Best homeowners insurance in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert 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 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.

Updated|4 min read

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Raleigh is located about 130 miles from the coast, making it close enough for a day at the beach, but not so close that it gets the full impact of hurricanes. Its lengthy distance from the coast means it’s rarely impacted by the frequent tropical storms that hit North Carolina, but there is still the chance for high winds and heavy rains. This makes it essential to have homeowners insurance that completely protects your home.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Raleigh is $1,760 per year or $147 a month. This is around 14% higher than the statewide average of $1,545 per year, and on par with the national average of $1,754 per year.

Compare the best cheap homeowners insurance companies in Raleigh

Of the companies we analyzed, Kemper has the lowest rate in Raleigh with an average annual policy cost of $618 per year — significantly less than the city average. Average rates for State Farm, Allstate, and Bankers Insurance Group are also below the city average, but rates aren't the only important thing to consider when choosing an insurance policy. 

To find the best cheap homeowners insurance in Raleigh, 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

$55

4.8 out of 5

Erie

$200

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 the best homeowners insurance company in Raleigh 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh, the company offers a range of discounts that can help lower your insurance rates.

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

The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in Raleigh is $2,382 per year, according to sample quotes provided to us by Quadrant Information Services. This makes Auto-Owners Insurance about 35% more expensive than the citywide average. 

How to get a quote

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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh.

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 Raleigh average?

The average cost of State Farm home insurance in Raleigh is $664 per year, which is 62% cheaper than the average citywide premium of $1,760 per year.

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 Raleigh.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Cheap rates

  • Guaranteed replacement cost comes standard on Erie policies

  • Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Only available in 12 states

  • 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

The average cost of Erie home insurance in Raleigh is $2,401 per year, which is 36% higher than the city average of $1,760 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh, 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 Raleigh average?

The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Raleigh is $2,699 per year, which is 53% more expensive than the city average of $1,760.

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 Raleigh. Featuring rates lower than the city average, 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh average?

The annual average cost of Allstate home insurance in Raleigh is $991 per year, which is 44% 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 Raleigh

Get free quotes

How much is homeowners insurance in Raleigh?

The average cost of home insurance in Raleigh is $1,760 per year, or $147 a month, for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is around 14% more expensive than the average annual cost of $1,545 for homeowners insurance in North Carolina, and on par with the national average. 

Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

27610

$1,752

13%

27616

$1,753

13%

27603

$1,752

13%

27606

$1,752

13%

27615

$1,755

14%

27604

$1,752

13%

27613

$1,754

14%

27612

$1,754

14%

27609

$1,753

13%

27614

$1,756

14%

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Cheapest ZIP codes for home insurance in Raleigh

With an average home insurance rate of $1,750 per year, the 27601 ZIP code is the most affordable area for home insurance in Raleigh.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

27601

$1,750

13%

27605

$1,751

13%

27603

$1,752

13%

27604

$1,752

13%

27606

$1,752

13%

27608

$1,752

13%

27610

$1,752

13%

27617

$1,752

13%

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Most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Raleigh

With an average annual premium of $1,867, the 27695 ZIP code is the most expensive ZIP code in Raleigh 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 (%)

27695

$1,867

21%

27614

$1,756

14%

27607

$1,755

14%

27615

$1,755

14%

27612

$1,754

14%

27613

$1,754

14%

27609

$1,753

13%

27616

$1,753

13%

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Learn more >> Home insurance rates by ZIP code

Raleigh 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

$693

$200,000

$1,164

$300,000

$1,760

$400,000

$2,218

$500,000

$2,662

Raleigh 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

$726

$2,000

$449

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Raleigh

Based on our analysis, Kemper, State Farm, and Allstate are the three cheapest home insurance companies in Raleigh, with average premiums citywide ranging from $618 to $991 per year.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$618

State Farm

$664

Allstate

$991

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,228

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

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,382

Erie

$2,401

USAA

$2,416

Nationwide

$2,699

UPC Insurance

$3,705

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Cheapest home insurance in Raleigh 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 Raleigh residents with poor credit.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$881

Allstate

$991

State Farm

$1,137

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,299

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,463

Universal Group

$1,615

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,674

Narragansett Bay

$2,035

Foremost

$2,491

Nationwide

$3,076

USAA

$4,052

Erie

$5,169

UPC Insurance

$5,663

Auto-Owners Insurance

$8,185

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Cheapest home insurance in Raleigh 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 Raleigh residents with older homes.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$618

State Farm

$657

Allstate

$991

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,228

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

$2,416

Erie

$2,576

Nationwide

$2,701

Narragansett Bay

$2,836

UPC Insurance

$3,823

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Cheapest homeowners insurance in Raleigh 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 Raleigh for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period on their record.

Company

Average annual cost

State Farm

$657

Allstate

$991

Kemper

$1,037

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,299

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,299

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,784

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$2,212

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,382

Erie

$2,576

Narragansett Bay

$3,219

USAA

$3,660

Universal Group

$4,103

Nationwide

$4,364

UPC Insurance

$6,015

Foremost

$6,344

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How to get homeowners insurance quotes in Raleigh

Here are the steps to take as you shop for homeowners insurance in Raleigh, NC

6 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Raleigh, NC

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our experts are here to help you find the right insurance for your home. They can explain any available add-ons and how they may change your premiums.

  2. Ask about the North Carolina Joint Underwriting Association – North Carolina’s FAIR plan provider. This is a plan that covers homeowners who are at high risk of damage and might not be able to get insurance from standard companies. 

  3. Investigate flood insurance. You might not be right on the ocean in Raleigh, but you’re still close enough to get significant rain and wind from hurricanes.  

  4. Pick a deductible you can afford. If you pick a higher deductible to lower your insurance rate, make sure it’s not so high that you can’t pay it when you need to file a claim.

  5. Compare your Policygenius quotes. Once you determine what you need for coverage, then you can compare your quotes. Your Policygenius agent can help you figure out what is being offered by each potential insurer.

  6. Sign your policy and pay your first premium. Once you pick a policy, your Policygenius agent can file the paperwork and cancel your old policy if it’s still active. You just need to sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium.

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Frequently asked questions

Is homeowners insurance expensive in North Carolina?

The average for homeowners insurance is $1,754 in the U.S., while the average in North Carolina is $1,545. That makes it more affordable on average, but where you live and the exact insurance you purchase will impact your rates.

Is homeowners insurance required in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not require homeowners insurance. Most lenders, however, do require that your home be insured to specified minimums in order to secure a loan.

How can I lower my home insurance rates in Raleigh?

You can lower your insurance rates several ways, including by installing protective devices in your home or bundling your home and car insurance. Maintaining a healthy credit score is another effective way to lower your rates.

Author

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

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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