Washington home insurance protects homeowners against the financial impact of disasters that damage or destroy their property. A standard policy covers the structure of your house and personal belongings, as well as liability protection. However, it’s important to read your policy carefully to ensure you have the coverage you need. Many policies exclude certain events that are common in the state, such as earthquakes, sinkholes, war and wear and tear. In addition, your policy may limit the amount of coverage for certain items such as pet boarding, hotel bills or restaurant meals when they aren’t covered by your standard policy.
According to the Seattle Times, homeowners in some areas of the state are experiencing higher rates for homeowner’s insurance and have been told their policy isn’t available due to the elevated risk of wildfires. This is similar to the situation that occurred in Florida and California following recent hurricanes. It’s not clear whether this trend will continue or level off, but many residents are facing challenges getting the right coverage.
The average home insurance rate in Washington is $969 a year, which is below the national average of $1,337. This is despite the fact that Washington has a greater risk of weather-related and wildfire-related damage than other states. Fortunately, you can save hundreds of dollars a year by shopping around and getting multiple quotes.
It’s also possible to reduce your rates by taking steps to prevent damages or minimize the amount of damage that occurs. For example, keeping your home properly maintained can help keep the cost of repair or replacement down. In some cases, installing a burglar alarm or other protective devices can qualify you for a discount. You can also avoid filing claims by making small repairs yourself or limiting your claim amounts to the most severe cases.
Getting the best home insurance in Washington requires finding an insurer that balances service reputation, affordability and financial stability. To help you, MoneyGeek analyzed home insurance companies in the state to identify the top 10 and ranked them based on J.D. Power customer satisfaction and claims experiences, as well as NAIC complaint ratios and financial strength ratings.
The top 5 homeowners insurance companies in Washington are Travelers, State Farm, Farmers and Allstate. Each company offers a variety of discounts that can help you get the most affordable rate. To learn more about how each company ranks and the discounts they offer, visit our best home insurance companies page. You can also get a free home insurance quote from each of these providers by visiting our compare rates page and entering your ZIP code. Then, select a company to get your personalized comparison of Washington home insurance. Alternatively, you can speak to an independent agent at Vern Fonk to find out the best options for your specific needs. Call or schedule an appointment today to learn more about the best home insurance in Washington. We can help you find a plan that’s the best fit for your budget and lifestyle.