The average cost of home insurance in Washington is $1,437 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, according to Insurify data. This is well below the national average of $2,377 for the same coverage levels.
While Washington law doesn’t require home insurance, most mortgage lenders require it. Additionally, having home insurance protects against potential risks and natural disasters, such as wildfires and strong storms.
Here’s what you need to know in order to secure the most affordable home insurance rates in Washington.
Best home insurance companies in Washington
Many reputable home insurance companies serve homeowners in Washington, but the best insurance company for you will depend on your individual situation, budget, and coverage needs. As you begin your search, keep the following industry leaders in mind.
Cheapest rates: Allstate
Best insurer for discounts: Nationwide
Best insurer for military families: Armed Forces Insurance Exchange
Armed Forces Insurance Exchange is a great option for Washington homeowners who work at one of the state’s military bases, like Joint Base Lewis-McChord or Naval Station Everett. The company exclusively offers homeowners insurance to active-duty and retired service members, as well as ROTC cadets, retired U.S. Department of Defense employees, and more.
Armed Forces Insurance offers several home insurance endorsements, like earthquake coverage, flood coverage, and animal liability insurance. Customers can also take advantage of discounts, like a new home credit, burglar alarm discount, windstorm mitigation credit, and new roof credit.
Best insurer for coverage options: Grange
Cheapest home insurance in Washington
The cheapest home insurance company in Washington is Allstate, which has an average annual premium of $626 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling insurance. In the table below, you can see more home insurance companies in Washington that offer cheap rates.
Cost of homeowners insurance in Washington
The average cost of home insurance in Washington is $1,437 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, Insurify data shows. The national average is $2,377 for the same coverage levels.
The rate you pay for home insurance will depend on several factors, including your ZIP code, insurance claim history, age of the home, size of the home, the type of home insurance, coverage limits, deductibles, and more.1 That’s why it’s important to always compare quotes from at least three to five companies to find the best rates for you.
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
One of the biggest factors that affects home insurance premiums in the state of Washington is the coverage limit. Home insurance policies with higher dwelling insurance limits have higher premiums. For example, the average policy with $400,000 in dwelling coverage costs about $700 more than a policy with $200,000 in dwelling coverage.
In the table below, you can see the average annual home insurance premium in Washington for several different dwelling coverage limits for policies with a $1,000 deductible.
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible
Most home insurance policies have a deductible for dwelling insurance and personal property insurance. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you have a covered loss. This means if you have a $3,000 personal property claim and a $500 deductible, you’d receive a $2,500 settlement from the insurance company.
In general, home insurance policies with high deductibles have lower premiums because you’re taking on more of the risk yourself. Meanwhile, policies with low deductibles have higher premiums because you’re asking the insurer to take on more risk.
Below, you can see the average cost of homeowners insurance in Washington for two different deductible amounts for policies with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
How to get cheap homeowners insurance in Washington
To get cheaper home insurance in Washington, consider using these strategies:2
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Washington?
Homeowners insurance isn’t legally required in Washington. But if you take out a mortgage on your home, your lender will probably require you to purchase a policy. Before you get home insurance, it’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers and how much coverage is right for your situation.
Insurance professionals typically recommend purchasing enough dwelling insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding your home back to its original condition. You should choose a personal property coverage limit that roughly matches the value of the items you own, like clothing, furniture, small appliances, and decor.
For liability insurance, make sure to choose a coverage limit based on the value of your personal assets. This includes real estate, cars, boats, money in your savings accounts, retirement accounts, and investments. Setting a limit to match your assets ensures you have full protection in the event of a third-party liability claim.
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Washington?
Washington residents face several risks that can damage or destroy properties. Here are some of the most common risks and natural disasters to be aware of: