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 4% higher than the statewide average of $1,678 per year, and about 8% lower than the national average of $1,899 per year.
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 Raleigh.
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 Raleigh
Of the companies we analyzed, State Farm has the lowest rate in Raleigh with an average annual policy cost of $664 per year — over $1,200 less than the city average. Average rates for North Carolina Farm Bureau, USAA, and Allstate are also below the city average.
While price is an important factor to consider when choosing a homeowners insurance policy, you should also consider a company’s customer and claims satisfaction ratings with entities like J.D. Power so that you understand what you’re getting yourself into when it comes time to use your coverage.
Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest Raleigh insurers to find the average cost of homeowners insurance with each company in 2022. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Raleigh residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Raleigh.
Company | Average yearly cost | J.D. Power Rating |
|---|---|---|
State Farm | $664 | 835 |
North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance | $1,299 | -- |
USAA | $2,416 | 882 |
Nationwide | $2,699 | 812 |
Allstate | $991 | 829 |
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
Read our full State Farm home insurance review
Why State Farm tops our best list
State Farm combines a high J.D. Power score of 835 out of 1,000 with a wide variety of homeowners insurance coverage options. In addition to delivering in-person service via its convenient network of local insurance agents, State Farm also makes it easy to get quotes, manage your policy, and file claims completely online.
How to get a quote
Online through State Farm
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
North Carolina Farm Bureau is locally based, so its agents truly understand the coverage needs of Raleigh residents. So if you’re not sure about whether you need, say, additional flood insurance to cover heavy downpours common to the area, a Farm Bureau agent can provide local knowledge to help you make the best coverage decision for your home.
How to get a quote
By calling North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance
Why USAA tops our best list
USAA takes customer satisfaction to another level, as evidenced by its score of 882 out of 1,000 with J.D. Power. In addition to providing an impeccable customer experience, USAA's policy options are among the best in the industry. So if you're looking for great coverage and customer service at an affordable rate, consider homeowners insurance with USAA.
How to get a quote
Online through USAA
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
Read our full Nationwide home insurance review here
Why Nationwide tops our best list
Nationwide offers several customizable policy options that you can tailor coverage to fit your budget. This makes it easy to get the coverage you want at a rate you can afford. Nationwide also offers several additional coverage options, including flood insurance that may come in handy during hurricane season. High winds are also an issue in Raleigh, making Nationwide’s enhanced roof replacement coverage an enticing add-on to any policy.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Nationwide
Why Allstate tops our best list
Strong customer service ratings and extensive coverage add-ons make Allstate one of the premier home insurance options in Raleigh. Those add-ons include mold and roof protection, both of which can be helpful after the high winds and potential heavy rains of coastal hurricanes that move a bit inland.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Allstate
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by ZIP code in Raleigh
Looking at average home insurance costs for 15 of the most popular companies in Raleigh, we found that the cheapest home insurance in the city can be found in the 27601 ZIP code (downtown Raleigh) with State Farm. The average State Farm rate in this area is $520 per year — $1,200 less than the city average of $1,760 per year.
In almost all of the 15 ZIP codes in Raleigh, you’ll find that State Farm offers the cheapest rates. The exception is in the 27695 ZIP code, where Kemper’s average annual premium of $618 is the cheapest.
ZIP code | Company | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|---|
27601 | State Farm | $520 |
27603 | State Farm | $543 |
27604 | State Farm | $544 |
27605 | State Farm | $526 |
27606 | State Farm | $544 |
27607 | State Farm | $590 |
27608 | State Farm | $540 |
27609 | State Farm | $554 |
27610 | State Farm | $537 |
27612 | State Farm | $571 |
27613 | State Farm | $579 |
27614 | State Farm | $603 |
27615 | State Farm | $594 |
27616 | State Farm | $565 |
27617 | State Farm | $537 |
27695 | Allstate | $991 |
The most affordable areas for homeowners insurance in Raleigh
With the average home insurance rate of $1,750 per year, the 27601 ZIP code (downtown Raleigh) has the most affordable area for home insurance in Raleigh.
ZIP code | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|
27601 | $1,750 |
27605 | $1,751 |
27603 | $1,752 |
27606 | $1,752 |
27604 | $1,752 |
The most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Raleigh
With an average home insurance rate of $1,867, the 27695 ZIP code (northwest Raleigh) is the most expensive area for home insurance in Raleigh.
