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7 Best Home Insurance For First Time Buyers In The USA

Best Home Insurance For First-Time Buyers

Purchasing your first home is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. One of the things you’ll need to take care of is buying home insurance for the first time. This can be tricky if you’ve never done it before.

New homeowners must navigate circumstances they have little to no experience with. Your first home purchase can be both exciting and overwhelming. In addition to finding an agent, securing a mortgage, and finding the perfect house, home insurance can also be challenging.

So, in this article, let’s look at some tips on finding the best home insurance companies for first time home buyers. First, let’s look at what home insurance is and why you need it. Home insurance covers your home and possessions in case of damage or theft. 

Furthermore, having it can help you financially if a burglary or fire damages your home. Inexperienced homeowners risk paying too much for inadequate coverage. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best homeowners insurance for first time buyers.

Our Top Picks For Home Insurance Companies For First Time Buyers

Your house is one of the most significant and major investments you make. As a result, buying homeowners insurance for the first time makes sense. In addition, you also want the right coverage from a company with the ability to pay.

Therefore, we’ve narrowed down the best homeowners insurance companies. Moreover, these insurance companies are the finest insurers available in the market.

  1. Lemonade – Best Home Insurance Company for Online Service
  2. Hippo – Best Home Insurance Company for Added Features
  3. Erie Insurance Company – Best Home Insurance Company for a Variety of Coverages
  4. State Farm – Best Nationwide Home Insurance Company
  5. Amica Mutual – Best Home Insurance Company for Customer Service
  6. USAA – Best Home Insurance Company for Military Members
  7. AIG – Best for High-Value Homes

Key Points That You Should Consider While Purchasing Home Insurance

For many people, having a home is a dream come true. However, it will take effort, diligence, and financial commitment to make it a reality. First time home buyers should exercise extra caution and know the procedures thoroughly.

Home insurance is one of the most important aspects of homeownership. In the event of a disaster, having home insurance makes sure that you maintain your financial stability. Therefore, the choice of the best insurance policy depends on several factors.

A. Coverage

Home insurance protects the building’s structure and contents from unavoidable loss or damage. Both homeowners and renters can purchase home insurance coverage. There are typically two different sorts of ranges.

Structure insurance compensates for losses by natural disasters to the home’s infrastructure. Content insurance covers the loss of or damage to the home’s contents, including jewels, electronics, furniture, etc. However, factors including your location and type of property will determine how much coverage you require.

B. Home Location

Your need for a certain type of coverage may depend on your house’s location. One example is your electronic appliances, which are susceptible to corrosion and need protection if your residence is near the sea.

Similarly, earthquakes, cyclones, and floods frequently occur in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. It is important to ensure that structural and content damage is covered in that situation.

C. Type of House

The type of home affects the insurance coverage. There are many risk concerns associated with each type of home. 

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You may need different coverage if you insure your primary residence, an apartment, or a rental property. Choose an insurance plan accordingly by keeping these things in mind.

D. Add-Ons

You can get additional coverage to aid you where your basic home insurance policy could fall short. Protecting your dream home requires comprehensive home insurance and add-on coverage tailored to your needs. 

Add-on insurance protects jewelry, valuables, terrorism, rental loss, portable electronic equipment, medical equipment, and other items. Additionally, you can protect your property from break-ins by using properly designed additions.

E. Exclusions

It’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered by your house insurance policy. Always look for exclusions in your policy to ensure a smooth home insurance claims procedure.

Some insurance policies exclude damage, including contamination, seepage losses, wilful destruction, and volcanic upsurge. To get exclusions in your policy, you must purchase add-on coverage.

How You Can File A Home Insurance Claim?

There’s nothing worse than finding that your home has been damaged or destroyed. Luckily, home insurance will compensate you for any losses you incur. Filing a home insurance claim can be a complicated and time-consuming process.

However, knowing how to file a claim to get compensation is important. This section will walk you through the steps of filing a home insurance claim. If you are a first-time home buyer, this is a must-read for you!

– File A Police Report

You should file a police report immediately if your claim resulted from criminal activity. This can aid you in recovering stolen items and will give you evidence for the insurance (many insurers will want a copy of the police report before processing a claim).

