Best homeowners insurance in Durham, NC for 2023

We looked at average costs, coverages available, and customer satisfaction ratings to find the best homeowners insurance companies in Durham.

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Nicole WakelinAutomotive journalistNicole Wakelin is an automotive journalist who has covered the industry for over a decade. She’s always loved cars and the fact that they regularly hand her the keys to shiny new automobiles so she can write about them is a constant source of amazement. She covers breaking news, writes reviews, and attends auto shows and new vehicle launches across the country. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications both online and in print. These include U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, TrueCar, Kelley Blue Book, and Autobytel. In addition, she speaks to all things automotive at conferences, on the radio, and on podcasts, including co-hosting the weekly Wheel Bearings Podcast. Nicole is a current member and former Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. She is also a juror for both the Women’s World Car of the Year and the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
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Reviewed by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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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 4% higher than the statewide average of $1,678 per year, and about 9% lower than the national average of $1,899 per year. 

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However, cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a home insurance company. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Durham. 

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.

Best homeowners insurance companies in Durham

Of the companies we evaluated, State Farm has the lowest rate, with an average annual policy cost of only $509 per year — that’s over $1,200 less than the Durham average. Average home insurance rates for North Carolina Farm Bureau, USAA, and Allstate also came in below the city average.

Looking at the largest home insurance companies in Durham by market share, Policygenius analyzed the latest rate data from Quadrant Information Services to find out how much you can expect to pay with each company in 2022. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the average coverage needs of Durham residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Durham.

Company

Average yearly cost

J.D. Power Rating

State Farm

$892

835

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

--

USAA

$2,251

882

Nationwide

$2,699

812

Allstate

$991

829

State Farm

State Farm logo

There's a reason State Farm is one of the top-rated insurance companies in the U.S. — its customer satisfaction ratings are through the roof, it offers a slew of coverage add-ons for full protection, and makes filing claims through its mobile app a breeze.

Pros

  • Top-tier coverage add-ons, including equipment breakdown, water backup, and service line coverage

  • Get up to $1 million in personal liability coverage

  • Score discounts for bundling, installing security devices, and choosing a high deductible

  • File and track claims online, over the phone, in person, or through its mobile app

  • High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

Cons

  • No discounts for first-time homebuyers or going a year without a claim

Why State Farm tops our best list

State Farm has high customer satisfaction ratings and a wide range of coverage options for a variety of home types. State Farm has a large network of local agents for those who prefer a human touch, as well as a user-friendly mobile app and website for the digitally inclined.. If you choose to rent your home to visitors looking to spend some vacation time in Durham, consider adding State Farm’s short-term rental coverage for that additional bit of worry-free protection.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance logo

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance offers everything from home, auto, and farm insurance to flood and windstorm/hail-only coverage — allowing you to keep all of your policies under one roof.

Pros

  • Offers a slew of insurance products on top of home insurance — including auto, life, liability, and farm insurance — to keep all of your policies with one company

  • Flood insurance and windstorm/hail-only policies available — a rarity among insurers

  • Mobile home insurance coverage available

  • Solid customer service ratings

  • File claims online

Cons

  • Farm Bureau membership required for coverage

  • No information about specific coverages and discounts available online

Why North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance tops our best list

Keep it local with North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance. What sets North Carolina Farm Bureau apart from the other insurers on this list is its local agents who understand the needs of Durham residents.

How to get a quote

By calling North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

USAA

USAA's robust coverages and high marks for customer service and claims satisfaction make it a solid home insurance option for military members and their families.

Pros

  • Score discounts for zero claims, being a loyal USAA member, opting into e-billing, and more

  • Base policy includes coverages that cost extra with most other companies

  • Offers earthquake coverage — which is hard to come by

  • Get discounted home security systems and a discount on premiums through its partnership with ADT

  • Industry-best customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Only available to military families

  • Doesn’t offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage

Why USAA tops our best list

Available only to members of the military and their families, USAA offers comprehensive coverage to those who serve our country. USAA policies include robust add-ons that other insurers charge extra for, so Durham homeowners have the assurance of knowing their home is fully protected in the event of a disaster.

How to get a quote

Online through USAA

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Nationwide offers flexible home insurance policy options for every home type and income level. And we love its slew of discounts for everything from having a newish roof to living in a gated community.