ZIP code | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|
27695 | $1,867 |
27614 | $1,756 |
27607 | $1,755 |
27615 | $1,755 |
27612 | $1,754 |
Shopping for homeowners insurance in Raleigh
Not all homeowners insurance is created equal, so it’s important to get coverage that’s right for both your needs and your budget. This is why it’s important to compare policies before you make a purchase decision.
Raleigh residents will want to make sure their coverage amounts are high enough to cover potential damage from the frequent hurricanes that strike along the coast. These storms can bring wind damage and flood damage inland as far as Raleigh.
In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Raleigh 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 Raleigh.
Raleigh home insurance costs by coverage amounts
Dwelling coverage is the part of your homeowners insurance that covers your physical home. Your dwelling limit should be equal to your home’s replacement cost, which is the amount it would take to rebuild your house from the ground up. This is not the same as its market value or purchase price.
As the table below highlights, more dwelling coverage generally means higher premiums. You’ll pay nearly $1,300 more for $200,000 of coverage than $100,000 of coverage. Moving from $200,000 to $300,000, however, sees an average rate drop of almost $400 in the Raleigh area.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|
$100,000 | $693 |
$200,000 | $1,164 |
$300,000 | $1,760 |
$400,000 | $2,218 |
$500,000 | $2,662 |
Personal liability coverage isn’t there to cover the cost of labor and materials to rebuild your home. Instead, it covers legal fees and medical bills if someone is hurt or their property is damaged and you are found to be the responsible party. It protects your home, assets, and future income from lawsuits.
As seen in the table below, more liability coverage doesn’t necessarily correlate with higher average home insurance premiums in Raleigh. 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 | $1,751 |
$200,000 | $1,642 |
$300,000 | $1,760 |
$400,000 | $1,648 |
$500,000 | $1,852 |
Raleigh home insurance costs by deductible amount
Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on each claim. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your overall premium, but make sure you’re not picking an amount you can’t afford to pay in the event of a claim.
As seen in the table below, Raleigh residents save an average of $190 on home insurance by choosing a $1,000 deductible over the $500 one, while the $2,000 deductible option can save you an additional $691 a year.
Deductible amount | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|
$500 | $1,915 |
$1,000 | $1,760 |
$2,000 | $1,614 |
Home insurance discounts in Raleigh
You may be eligible for discounts if you install protective devices like fire alarms or security systems in your home. Insurance companies reduce your rates for these devices because they reduce your chances of having to file a claim.
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 Raleigh with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms.
Discount | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|
Dead bolt | $1,760 |
Smoke alarm | $1,743 |
Burglar alarm | $1,676 |
Home insurance companies in Raleigh for dog owners
Some insurance companies increase your rates if you have a dog, but the size of this increase often depends on your dog’s breed. Insurance companies consider certain dog breedsto be dangerous or high risk, since the likelihood of dog-bite related liability claims is higher. And because of this, some insurance companies will increase your rates if you have one of these breeds.
With an average rate of $664 per year, State Farm has the cheapest home insurance rates in Raleigh 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 | $664 |
Allstate | $991 |
North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance | $1,299 |
USAA | $2,416 |
Nationwide | $2,699 |
Home insurance companies in Raleigh for poor credit
If you have a low credit score, then it can have a negative impact on how much you pay for your homeowners insurance. The reason for this is simple: insurance companies consider homeowners with poor financials as more likely to file small insurance claims.
With an average rate of $991 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in Raleigh for a homeowner with poor credit, while USAA's average yearly premium of $4,052 is the highest.
Company | Average yearly cost |
|---|---|
Allstate | $991 |
State Farm | $1,137 |
North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance | $1,299 |
Nationwide | $3,076 |
USAA | $4,052 |
Home insurance companies in Raleigh for pool owners
Having a pool increases the risk of injury to visitors who use it, so insurance companies will often set your rates accordingly.
With an average rate of $664 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates for Raleigh 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 | $664 |
Allstate | $991 |
North Carolina Farm Bureau Insurance | $1,299 |
USAA | $2,416 |
Nationwide | $2,699 |
How to buy homeowners insurance in Raleigh
Here are the steps to take as you shop for homeowners insurance in Raleigh:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is homeowners insurance expensive in North Carolina?
The average for homeowners insurance is $1,899 in the U.S., while the average in North Carolina is $1,678. 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 insurance 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.