– Contact The Insurer

As soon as possible, get in touch with your insurer and ask all the pertinent questions. Ask any questions, and provide your insurance company with all the information they request. You will receive a form from your insurance provider; fill it out as soon as possible.

– Document Everything

As a precaution, you should keep pictures of your house and a list of your most priceless belongings. When it does, document all the damage and missing objects by taking pictures and making a list for the inspection.

– Keep The Receipts 

Keep the receipts if you need to make urgent repairs or find alternate housing. In addition to recording the damage, your insurance company will compensate you later if the damage and additional living costs are covered.

7 Best Home Insurance For First Time Buyers In 2023

Purchasing your first home is an exciting accomplishment. It’s a big investment that will require some maintenance and protection. The best way to safeguard your home is by buying home insurance for the first time. 

Home insurance protects your home and possessions in the event of damages or theft. It’s important to have coverage in an emergency to repair or replace your belongings. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best home insurers in 2022. 

1. Lemonade – Best Home Insurance Company for Online Service

Lemonade
  • Dwelling Coverage
  • Other Structures Coverage
  • Personal Property Coverage
  • Personal Liability
  • Medical Payments
  • Loss of Use

Lemonade Insurance is a solely online insurance provider. Lemonade’s AI offers remarkably quick home insurance estimates and claim payments. In a few minutes, you can receive a quote from the company by filling out a form on their website.

Simply select a claim from the app’s claim menu and follow the instructions on the screen. AI also speeds up the reimbursement process, making it one of the advanced & best home insurance companies for first time buyers.

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Lemonade also employs innovative and alluring methods of financing its operations. Insurers add a flat fee to the cost of insurance to fund their operations. Lemonade’s Giveback program donates unused money up to 40% of premiums to a non-profit org

However, there are just 24 states where you can buy Lemonade. Additionally, not all of its policies are offered in those states. Depending on where you live, this lack of availability may restrict your ability to bundle.

Pros

  • Quotes and claim payments are unusually swift.
  • Unused claim funds are donated to the non-profit of your choice.
  • Low monthly premiums plus a one-time administrative cost.
  • Demotech Financial Stability Rating: A.

Cons

  • Not accessible in all 50 states.
  • A.M. Best has not graded a company’s financial stability.
  • Only three states offer automobile insurance.

2. Hippo – Best Home Insurance Company for Added Features

Hippo
  • Computers & Home Office Equipment
  • Appliances & Electronics
  • Smart Home Upgrades
  • House Cleaners & Sitters
  • Service Line Protection
  • Enhanced Rebuilding

Customers at Hippo can finish the quote procedure online. You can acquire a policy in as little as five minutes and receive a quote in under a minute. Hippo also offers a discount in exchange for installing and using a free smart home monitoring system.

There are different levels of kit, each with an increasing selection of tools. According to the company, consumers save an average of $64 per year, up to $91 per year. Additionally, the kit comes with smoke, CO2, water leak, 24/7 monitoring, and emergency dispatch services.

The regular policy from Hippo covers computers and home office equipment up to $10,000. It is significantly higher than what most policies cover for electronics. This is undoubtedly worth buying homeowners insurance for first time buyers if you work from home.

A program called Homecare Expert is also available. This program offers policyholders who require repairs or maintenance professional service advice over the phone.

Pros

  • Get an online quote in 60 seconds and purchase it in 5 minutes.
  • Ample coverage for electronics and office supplies.
  • Discounts for using Hippo’s free Smart Home System.
  • Home-Care Expert program.

Cons

  • Coverage is not available nationwide.

3. Erie Insurance Company – Best Home Insurance Company for a Variety of Coverages

Erie Insurance Company
  • Valuables & Hard-to-Replace Items
  • A Gift Card & Gift Certificates
  • Animals, Birds, & Fish
  • Cash & Precious Metals
  • Water Backup & Sump Overflow
  • Personal Liability Coverage
  • Identity Recovery Services
  • Service Line Protection

Erie Insurance is worth buying homeowners insurance for first time buyers, regarding customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction. Additionally, since 2018, it has been in the top five in the JD Power Rankings Customer Satisfaction and Claims Satisfaction. 

The firm also offers Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage as part of its basic coverage. Homeowners can rebuild their residences in the same manner as before the disaster. This policy also covers roof damage, albeit a full replacement does come at an additional cost.

