Comparing home insurance companies based on rates and quotes can help consumers save money, but buying coverage because a provider offers low premiums may not help you find the best value and policy. It is important to buy insurance from a company that provides a balance of the top coverage, rates, customer service, claims responsiveness, and financial strength that homeowners deserve, especially in times of distress or disaster. There are easy ways to find the best home insurance companies online, and get free quotes to compare coverage, policies and costs.
Below, you will find the many factors and rankings to consider when buying homeowner’s insurance. Here’s a list of the top-rated homeowners insurance companies in the United States, from best to worst.
Finding The Best Insurance Companies
There are numerous consumer websites that rank the best companies. The most well-known consumer services are AM Best and JD Powers. These companies rate different insurers based on 5 categories, which include policy offerings, pricing, billing and payment, customer service and overall satisfaction.
Thousands of consumers are polled about their experience with their homeowner’s insurance company and the results are compiled into simple tables showing how each carrier ranked in the categories. Please find the top home insurance company rankings.
- USAA
- State Farm
- AllState
- Farmers
- Liberty Mutual
- Mercury
- Nationwide
- MetLife
- SafeCo
- Travelers
Policy Offerings
Since there is no standardized form for home insurance, each insurance provider has different provisions in their policy. While the major provisions are similar between providers, the top insurance companies usually provide extra services or coverage that puts their policy at the top of the rankings. Good policies are easy to read and understand.
Not every homeowner wants or needs the same protection so insurers offer different types of policies to meet their customer’s needs. The following are the largest companies with the best policy offerings:
- USAA
- State Farm
- Nationwide
- Farmers
- MetLife
- Liberty Mutual
- AllState
- SafeCo
- Mercury
- Travelers
Customer Service
For most consumers, customer service is a paramount consideration when choosing a carrier. No one wants to listen to music and advertisements for 30 minutes while they wait to talk to a company representative.
Prompt, courteous service and resolution of claims is one of the most important factors when choosing among carriers. Knowledgeable representatives who can answer questions and assist customers contribute to great customer service.
- USAA
- State Farm
- AllState
- Nationwide
- Farmers
- Mercury
- MetLife
- Liberty Mutual
- SafeCo
- Travelers
Pricing and Premiums
While price should never be the only consideration when determining which coverage fits your needs, companies that are consumer-focused offer the lowest rates, comprehensive protection, and best value. It is easy to check the rates of different top insurance companies by requesting free quotes.
Just enter your zip code, input some basic information, and get instant quotes online. Almost all insurers provide a quote in just a few minutes so consumers can quickly compare rates. Just as you comparison shop for car, health, and life insurance, electronics, and everyday household items, consumers should always compare quotes to ensure they are getting the best deal on their policy.
- USAA
- Mercury
- State Farm
- Nationwide
- Farmers
- AllState
- MetLife
- Liberty Mutual
- SafeCo
- Travelers
Billing and Payment
Accurate billing practices are a must so that homeowners can avoid any lapse in their insurance coverage. Easy payment alternatives like online bill pay, automatic payments from credit or debit cards and telephone bill pay help consumers save time and the cost of a stamp.
The top insurers offer payment plans to meet every budget and discounts for consumers who pay their premiums in full once a year. Paying bills is never fun but the top-ranked insurance companies make paying their bills simple for their customers.
- USAA
- State Farm
- MetLife
- Nationwide
- Liberty Mutual
- AllState
- SafeCo
- Mercury
- Farmers
- Travelers
Mutual and Public Insurance Companies
The primary difference between mutual and publicly-held insurance companies is that policyholders own mutual companies while investors own public, or stock, companies. The day to day operations of these corporations are similar, only the financial structure is different. Some consumers prefer mutual groups since they answer to policyholders rather than stockholders, but both types of companies rank-high for consumer rankings.
Financial Stability
Since a house is a long term investment, it is essential to choose an established insurance company with a history of financial stability and strength that will protect your home now and in the future. AM Best and Standard & Poor rate companies on financial stability. Strong insurers have a rating of either A+ or A for liquidity and fiscal management.
Claims Services
The best home insurance companies provide 24/7 claims service with a toll free number, but for many carriers this means an automated phone service during non-business hours. Consumers should find out if a company has an automated phone service or live representatives during nights and weekends. Damage to homes does not always occur during business hours and carriers that provide live representatives to respond to their policyholders’ questions and concerns are likely to provide good overall customer service. In terms of overall property claims satisfaction studies, the following national insurance providers ranked best:
- USAA
- State Farm
- Nationwide
- Farmers
- AllState
- Liberty Mutual
- MetLife
- SafeCo
- Travelers
Claims Adjusters vs. Independent Adjusters
Claims adjusters are employees of the insurance company while independent adjusters are hired consultants that may work for several insurance companies. The only time many consumers have direct contact with their insurance company is when they have a claim for damages.
Since claims adjusters work directly for the company, they are experienced in the company’s offerings and are able to provide fast service. Much of the largest, top-ranked insurance companies employ their own adjusters for better control over customer service.
Special Policies
Home insurance does not cover claims related to a business that is operated from the home. Those who have home-based businesses should ask insurers if they offer additional coverage for items like computers, laptops, electronics, software, and equipment used in the business.
Some items, like expensive jewelry or artwork, are not fully covered under the standard policy, but the best companies provide additional protection for these items (at an additional cost) as a rider added to the policy.
Additional Sources of Information
Some small regional companies may offer excellent protection but are not large enough to make national rankings for the best companies. Consumers who are considering a company that is not ranked by JD Powers or AM Best can check with their State Department of Insurance for information. Another good source of information is the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) which keeps records of any complaints made against businesses. Financial information on smaller companies can be obtained by requesting their company financial prospectus.
Best Home Insurance
Home insurance is an important purchase and the best insurance companies have the financial resources to cover their obligations in the event of a large scale catastrophe. They also provide top notch customer service so their policyholders get the best value for their premiums and rates. A little research by consumers can help them find the best companies with the best rates. Start with a free home insurance quote and compare policies, rates, coverage, riders, and options.
