Best homeowners insurance in Durham, NC (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Durham.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a licensed auto insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
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Reviewed by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Updated|4 min read

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Hurricanes often find their way to the North Carolina coast, but Durham avoids the brunt of those storms by being inland by about 130 miles. Though its inland location helps soften the impact of hurricanes, the chance for high winds, heavy rain, and flooding from these storms make it important to have homeowners insurance that fully protects your home. 

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Durham is $1,749 per year or $146 a month. This is around 13% higher than the statewide average of $1,545 per year, and on par with the national average of $1,754 per year. 

Compare home insurance rates in Durham

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Compare the best cheap homeowners insurance companies in Durham

Of the companies we evaluated, State Farm has the lowest rate, with an average annual policy cost of only $892 per year — that’s 49% less than the Durham average. Average home insurance rates for Kemper, Bankers Insurance Group, and Allstate also came in below the city average.

To find the best cheap homeowners insurance in Durham, Policygenius rated over a dozen of the largest insurance companies in North Carolina across several categories, such as average policy cost, financial strength ratings with AM Best, customer and claims satisfaction scores with J.D. Power, available policy options, and more.

Company

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

Auto-Owners Insurance

$199

5.0 out of 5

State Farm

$74

4.8 out of 5

Erie

$214

4.5 out of 5

Nationwide

$225

4.5 out of 5

Allstate

$83

4.4 out of 5

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Auto-Owners Insurance

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange star

5.0

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Auto-Owners Insurance is among the best homeowners insurance providers in Durham thanks to its extensive policy and coverage options, its high marks for financial strength, and its customer experience ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers a slew of extra coverage add-ons

  • Lots of discounts available

  • Flood insurance through the NFIP

Cons

  • Rates are higher than average

  • Not able to get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for best overall company

Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for the best overall home insurance company in Durham. Auto-Owners scored at least a 4 out of 5 for customer experience, coverage options, and financial strength, which earned it a perfect 5 out of 5 Policygenius rating.

With endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, inland flood coverage, and a comprehensive Homeowners Plus endorsement package, Auto-Owners offers excellent value for the coverage you're getting.

Finally, although Auto-Owners' rates are more expensive than average in Durham, the company offers a range of discounts that can help lower your insurance rates.

How do Auto-Owners Insurance rates compare to the Durham average?

The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in Durham is $2,382 per year, according to sample quotes provided to us by Quadrant Information Services. This makes Auto-Owners Insurance about 36% more expensive than the citywide average. 

How to get a quote

Online or by calling an Auto-Owners Insurance agent.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

State Farm

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

All 50 states

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm home insurance is one of the best overall home insurance providers in Durham thanks to low rates, a large selection of policy options for most home types, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Rates are cheaper than average

  • Excellent line-up of policy add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage

  • Save up to $1,127 per year when you bundle your home and auto insurance

Cons

  • 20% more complaints filed with the NAIC than other companies of its size

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose State Farm

At a time when lots of competitors are no longer insuring homes in areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes, State Farm continues to offer its relatively affordable and highly-rated home insurance to homeowners in most parts of the country, including Durham.

While some of its competitors may not have the financial strength to pay out claims after several natural disasters in the same year, State Farm isn't one of them. It earns the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability — only six insurance companies out of nearly 70 we reviewed hold this title.

How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Durham average?

The average cost of State Farm home insurance in Durham is $892 per year, which is 49% cheaper than the citywide average of $1,749.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Erie

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Mobile app

Bundle home & auto

Why we chose itchevron icon

Erie's wide range of coverage options, industry-best customer service ratings, and private flood insurance add-on makes it one of the best companies in Durham.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Guaranteed replacement cost comes standard on Erie policies

  • Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Just three available discounts

  • Can’t get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Erie

Erie is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Durham for residents who want to add more flood protection to a basic policy. Its Extended Water endorsement is effectively a flood insurance policy and sewer and drain backup coverage rolled into one.

Home insurance policies from Erie also come standard with guaranteed replacement cost coverage — which you often have to pay extra for at other companies. On top of this, a basic policy covers lost and misplaced items, jewelry, and gift cards to closed businesses.

Erie also offers a range of add-ons that you can purchase, like short-term rental coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, underground service line coverage, and more.

How do Erie home insurance rates compare to the average in Durham?

The average cost of Erie home insurance in Durham is $2,572 per year, which is 47% higher than the citywide average of $1,749 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through Erie

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

Nationwide is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Durham for people who want complete coverage. You can strengthen a basic Nationwide policy with the company's range of coverage add-ons.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Multiple high-quality coverage options

  • Highly rated for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power

Cons

  • Rates are higher than average

  • Below-average customer satisfaction and digital experience ratings

  • Won’t cover Airbnbs or other short-term rentals

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Nationwide

Nationwide is the best homeowners insurance company for those who can take advantage of its large selection of coverage options. These include guaranteed and extended replacement cost coverage, better roof replacement, new belongings coverage, water backup protection, and equipment breakdown coverage.

Nationwide has also received high ratings from J.D. Power for claims satisfaction, and it ranks fifth on J.D. Power's Property Claims Satisfaction Study from 2022. The company also receives far fewer complaints than other insurers, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Although we found that Nationwide's rates are more expensive than average in Durham, you might be able to lower your premiums with the company's discounts. These include discounts for bundling, renovating your home, buying a new home, and others.

How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the Durham average?

The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Durham is $2,699 per year, which is 54% more expensive than the city average of $1,749.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Allstate

Allstate logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Allstate is one of the top home insurance companies in Delaware. While its rates are higher than average in the state, Allstate also offers a few add-ons that can make a basic policy stronger.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers HostAdvantage for short-term rental coverage

  • Offers water backup protection, other endorsements

Cons

  • Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Allstate

Allstate is a top home insurance company in Delaware. We like that Allstate offers some home insurance coverages that you can add to your policy for more protection, like water backup protection, scheduled personal property coverage, and identity theft restoration coverage.

If you're looking to cover your short-term rental, Allstate's HostAdvantage is another perk. HostAdvantage comes with theft protection, coverage for your damaged property ($10,000 per host period), and a $25 discount on cleaning services from Merry Maids.

How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Durham average?

The annual average cost of Allstate home insurance in Durham is $991 per year, which is 43% cheaper than the citywide average.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.

Compare home insurance rates in Durham

We don't sell your information to third parties.

How much is homeowners insurance in Durham?

The average cost of home insurance in Durham is $1,749 per year, or $146 a month, for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is around 13% higher than the average annual cost of $1,545 for homeowners insurance in North Carolina, and on par higher than the national average. 

Durham home insurance rates by ZIP code

Home insurance rates can vary substantially depending on which ZIP code your home is located in, as homes in certain Durham neighborhoods may be more prone to extreme weather damage or property crime than others.

To help you find out how much home insurance costs where you live, we calculated average home insurance rates by ZIP code in Durham.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

27703

$1,726

12%

27713

$1,726

12%

27707

$1,724

12%

27705

$1,725

12%

27704

$1,726

12%

27701

$1,725

12%

27712

$1,726

12%

27708

$1,841

19%

27709

$1,726

12%

27706

$1,841

19%

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Cheapest ZIP codes for home insurance in Durham

With an average home insurance rate of $1,724 per year, the 27707 ZIP code is the most affordable area for home insurance in Durham.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

27707

$1,724

12%

27701

$1,725

12%

27705

$1,725

12%

27703

$1,726

12%

27704

$1,726

12%

Most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Durham

With an average annual premium of $1,841, the 27706 ZIP code is the most expensive ZIP code in Durham for home insurance. If you live one of these ZIP codes, your rates might be among the highest in the city.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

27706

$1,841

19%

27708

$1,841

19%

27703

$1,726

12%

27704

$1,726

12%

27709

$1,726

12%

Learn more >> Home insurance rates by ZIP code

Durham home insurance costs by coverage amount

Along with your home's location, your homeowners insurance premiums are primarily based on how much dwelling coverage is in your policy. This is the centerpiece of your home insurance coverage, covering the cost to repair or rebuild your home after a covered disaster.

Here are the average rates for homeowners insurance based on coverage amount.

Dwelling coverage limit

Average annual cost

$100,000

$687

$200,000

$1,157

$300,000

$1,749

$400,000

$2,204

$500,000

$2,646

Durham home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your home insurance deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on each claim before insurance kicks in to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your property. A higher deductible means lower insurance premiums, but it also means you're responsible for paying more out of pocket when you file a claim.

Here are the average rates for homeowners coverage by deductible amount.

