Best homeowners insurance in Milwaukee, WI for 2022

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Milwaukee is $1,302 per year or $109 a month. This is around 7% higher than the Wisconsin state average, but over 32% 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 Milwaukee.  

Best homeowners insurance companies in Milwaukee

Of the companies we looked at, Allstate has the lowest home insurance rate, with an average annual policy cost of only $927 per year. That's almost $400 less than the state average. American Family and Auto-Owners Insurance are other great options for Milwaukee residents due to their low rates and high customer and claim satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power.  

Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Wisconsin.

American Family

American Family's status as the 7th largest home insurance provider in the U.S. speaks to its popularity and reputation. Our fave perk? Its diminishing deductible program that lets you earn credits for every year you go without filing a claim.

Pros

• Unique coverage add-ons, like matching siding insurance and hidden water damage coverage

• Save up to 20% on home insurance and 29% on auto insurance for bundling the policies together

• Earn a $100 credit toward your deductible for ever year you go without filing a claim

• File claims online or on its mobile app — with 24/7 claims support

Cons

• Doesn't offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage

• Above-average customer complaints according to the NAIC

Get quotes

Why American Family tops our best list

American Family offers Milwaukee homeowners dozens of ways to save on already affordable rates and premiums. One of the best perks is American Family’s "diminishing deductible” feature, which reduces your deductible by $100 each year you go without filing a claim — without it impacting your premium. 

How to get a quote

Online through American Family

State Farm

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

Get quotes

Why State Farm tops our best list

State Farm consistently produces some of the industry's highest customer and claims satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power due to their flexible policy options, affordable rates, and user-friendly policy management via the State Farm website or mobile app. State Farm customers have the confidence and reliability that Milwaukee residents want in a home insurance provider. 

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

Acuity

Acuity is a regional home insurance provider and one of the most popular insurers in the state of Wisconsin. With competitive rates and several available discounts, Acuity is a smart choice for homeowners on a budget.

Pros

• Offers guaranteed replacement cost coverage — meaning it’ll pay to repair your home regardless of the cost

• Score discounts for owning a new or mature home, paying your yearly premium in full, bundling your home and auto, and more

• Exceptional customer service

Cons

• Not ideal for homeowners with expensive valuables — coverage limits max out at $3,500

Read our full Acuity Insurance review here

Get quotes

Why Acuity tops our best list

Supporting local is always a plus and Acuity is a great regional option for Milwaukee homeowners. Not only do they boost exceptional customer service, but they do so with competitive rates and discount options. A good plus for Milwaukee homeowners is Acuity’s guaranteed replacement cost coverage — a good safety net after a covered loss.

How to get a quote

 Online through Acuity

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

• Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

• File and track claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

• Rates are typically high compared to competitors

Read our full Allstate home insurance review

Get quotes

Why Allstate tops our best list

Allstate is one of the best in the industry when it comes to customizable home insurance policy options. With several unique coverage add-ons, including special home-sharing coverage for short-term rental properties and special mold protection — Allstate is a fantastic option for many Milwaukee-area homeowners.  

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate

Auto-Owners Insurance

Auto-Owners is the 12th largest home insurance provider in the U.S. thanks to its low rates, numerous discounts, and robust coverage options — including inland flood insurance.

Pros

• Excellent coverage add-ons, including inland flood insurance, guaranteed replacement cost, and equipment breakdown coverage

• Flood insurance covers belongings in your basement — a rare find

• Save on premiums by bundling policies, paying off your mortgage, choosing a high deductible, having a backup generator, and more

Cons

• Can't file claims online — you must call or visit an agent to get started

Get quotes

Why Auto-Owners Insurance tops our best list

In addition to standard home insurance coverage, Auto-Owners also offers flood coverage — a necessity for Milwaukee homeowners in high-risk floodplains. Auto-Owners’s flood coverage extends to belongings in your basement — something that isn’t a commonality for this type of insurance

How to get a quote

Online through Auto-Owners Insurance

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by ZIP code in Milwaukee

Looking at average home insurance costs for 15 of the most popular companies in Milwaukee, we found that the cheapest home insurance in the city can be found in the 53202 ZIP code (Lake Park) with Allstate. The average Allstate rate in this area is $762 per year — almost half the city average of $1,302 per year. 

Residents of Milwaukee are likely to find the most affordable rates with Allstate. Our research showed Allstate had the cheapest average annual premium in 21 of Milwaukee's ZIP codes. 