Pros

  • Offers lots of coverage add-ons, including flood and earthquake insurance

  • Option to rebuild roof with stronger, safer materials after a covered loss

  • Score discounts for living in a gated community, making home renovations, having a newer roof, and more

  • Seamlessly submit claims online or through its mobile app

  • Above-average claims satisfaction rating

Cons

  • Below-average customer satisfaction ratings

  • Water backup coverage is more expensive than with other insurers

Why Nationwide tops our best list

Nationwide has several customizable policy options that help you get the coverage you need at a rate that fits your budget. While you might not need Nationwide’s available earthquake insurance, its flood insurance option should be top of mind for Durham residents given the area’s heavy rains, especially during hurricane season. Nationwide also offers a coverage add-on that gives you the option to rebuild your roof with better materials after a loss, which may be worthwhile given the heavy wind and hailstorms that impact the Durham area.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide

Allstate

Allstate's mix of exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, personalized coverage options, and numerous discount opportunities make it one of the most popular homeowners insurance companies on the market.

Pros

  • Several coverage add-ons, including ones for roof surfaces, water backup, green improvements, and mold protection

  • 8+ discounts, including autopay, bundling, zero claims, and new homebuyer

  • Get up to 25% off your premiums when you bundle home and auto insurance

  • File and track claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

  • Lower-than-average claim satisfaction and digital experience ratings from J.D. Power

Why Allstate tops our best list

Excellent customer service ratings and several available coverage add-ons make Allstate a standout insurance company in Durham. Durham residents will be happy to know Allstate offers additional coverage for roofing surfaces, which are prone to damage from the residual winds of passing hurricanes. The humidity common to the region makes Allstate’s mold protection another worthwhile option.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate

Compare home insurance rates in Durham

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Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by ZIP code in Durham

Looking at average home insurance costs for the most popular companies in Durham, we found that the cheapest home insurance in the city is with State Farm. The average State Farm rate is around $550 per year in most Durham ZIP codes — around a third of the city average of $1,749 per year.

ZIP code

Company

Average yearly cost

27701

State Farm

$543

27703

State Farm

$558

27704

State Farm

$554

27705

State Farm

$543

27706

Allstate

$991

27707

State Farm

$523

27708

Allstate

$991

27709

State Farm

$554

27712

State Farm

$548

27713

State Farm

$552

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The most affordable areas for homeowners insurance in Durham

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

ZIP code

Average yearly cost

27707

$1,724

27705

$1,725

27701

$1,725

27703

$1,726

27704

$1,726

The most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Durham

With an average home insurance rate of $1,726, the 27704 ZIP code (northeast Durham) is the most expensive area for home insurance in Durham. 

ZIP code

Average yearly cost

27706

$1,841

27708

$1,841

27703

$1,726

27709

$1,726

27704

$1,726

Shopping for homeowners insurance in Durham

When shopping for homeowners insurance, it’s important to make sure that your quotes reflect your actual coverage needs. Not every home is the same, so your coverage and your neighbor’s coverage could be quite different — and that’s okay.

Homeowners in Durham are at risk of severe storm damage and tropical storm winds from passing hurricanes, so you’ll want to make sure your policy has enough coverage to cover the cost of expensive repairs.

In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Durham for different coverage and deductible levels, as well as the cheapest and most expensive home insurance companies for dog and pool owners. Once you’re ready to shop, a Policygenius expert can help you navigate your coverage needs and help you find the best deal on homeowners insurance in Durham.

Durham home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage is the part of your homeowners insurance that covers the physical structure of your home. This should be enough to cover your home’s replacement cost, which is the amount it takes to rebuild your home from the ground up. Keep in mind that this amount is not the same as its market value or purchase price.

As the table below shows, the higher your dwelling coverage, the higher home insurance rates will be. You’ll pay roughly $500 more for every $100,000 of additional dwelling coverage for your home.

Dwelling coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$687

$200,000

$1,157

$300,000

$1,749

$400,000

$2,204

$500,000

$2,646

Personal liability coverage isn’t about rebuilding your home, but about paying for legal fees or medical bills if someone is hurt or their property is damaged and you are found to be legally responsible. This coverage protects your home, all of your assets, and even your future income from potential lawsuits.

As seen in the table below, more liability coverage doesn’t necessarily correlate with higher average home insurance premiums in Durham. Opting for high liability coverage limits often has a minimal impact on your overall rate, making it a great value add for any policy. 