Deductible

Average annual cost

$500

$760

$2,000

$470

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Durham

Based on our analysis, Kemper, State Farm, and Bankers Insurance Group are the three cheapest home insurance companies in Durham, with average premiums citywide ranging from $508 to $932 per year.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$508

State Farm

$892

Bankers Insurance Group

$932

Allstate

$991

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,299

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

Universal Group

$1,301

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,463

Narragansett Bay

$1,920

Foremost

$2,015

USAA

$2,251

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,382

Erie

$2,572

Nationwide

$2,699

UPC Insurance

$3,705

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Cheapest home insurance in Durham if you have poor credit

bad credit score does more than just cost you a few dollars in late payment fees — it can also make your auto and home insurance rates thousands of dollars higher.

Here are the average rates for homeowners insurance for Durham residents with poor credit.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$724

Allstate

$991

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,268

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,299

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,463

State Farm

$1,530

Universal Group

$1,615

Narragansett Bay

$2,035

Foremost

$2,491

Nationwide

$3,076

USAA

$3,772

Erie

$5,540

UPC Insurance

$5,663

Auto-Owners Insurance

$8,185

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Cheapest home insurance in Durham if you have an older home

Insurance carriers consider older homes to have a higher risk of damage or loss compared to newer homes since they're constructed with older and more difficult to replace materials. Additionally, certain structural components in older homes, like the roof or plumbing systems, may not be up to code.

Here are the average homeowners insurance rates for Durham residents with older homes.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$508

State Farm

$892

Bankers Insurance Group

$932

Allstate

$991

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,299

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,463

Universal Group

$1,679

Foremost

$2,204

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,221

USAA

$2,251

Nationwide

$2,699

Erie

$2,718

Narragansett Bay

$2,836

UPC Insurance

$3,823

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Cheapest homeowners insurance in Durham if you have a history of claims

Claims history is one of the biggest factors that insurance companies use when calculating your home insurance premiums. If you have multiple claims on your record, your insurer will likely view you as a risk for filing future claims and may charge you higher rates as a result.

Here's the cheapest home insurance companies in Durham for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period on their record.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$851

State Farm

$892

Allstate

$991

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,299

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,351

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$2,212

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,382

Erie

$2,718

Narragansett Bay

$3,219

USAA

$3,408

Universal Group

$4,103

Nationwide

$4,360

UPC Insurance

$6,015

Foremost

$6,344

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How to get homeowners insurance quotes in Durham

Here are the steps to take as you shop for homeowners insurance in Durham.

6 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Durham, NC

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our experts can help you figure out which homeowners insurance coverages fit your needs, break down how various add-ons work, and explain how different coverages can impact your premiums. If you’re confused about homeowners insurance, Policygenius can help.

  2. Ask about theNorth Carolina Joint Underwriting Association – North Carolina’s FAIR plan provider. This is a plan to cover homeowners at high risk of damage who aren’t able to get homeowners insurance through a traditional insurance company

  3. Consider flood insurance. While you don’t have an ocean view in Durham, there is still the high potential for residual flood damage due to the heavy rains that come along with hurricanes.  

  4. Figure out how much of a deductible you can afford. A higher deductible lowers your insurance rate, but you still need to pay it every time you file a claim. Pick one that you can comfortably afford.

  5. Compare your Policygenius quotes. Once you’ve nailed down your coverage needs, it’s time to compare your Policygenius quotes. An agent can help you evaluate your options to see which is the best for your coverage and budget needs.

  6. Sign your policy and pay your first premium. After you select a policy, your Policygenius agent will file the paperwork and can even cancel your old policy if it’s still active. All you need to do is sign your policy and pay your first premium.

Compare home insurance rates in Durham

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Frequently asked questions

Is homeowners insurance expensive in North Carolina?

The nationwide average for homeowners insurance is $1,754 while the state average is $1,678. That makes it a bit more affordable than average, but exactly where you live and the type of insurance you purchase has a big impact on your rates.

Is homeowners insurance required in North Carolina?

No, North Carolina doesn’t require homeowners insurance. However, most lenders require that your home be insured to minimums as a part of your loan terms.

How can I lower my insurance in Durham?

You can lower your insurance multiple ways, including by installing home protective devices. Bundling multiple policies is another great way to save on homeowners insurance.

Author

Rachael Brennan is a licensed auto insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

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