The most affordable areas for homeowners insurance in Milwaukee

With an average home insurance rate of $1,217 per year, the 53219 ZIP code (Southwest Milwaukee), is the most affordable area for home insurance in Milwaukee. The median home value in this area is around $200,000, and that affordability is carried over to home insurance rates. 

The most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Milwaukee

With an average home insurance rate of $1,362, the 53204 ZIP code (Walker's Point) is the most expensive area for home insurance in Milwaukee. This ZIP code has affordable housing options, but it is close to Lake Michigan, which could explain the higher-than-average premiums. 

Shopping for homeowners insurance in Milwaukee

When you shop for homeowners insurance, it’s a good idea to first familiarize yourself with how the different coverages work and how much of each you need. That way, you'll feel confident you're getting an accurate coverage and rate comparison when you go to compare quotes. 

In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Milwaukee for different coverage and deductible levels, as well as the cheapest and most expensive home insurance companies in the state for individuals with a poor credit score, dog owners, 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 Milwaukee.

Milwaukee home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage is the part of your homeowners insurance that pays for damage to the physical structure of your home and anything attached to it. Your dwelling coverage limit should be based on your home’s replacement cost, or the amount it would take to rebuild the house from the ground up — not the home’s market value or purchase price.

In general, higher dwelling coverage amounts mean more expensive home insurance rates. In Milwaukee, a policy with $300,000 in coverage costs over $600 less than one with $500,000 in coverage, as seen in the table below.

Personal liability coverage is the part of your home insurance that covers expensive medical bills or lawsuits in the event you’re legally responsible for an injury on your property. Your liability coverage limit should be based on the total value of your assets: your home, any vehicles, and all liquid assets. 

Milwaukee home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your homeowners insurance deductible  is the amount you’re responsible for paying each time you file a claim. A high deductible policy can save you hundreds of dollars a year, but keep in mind that you are responsible for paying that amount on every claim. 

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

Home insurance discounts in Milwaukee

One great way to save money on your yearly premiums is to take advantage of any available discounts. Adding things like deadbolts, smoke alarms, or even burglar alarms to your house can save a few dollars every year on home insurance. 

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 Milwaukee with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms. 

Home insurance companies in Milwaukee for dog owners

Milwaukee dog owners might face higher home insurance premiums if they own a dog breed that’s considered dangerous or aggressive by their insurance provider. 

With an average rate of $927 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in Milwaukee for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Auto-Owners’ average yearly premium of $1,572 is the highest. 

Home insurance companies in Milwaukee for poor credit

Your credit score can impact your home insurance rates as well. Homeowners with low credit scores are considered by insurance companies to be high risk, so insurers will often charge higher premiums to policyholders with poor credit.  

With an average rate of $1,475 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates in Milwaukee for a homeowner with poor credit, while Auto-Owners' average yearly premium of $3,181 is the highest. 

Home insurance companies in Milwaukee for pool owners

Having a swimming pool in your backyard can also increase your homeowners insurance rates. Pools put homeowners at higher risk of filing a liability claim, so insurers will generally charge you a higher rate if you have one on your property.  

With an average rate of $927 per year, Allstate has the cheapest home insurance rates for Milwaukee homes that have a swimming pool, while Auto-Owners' average yearly premium of $1,572 is the most expensive.

How to buy homeowners insurance in Milwaukee

Homeowners in Milwaukee are aware of the risk of damage from the wet, rainy, and snowy weather in the state. That's why it's so important for all homeowners to find the right coverage at the right price. 

Here are a few steps to follow as you shop for homeowners insurance in MIlwaukee, Wisconsin: 

1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of licensed insurance experts are ready to help you figure out how much coverage you need and what company offers it at the best price.

2. Consider purchasing flood insurance. Standard home insurance policies do not cover flooding. Because Milwaukee residents face the threat of flooding year round, high-risk residents will want to purchase a separate flood insurance policy to make sure they’re fully protected. A Policygenius agent can help you do this, too.

3. Figure out how low of a deductible you can afford. Opting into a higher deductible can save you money on home insurance, but make sure to balance the short-term savings with the potentially unaffordable out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim

4. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Once you’ve nailed down your coverage needs and input a few details about your house, a Policygenius agent can walk you through quotes from a few different companies to help you find the best policy for your needs.

5. Sign the policy and pay your first premium. After you’ve picked out a policy, a Policygenius agent can sort out the rest. The only thing left for you to do is sign and pay your first premium.  

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.