Home Insurance: What Buyers Should Know

Dated: August 10 2026

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If buying a home is on your radar, you’re probably watching mortgage rates, home prices, and monthly payments. But there’s another cost buyers shouldn’t overlook: homeowners insurance.

Insurance has always been part of owning a home, but it has become a bigger expense in recent years. The good news is that while premiums are still increasing, those increases are starting to slow down.

Home Insurance Costs Have Gone Up

According to the Pew Research Center, 71% of homeowners say their insurance costs have increased over the past few years.

For buyers, this is important because insurance affects the true monthly cost of owning a home. Getting a quote early can help you budget properly and avoid finding out later that a home costs more per month than you expected.

Insurance Prices Are Still Rising, But More Slowly

Homeowners insurance isn’t getting cheaper yet, but there are some positive signs.

Recent data from Rate Insurance shows that 2025 had the first slowdown in annual premium increases since 2019. That means prices are still going up, but not as quickly as they were before.

Where You Buy Matters

Insurance costs can be very different depending on where you live and the property you’re buying.

The home’s age, roof, electrical system, plumbing, previous claims, location, and coverage can all affect the price. This is why two homes with similar purchase prices can have very different monthly insurance costs.

Ways To Save on Homeowners Insurance

There are a few simple things buyers can do to potentially lower their costs:

  • Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
  • Ask about bundling home and auto insurance.
  • Check for available discounts.
  • Ask if upgrades like a newer roof can lower the premium.
  • Get an insurance quote before getting too far into the buying process.

Bottom Line

Homeowners insurance is becoming a bigger part of the homebuying budget, so don’t wait until closing to think about it.

When considering a home, look at the entire monthly cost — mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance. Getting an insurance quote early can help you understand what you can comfortably afford and avoid surprises later.

Blog author image

Chris V.

Christian Velez is a top-tier real estate professional with a 100% closing rate for both buyers and sellers. He secures the best deals through aggressive marketing, including calls, door knocking, and....

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