Best homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. for 2023
We looked at average costs, 3rd party ratings, and policy options to find the best and cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
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Gianetta PalmerGianetta PalmerFreelance contributorGianetta Palmer is a freelance writer who lives in the Georgia mountains. Her writing on health and car insurance, has appeared on numerous sites.&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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The average cost of homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,154 per year for a homeowners insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to our analysis of 2022 rates.
But 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 Washington, D.C.
Best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
To find the best cheap homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C., Policygenius rated 5 of the city's largest insurance companies 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.
Based on our findings, USAA, Allstate, State Farm, Chubb, and Nationwide are the best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
Company
Policygenius rating
Average monthly cost
USAA
4.9 out of 5
$53
Allstate
4.8 out of 5
$102
State Farm
4.5 out of 5
$108
Chubb
4.3 out of 5
$69
Nationwide
4.2 out of 5
$126
USAA
It’s no surprise that USAA has some of the highest customer and claims satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power. A basic USAA home insurance policy includes coverages not included in other companies base policies, and it gives customers several chances to save, including discounts for not filing a claim for a certain number of years and opting for paperless billing.
Allstate is one of the most popular destinations for homeowners looking for insurance. With a combination of great customer service and affordable coverage options like mold coverage and water backup, Allstate customers know they are getting great coverage that fits within their budget. In addition, Allstate customers can easily file and track claims online, or in the mobile app.
State Farm scored so well in customer service and financial ratings in the J.D. Power 2021 home insurance study, that it is considered one of the best insurance companies in the country. Policyholders can enjoy best-in-class coverage with State Farm — up to $1 million personal liability coverage to help protect their assets — while also taking advantage of huge savings via home and auto insurance bundling discounts.
Of the companies we analyzed, Chubb has the cheapest rates in D.C. Along with relatively low rates, Chubb home insurance also includes several perks, including no deductible payments if for claims greater than $50,000 and cash-out options if you’d rather pocket the claim reimbursement and spend it at your own leisure.
Nationwide combines above average customer satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power with an industry-best list of coverage add-ons, including flood insurance. It also offers numerous discount options, including discounts for living in a gated community and having a newer roof.
How much is homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C.?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,154 per year, or roughly $96 a month, for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
However, your own home insurance rates will depend on factors like your home’s age, construction style, and location, as well as personal factors like your credit score and claims history.
Washington, D.C. home insurance costs by coverage amounts
Dwelling coverage is the portion of your insurance policy that pays to rebuild your home from the ground up after a covered loss.
Washington, D.C. homes with a dwelling coverage limit of $500,000 pay an average of $600 more per year than the city average, according to our analysis.
Dwelling coverage level
Average annual cost
$100,000
$547
$200,000
$863
$300,000
$1,154
$400,000
$1,450
$500,000
$1,744
Washington, D.C. home insurance costs by deductible amount
A higher deductible amount means lower monthly insurance payments, but it also means you’ll pay more out of your pocket on a claim after a covered loss.
As referenced in the table below, Washington, D.C. residents can save around $300 per year on home insurance by choosing a $2,000 deductible over the $500 option.
Deductible level
Average annual cost
$1,000
$1,318
$2,000
$1,058
$2,500
$999
The cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
Based on our analysis, Chubb, USAA, and Allstate have the cheapest average home insurance rates in Washington D.C., with average rates of $623, $631, and $1,222 per year, respectively.
Company
Average annual cost
Chubb
$623
USAA
$631
Allstate
$1,222
State Farm
$1,290
Nationwide
$1,518
Cheapest home insurance in Washington, D.C. if you have poor credit
Poor credit can lead to more than just being denied credit; it can also lead to higher insurance rates. A poor credit score is often an indicator to insurance companies that you’re a risk and you may file insurance claims more than someone with a better score.
With an average rate of $1,190 per year, Chubb has the cheapest home insurance rates in Washington, D.C. for a homeowner with poor credit, while the State Farm average yearly premium of $2,210 is the highest.
Company
Average annual cost
Difference from base rate (%)
Chubb
$1,190
91%
Allstate
$1,657
36%
Nationwide
$1,829
20%
USAA
$1,984
214%
State Farm
$2,210
71%
Cheapest homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. if you have an older home
Older homes can be costly to insure, as they're more prone to structural damage than a newer build, and they're often constructed with materials and features that are more expensive to replace.
With an average annual premium of $885, USAA offers the cheapest home insurance rates for a home over 100 years old, while Nationwide is the most expensive.
Company
Average annual cost
Difference from base rate (%)
USAA
$885
48%
Chubb
$890
25%
State Farm
$1,290
66%
Allstate
$1,333
82%
Nationwide
$1,584
82%
Cheapest home insurance in Washington, D.C. if you have a history of claims
Claims history is one of the biggest factors insurers use to determine home insurance premiums. If you have multiple claims on your record, you'll typically pay more for home insurance, as insurers will consider you more likely to file future claims than a homeowner with a spotless claims history.
With an average annual premium of $1,355, USAA offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Washington, D.C. for a homeowner that's filed three claims within a five-year period, while Nationwide is the most expensive.
Company
Average annual cost
Difference from base rate (%)
USAA
$1,355
37%
State Farm
$1,471
14%
Chubb
$1,696
91%
Allstate
$2,254
79%
Nationwide
$2,978
102%
How to buy homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. residents shopping for insurance should ensure they have adequate homeowners insurance to protect their homes and lifestyles if disaster strikes.
5 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C.
Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of insurance specialists can help you get quotes from top companies — at no cost and without an impact on your credit. We can explain everything to you and why home insurance can help you out during rough times.
Consider purchasing flood insurance. Coastal storms can lead to flooding and wind damage. Although rare, hurricanes have affected the D.C. area, so residents who live in floodplains may want to consider additional flood insurance
Figure out if you need a lower deductible. A lower deductible means you’ll pay more for your home insurance, but less out of pocket for a covered claim. A Policygenius agent can help you choose a deductible that works the best for your budget.
Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Once you’ve chosen which policy options work best for you, a Policygenius agent will send over quotes from top insurance companies for your review.
Sign the policy and pay your first bill. Policygenius will do all of the paperwork for you, and even cancel your old policy if it isn’t expired yet. All you have to do is sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium.
What is the average home insurance rate in Washington, D.C.?
The average home insurance rate in Washington, D.C. is $96 a month. Washington, D.C. homeowners enjoy rates significantly lower than other states in the region.
Why do some insurance companies charge higher rates for certain dog breeds?
Homeowners should have enough liability coverage to protect their assets in case they have a dog considered to be an “aggressive breed.” Many insurance companies charge higher rates for dangerous breeds, while some may deny you coverage altogether. If a party is bitten on your property and decides to sue for damages, you could be held legally responsible.
Is it required to have homeowners insurance in Washington D.C.?
Home insurance isn’t required in Washington D.C. unless you have a mortgage on your property, but it’s certainly a good idea to protect your investment regardless of whether that’s the case or not. To be sure you get the cheapest rates, contact the friendly agents at Policygenius for a quote.
Methodology
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.
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.