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However, it falls a little short of competitors in terms of discounts. However, Erie provides a 16% to 25% bundle discount. Erie’s also provides further discounts if you install automatic sprinklers, smoke detectors, and burglar alarms.

The company is one of the few insurers to provide home-sharing coverage as an alternative. Typically, ordinary homeowners insurance does not cover damage caused by paying guests. Erie only operates in 12 states, making it one of the most constrained insurers.

Pros

  • Guaranteed Replacement Cost coverage.
  • Many add-ons.
  • JD Power Ranking: 3rd out of 21.
  • A.M. Best Rating: A+.

Cons

  • Only available in 12 states.
  • Not as many discounts as competitors.

4. State Farm – Best Nationwide Home Insurance Company

State Farm
  • Dwelling Structure
  • Other Structure Coverage
  • Personal Property 
  • Additional Living Expense
  • Personal Liability 
  • Medical Payments

State Farm insurance company is one of the well-known and best home insurance for first time buyers. You will also enjoy a more simplified overall experience. Although State Farm provides a wide range of policies, you can only bundle renters, car, condo, and life insurance.

Despite this drawback, it can nevertheless result in sizable savings. For instance, you can save upto $1,127 per annum by bundling house and vehicle insurance. JD Power Rankings gives the business a high rating for customer service.

State Farm offers minimal savings compared to other sizable insurers in the nation. One of these is the customary multi-policy discount. And if you have security equipment like fire and smoke alarms, you get savings.

Certain safety measures may or may not be eligible depending on the state, so be sure to check with an agent. Utilizing top-notch roofing protection is also eligible for a rebate. State Farm’s reliance on exclusive agents is another disadvantage.

Pros

  • Available in all states and Washington, DC.
  • JD Power Ranking: 4th out of 21.
  • Partnered with Wildfire Defense Systems.
  • Wide variety of coverage types.

Cons

  • Fewer discounts than other large insurers.
  • Only accessible through exclusive State Farm agents.

5. Amica Mutual – Best Home Insurance Company for Customer Service

Amica Mutual
  • Valuable items coverage.
  • Catastrophic coverages.
  • Identity fraud expense coverage.
  • Home business coverage.

Amica Mutual came out on top of the JD Power Property Claims Satisfaction Study for nine straight years. Contractor Connection, a database, is another noteworthy feature of the company. However, it is worth buying home insurance for the first time.

It also provides a five-year warranty on the work of verified, certified, and insured contractors on its roster. Amica Mutual provides possibly the best customer service among its competitors .

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Additionally, you can find the assistance you require more quickly using its extensive contractor database. Amica provides loyalty discounts to clients who have been with the firm for at least two years.

People who have been claim-free for at least three years are also eligible for breaks. Amica Mutual does not presently provide homeowners insurance in Alaska or Hawaii. However, it is available in every other state.

Pros

  • Offers database listing vetted and licensed contractors.
  • Discounts for claims-free customers.
  • JD Power Ranking: 1st out of 21.
  • A.M. Best Rating: A+.

Cons

  • Not available in Hawaii & Alaska.

6. USAA – Best Home Insurance Company for Military Members

USAA
  • Loss of Use
  • Liability Coverage 
  • Medical Payments
  • Personal Property Protection
  • Natural Disaster Coverage
  •  Extra Liability Coverage

Regarding client satisfaction and financial soundness, USAA is a top-rated insurance company. It provides military personnel and their families with various coverage alternatives. Moreover, it is one of the best home insurance companies for first time buyers. 

Additionally, USAA is one of a select few insurers offering guaranteed replacement cost coverage as standard. With the help of this insurance, homeowners can reconstruct their homes exactly as they were before the event.

The company is famous for offering inexpensive premiums. It would be challenging to find lower house insurance prices and coverage for property damage if you are eligible for membership in USAA.

The company is one of the few insurers that provide home-sharing coverage as an option, along with Allstate and USAA. Typically, damage caused by paying guests is not covered by standard homeowners insurance.

Pros

  • 10% bundling discount with car insurance.
  • Home Sharing coverage is available.
  • A.M. Best Rating: A++.

Cons

  • Only for military members and their families.
  • Not all 50 states have access to home-sharing coverage.

