Best homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. for 2024

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 home insurance cost in Washington, D.C. is $1,327 for $300,000 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 5 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.

Cheapest home insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

When exploring the best cheap home insurance in Washington, D.C., finding a balance between comprehensive coverage and affordability is key for many homeowners. The market presents a variety of insurers, each with unique benefits and pricing structures. To aid in your decision-making, we've compiled a table showcasing cheap home insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

How to get cheap Washington, D.C. home insurance

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 its 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.

Best home insurance discounts in Washington, D.C.

One way to save on your home insurance in Washington D.C. 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.

How to save on home insurance policy renewals in Washington, D.C.

When it's time to renew your home insurance policy in Washington, D.C., there are several strategies you can employ to potentially lower your premiums without compromising coverage quality.

• Review your policy annually: Ensure your coverage aligns with your current needs, which might have changed since your last renewal.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible could lower your premium, but ensure it's an amount you can comfortably afford in case of a claim.
• Bundle policies: Combining your home insurance with auto or other policies from the same insurer often leads to discounts.
• Ask about discounts: Insurers may offer reductions for updated home security systems, having smoke detectors or for being claim-free for a certain period.
• Improve your home's resilience: Enhancements like storm shutters, reinforced roofing or modernized plumbing and electrical systems can make your home safer and may reduce your premium.

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

The average annual cost of homeowners insurance in Washington D.C. is $1,327, which is a few hundred less than the national average of $2,151 for the same $300,000 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 $1,391 annually; Maryland is more expensive, with an average of $1,599 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.

What does home insurance cover in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., a standard HO-3 homeowners insurance policy provides a broad level of protection for your home, personal property and liability. This policy structure offers "open perils" coverage for the dwelling and other structures on your property, meaning it covers all risks except those explicitly excluded in the policy. For personal property, coverage is on a "named perils" basis, where only the perils listed in the policy are covered.

Among the 16 covered perils, a few are particularly relevant to homeowners in Washington, D.C., given the area's unique climate, urban setting and historical buildings:

• Fire or lightning: This fundamental coverage is crucial in densely populated areas like D.C., where the risk of fire spreading from one property to another is higher.
• Theft: Given the urban environment, policies often include protection against theft, offering potential peace of mind in a city setting.
• Weight of snow, ice or sleet: Washington, D.C. can experience heavy snowfall and ice storms, making this coverage beneficial for protecting the structural integrity of your home during the winter months.

Understanding these perils and how they apply can help you better assess your policy's effectiveness in safeguarding your home against common risks in the Washington, D.C. area.

Additional home insurance coverage types 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.

Common Washington, D.C. home insurance problems

Homeowners in Washington, D.C. may encounter unique challenges when securing insurance due to the city's distinctive blend of historical homes, governmental buildings and varying neighborhood profiles. These factors can complicate the insurance process, making it potentially more difficult for residents to find coverage that adequately meets their needs.

• Historical home regulations: Many D.C. homes are designated as historical landmarks, which can impose restrictions on renovations and repairs, potentially complicating insurance coverage and claims processes.
• Urban density risks: The high density of Washington, D.C.'s urban environment can increase risks related to theft, vandalism and fire, influencing insurance premiums and coverage options.
• Flood risk: Certain areas in D.C. are prone to flooding, yet standard home insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage, necessitating additional flood insurance that can be costly and challenging to obtain.

Navigating these challenges requires careful consideration and possibly consultation with insurance professionals familiar with Washington, D.C.'s unique market.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on married male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:

• Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $300,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
• Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $30,000, $35,000, $45,000, $75,000
• Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $150,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
• Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $60,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
• Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
• Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000

The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $500 hail deductible and a 2 percent hurricane deductible (or the next closest deductible amounts that are available) where separate deductibles apply. 

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.