm.  In addition to the standard types of coverage on homeowners insurance policies, D.C. homeowners may want to consider the following optional coverage types:

• Flood insurance: A standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover damage caused by flooding. While a few carriers offer flood coverage as an endorsement, it’s much more common to purchase a separate policy. You can purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or from some private carriers.
• Sewer backup coverage: Commonly offered as an endorsement and sometimes called “water backup” or “sump pump backup” coverage, this option provides coverage for damage to your home if water backs up into your sewer or drain lines.
• Identity theft protection: An increasingly digital-first work may come with conveniences, but it also makes identity theft easier. This coverage option provides you with financial protection for the costs to restore your identity.

Coverage options vary by provider, so be sure to talk to your agent about the endorsements you’ll most benefit from.

Frequently asked questions