7. AIG – Best for High-Value Homes

AIG
  • Collection Insurance
  • Background Check Services
  • Domestic Help
  • Private Firefighter Coverage
  • Cybersecurity Coverage

AIG is renowned as high-end insurance that offers all-inclusive protection, from homes to cybersecurity. For homes valued at $750,000 to $100 million, it guarantees guaranteed replacement cost on an “all-risk” basis.

Except for a few risks, its insurance covers all risks. Additionally, it provides the choice of extremely high deductibles (up to $100,000), so you can reduce your premium. Buying home insurance for the first time, you must hold one of the company’s other policies.

The company offers a wide selection of high-net-worth customers’ options for insurance plans. Collection, boat, auto, and even private aircraft insurance are a few examples of these coverages.

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Services that assist you in avoiding accidents or responding to them more quickly are also available. The insurance offers various background check services, domestic help, firefighting teams, cybersecurity, and more. 

Pros

  • It covers properties up to $100 million.
  • Strong cybersecurity protection.
  • Coverage for properties located outside of the US.
  • Lower average premium than high-end rivals.

Cons

  • Low ratings for customer service.
  • Customers must purchase multiple policies.
  • Homeowners insurance in California is not available.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ )

What Insurance Do I Need When Buying A House?

Homeowners insurance is not a legal requirement in most states. But your lender will probably insist that you carry home insurance if you have a mortgage on your house. Maintaining active home insurance coverage as part of your financial plan is a good idea.

You may protect your finances in the case of a covered loss by insuring your house. Insurance is always good to avoid paying out of pocket for a complete reconstruction of your home.

How Much Coverage Do I Need For Homeowners Insurance?

Every home will require a different level of home insurance coverage. To start, you can think about your home’s square footage and interior renovations. Home insurance providers have procedures for determining coverage amounts to simplify this process.

They will assist you in determining your dwelling coverage using their rating systems. Afterward, you can adjust your coverage amounts and choose your liability limit and deductible.

Who Has The Most Affordable Homeowners Insurance?

Erie and USAA are among the cheapest home insurance for first time buyers. However, not every homeowner needs to find these carriers to be affordable. Your homeowner’s insurance rate is influenced by your residence’s location, kind, and choice of coverage options.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Damage From Fire?

Most homeowners’ insurance policies will pay to repair any fire damage to your house. Typically, this coverage includes wildfire-related damage. You should examine your coverage if you reside at high wildfire risk.

The Wildfire Risk to Communities webpage will help determine whether your home is at risk from wildfires. The USDA Forest Service was responsible for creating this resource.

Is Homeowners Insurance Tax-Deductible?

Homeowner insurance is not tax deductible if the policy is for your main residence. For insurance plans on rental homes, you can deduct the cost from your taxes.

If you work full-time, you could also be eligible to deduct a portion of your home insurance costs. Similarly, if you have a roommate or tenant living on your property, you can also be entitled to claim a tax deduction.

How Much Does It Cost Buying Home Insurance For The First Time Buyers?

For a policy with Erie Insurance, the monthly rates were under $100, and for an Allstate coverage, they were close to $170. Obtaining homeowners insurance quotes depends on various factors, including your home’s location, size in square feet, and the level of coverage it offers.

How To Buy Home Insurance For The First Time?

There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for home insurance for the first time. You need to make sure you are getting the right amount of coverage. You’ll want to insure your home for its replacement value, not its market value.

Also, you must consider your needs and budget when choosing a policy deductible. A higher deductible will mean lower premiums, but you’ll need to choose the right amount of coverage. 

Final Thoughts

When buying home insurance for the first time, it is important to research. Some of the best home insurance companies for first time buyers in the USA include Erie, State Farm, and Lemonade. These companies offer various discounts and coverages to help first time buyers save money.

Erie offers a wide range of discounts and has various options for customizing your policy. State Farm is a good choice if you are looking for a company with a long history and a good reputation. Lemonade offers competitive rates and a wide variety of coverages. 

Meet Michael Kors, a seasoned automotive blogger with 8 years of experience in the industry. His passion lies in researching SUVs and trucks, dissecting their features and performance with precision. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Michael shares his expertise and insights with his readers, guiding them towards the perfect ride for their needs. Follow along as he navigates the ever-evolving world of automobiles, offering valuable advice and recommendations along the way.

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