Liability coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$1,740

$200,000

$1,629

$300,000

$1,749

$400,000

$1,635

$500,000

$1,841

Durham home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your deductible is what you pay each time you file a claim, and choosing a high one will generally lower your premium. While that sounds like a great idea, don’t pick a deductible amount that you won’t be able to pay when you file a claim. Remember, storm damage is common in Durham, and that could mean multiple claims and deductibles. 

As seen in the table below, Durham residents can save around $200 on home insurance by choosing a $1,000 deductible over the $500 option, while the $2,000 deductible option can save residents around $800.

Deductible amount

Average yearly cost

$500

$1,907

$1,000

$1,749

$2,000

$1,623

Home insurance discounts in Durham

You may be eligible for discounts if you install protective devices like fire alarms or security systems in your home. These help reduce your chances of having to file a claim,  and they also make your home safer.

While you won’t get a huge discount if your house has one of the following features and nothing else, they can add up if you have several protective devices in your home. Here is the average annual rate and average discount percentage for homes in Durham with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms. 

Discount

Average yearly cost

Dead bolt

$1,749

Smoke alarm

$1,731

Burglar alarm

$1,665

Wind mitigation discounts & incentives in North Carolina

Many home insurance companies offer wind mitigation discounts if your home is outfitted with features to withstand high winds and flooding caused by a hurricane or strong windstorm. In Wilmington, you can save between 6% and 19% on the wind portion of your home insurance policy by installing Fortified Roof and Fortified Home elements to your home.

Other incentives open to all North Carolina homeowners include:

  • Free Fortified Roof endorsement: Eligible homeowners with North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association (NCIUA) policies can upgrade to a Fortified Roof for free when a covered claim requires a roof replacement

  • Strengthen Your Roof Grant: Offers up to $5,000 to upgrade your home's roof to Fortified Roof construction if over 50% of your roof is damaged

→ Learn more about wind mitigation discounts & how to qualify

Home insurance companies in Durham for dog owners

Many insurance companies increase your rates if you have a dog breed that it considers dangerous or high risk. Having a dangerous dog breed increases the probability of liability claims, given the higher risk of your dog biting the mailman or a neighbor. So insurance companies will generally charge you more for coverage if you have one of these breeds.

With an average rate of $892 per year, State Farm has the cheapest home insurance rates in Durham for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Nationwide’s average yearly premium of $2,699 is the highest. 

Company

Average yearly cost

State Farm

$892

Allstate

$991

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

USAA

$2,251

Nationwide

$2,699

Home insurance companies in Durham for poor credit

Your credit score also has an impact on how much you pay for homeowners insurance. The logic is that those who don’t have as much cash on hand are more likely to file a claim. 

With an average rate of $991 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in Durham for a homeowner with poor credit, while USAA’s average yearly premium of $3,772 is the highest. 

Company

Average yearly cost

Allstate

$991

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

State Farm

$1,530

Nationwide

$3,076

USAA

$3,772

Home insurance companies in Durham for pool owners

Having a pool increases your insurance costs due to the increased risk of injury to anyone who uses your pool. Anytime an insurance company sees the possibility for increased claims, it increases your rates accordingly.

With an average rate of $892 per year, State Farm has the cheapest home insurance rates for Durham homes that have a swimming pool, while Nationwide’s average yearly premium of $2,699 is the most expensive.

Company

Average yearly cost

State Farm

$892

Allstate

$991

North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

USAA

$2,251

Nationwide

$2,699

How to buy homeowners insurance in Durham

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

  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

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Frequently asked questions

Is homeowners insurance expensive in North Carolina?

The nationwide average for homeowners insurance is $1,899 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

Nicole Wakelin is an automotive journalist who has covered the industry for over a decade. She’s always loved cars and the fact that they regularly hand her the keys to shiny new automobiles so she can write about them is a constant source of amazement. She covers breaking news, writes reviews, and attends auto shows and new vehicle launches across the country.

Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications both online and in print. These include U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe, TrueCar, Kelley Blue Book, and Autobytel. In addition, she speaks to all things automotive at conferences, on the radio, and on podcasts, including co-hosting the weekly Wheel Bearings Podcast.

Nicole is a current member and former Vice President of the New England Motor Press Association. She is also a juror for both the Women’s World Car of the Year and the North American Car, Truck and Utility of the Year.

Editor

Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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