How much is homeowners insurance in North Carolina?
The average premium cost of homeowners insurance in North Carolina is $1,295 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage. North Carolina homeowners insurance is right on par with the national average of $1,312 per year. In comparison to surrounding states, Tennessee’s average is $1,625 and South Carolina’s average is $1,917.
There are several factors that can affect your North Carolina insurance premium such as your home being in a hurricane zone or floodplain. Geographical location aside, your age, gender, marital status, credit score, and claims history can all impact your insurance rate.
Home insurance in North Carolina
Homeowners should consider North Carolina’s weather conditions when searching for home insurance. The weather conditions, from wind damage to flooding to hurricanes, provide some of the main reasons for home damage and loss. According to the Insurance Information Institute, of the 11 most hurricane-prone counties, two are in North Carolina.
Below are a few important factors for North Carolina residents to keep in mind.
Common causes of loss in North Carolina
Besides the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms, North Carolina suffers from frequent hail, tornadoes and other windstorms. It is so common that Citizens Time reports rolling storm damage in real-time. To date, the state has experienced downed trees, power lines and hail damage on a regular basis. The most common losses include:
- Accidental injury sustained by others: This claim type is to cover the related medical and legal fees if a visitor is injured while on your property.
- Hail and wind: These are specifically damages caused by storms that have not been named and labeled as tropical storms or hurricanes.
- Theft and burglary: This applies to objects taken from your property without your consent.
- Wind and flooding: This type of damage is specifically damage caused by storms that have been named and labeled as either a tropical storm or a hurricane.
- Fire and lightning: These claims are not the most frequent, but are typically the most expensive. Fires usually result in structural and water damage, while lightning strikes can fry the entire electrical system and lead to a fire.
Home insurance coverage options in North Carolina
If you have enough coverage in place, according to insurance experts, your home insurance in North Carolina should cover your property, personal belongings and liability. However, with the common causes of loss from weather-related disasters in North Carolina, there are some additional coverages for homeowners that might be worth considering:
- Flood insurance: Basic homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so you will need to obtain flood insurance separately if you want it. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Windstorm and hail: Depending on where you live in the state and your insurance company, windstorm and hail coverage may be excluded from your standard coverage. Some homeowners may need to purchase a separate windstorm and hail policy.
- Earthquake damage: An earthquake endorsement can cover repairs needed due to earthquake damage and may cover other structures not attached to your house, like a garage or shed. It can also insure your personal property, the cost to remove debris and extra living expenses you may have while your home is being rebuilt or repaired.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest homeowners insurance in North Carolina?
The cheapest home insurance provider for you will depend on your ZIP code, personal factors like credit history and discounts available to you.
Are hurricanes and tropical storms covered in my basic homeowners insurance policy?
Hurricanes and tropical storms are not covered in most basic policies. For these, you will usually need to get extended coverage.
If I take good care of my property, why do I need insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a safety net for your property and your finances. No one can fully predict what damages might occur, or how much they might cost. When something unexpected happens, and you cannot cover the expenses it causes, your insurance can help.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2026 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on 40-year-old male and female homeowners with a clean claim history, good credit and the following coverage limits:
- Coverage A, Dwelling: $250,000
- Coverage B, Other Structures: $25,000
- Coverage C, Personal Property: $125,000
- Coverage D, Loss of Use: $50,000
- Coverage E, Liability: $300,000
- Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000
The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible and a separate wind and hail deductible (if required).
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.