Charlotte, North Carolina, ranks in the top 25 U.S. cities in terms of population, with more than 874,000 people living there. It’s also one of the most desirable places to purchase a home, thanks to its investments in housing, transportation, and economic development.1
On average, Charlotte homeowners pay $1,984 annually for a homeowners insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, which is lower than the national average of $2,377. The entire state of North Carolina is prone to tornadoes and hurricanes, so you’ll want to consider these hazards when purchasing homeowners insurance.
Here’s what you should know about comparing quotes and finding affordable coverage in the Queen City.
Best home insurance companies in Charlotte
Many quality home insurance companies serve the Charlotte area, and the best company for you will depend on your individual situation and needs. If you’re looking for a place to start, the following table outlines Insurify’s top picks for home insurance companies in Charlotte.
Cheapest rates: State Farm
Best insurer for new homes: Encompass
Best insurer for state-specific needs: North Carolina Farm Bureau
The North Carolina Farm Bureau is only available in North Carolina, so agents have a unique understanding of the challenges Queen City residents face. The insurer will customize the coverage options and discounts for your situation, and the company has an excellent rating for its financial strength.
Best insurer for home-sharing: Allstate
Cheapest home insurance in Charlotte
Homeowners insurance costs are rising due to extreme weather, inflation, and high homebuilding costs. Homeowners will likely experience a 6% increase in home insurance costs by the end of the year, Insurify data shows.
If you’re looking for affordable coverage, here are some of the cheapest home insurance companies in Charlotte. Rates shown are for policies with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
Cost of homeowners insurance in Charlotte
Charlotte homeowners pay an average annual premium of $1,984 for a $300,000 homeowners policy with a $1,000 deductible. But the cost of home insurance can vary depending on the following factors:
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home as well as attached structures, like a deck or garage. The more dwelling coverage you buy, the higher your home insurance premiums will be. But you should at least have enough coverage to rebuild your home in case of a total loss.
In the table below, you can see what North Carolina homeowners pay, on average, based on their dwelling coverage amount for policies with a $1,000 deductible.
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible
If you file a homeowners insurance claim, your insurer won’t pay out on the claim until you pay the deductible. Choosing a higher deductible will lower your monthly insurance rates, but you’ll have a higher out-of-pocket expense if you ever need to file a claim. Choosing a low deductible will lead to higher insurance premiums, but you’ll pay less when filing a claim.
You can see how much Charlotte homeowners pay for home insurance based on the deductible amount they choose for policies with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
How to get cheap homeowners insurance in Charlotte
Homeowners insurance is necessary to protect your home and personal belongings if the unexpected happens. Policies can be pricey, but you can save money with the following four tips:3
Bundle your policies. You can receive a discount for purchasing multiple policies from the same insurer. For example, you could bundle your homeowners policy with auto and life insurance policies.
Evaluate your coverage. It’s a good idea to review your insurance coverage annually to ensure you aren’t paying for coverage you no longer need.
Take advantage of discounts. Ask your insurer about any additional discounts you qualify for. For example, many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners who set up automatic billing, enroll in paperless billing, or have safety features set up.
Shop around. One of the best ways to save on homeowners insurance is by shopping around before choosing a policy. Receive quotes from at least three different companies and compare the price and coverage each offers.
North Carolina homeowners insurance rates by city
Your location plays a big role in determining how much you pay for homeowners insurance. Different cities, along with different ZIP codes with that city, come with different home insurance premiums. Living in a highly populated city like Charlotte will lead to higher homeowners insurance rates.
Living in an area with a high risk of natural disasters will also increase your premiums since you’re a higher risk to your insurer. North Carolina is at risk for flooding, so living in a flood zone will cause you to pay more.4
The following table outlines the average costs for different cities in North Carolina. As you can see, the costs can vary substantially depending on your city.
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Charlotte?
If you take out a mortgage on your home, your lender will require you to purchase homeowners insurance. Before purchasing a policy, you should understand exactly what your policy covers and any exclusions to ensure you have adequate coverage.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance recommends purchasing at least 80% of the full replacement cost of the home and other structures.5 In addition to standard coverage options, you might consider looking into common insurance endorsements.
For example, guaranteed replacement cost coverage ensures your insurance company will cover the full cost of repairing or replacing your home, even if it exceeds your policy limits. Water backup coverage will protect you if your sump pump fails or a sewer line bursts.
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Charlotte?
Charlotte homeowners face several weather-related risks — here are some of the most common perils and how you can protect yourself: