Finding the best home insurance rate in the US in 2026 usually comes down to matching the right insurer to your home profile and location, then shopping quotes strategically. National averages can be useful context, but your ZIP code, rebuild cost, roof age, claims history, and local catastrophe risk can swing prices dramatically.
For reference, Bankrate estimates the average homeowners insurance cost is about $2,424/year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage (Feb 2026). NerdWallet’s 2026 analysis uses a different coverage example and reports about $2,490/year on average (for $400,000 dwelling coverage).
Below is a practical 2026 shortlist of insurers that frequently appear in lowest-cost analyses—plus how to decide which one is most likely to be cheapest for you.
Why home insurance rates look so different in 2026
Three forces matter most:
- Catastrophe exposure (hail, wind, wildfire, hurricanes). NerdWallet’s 2026 pricing analysis highlights expensive states such as Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas, while Hawaii, Vermont, and Delaware trend lower.
- Rebuild costs (labor + materials). Even in “lower-risk” states, higher construction costs can raise premiums.
- Insurer appetite (some carriers price aggressively in certain states and pull back in others). In Florida, for example, market dynamics and policy movement between state-backed and private insurers can meaningfully affect what’s available and at what price.
10 insurers that often have the best home insurance rates (2026)
Important: Best rates here means frequently low in multi-state pricing research, not a promise that the same carrier is cheapest in every ZIP code. Always verify with quotes.
USAA (for eligible military, veterans, and families)
USAA is consistently cited as one of the cheapest options in 2026 comparisons (eligibility required). NerdWallet notes USAA can price below large national competitors on average.
Best for: eligible households who want strong value and often-lower premiums.
State Farm
NerdWallet lists State Farm among the cheapest large insurers in 2026, and it’s commonly available nationwide.
Best for: broad availability, bundling home + auto, standard single-family homes.
Auto-Owners
Bankrate’s “cheap home insurance” research frequently places Auto-Owners among the lowest-cost options on average (where available).
Best for: homeowners in its service footprint looking for competitive pricing and traditional agent support.
American Family
Bankrate and Insurify both list American Family among insurers that can deliver low premiums in many cases.
Best for: bundlers and households in states where AmFam is strong.
Travelers
NerdWallet’s awards methodology notes Travelers has the cheapest homeowners rates in more states than many widely available carriers (though the cheapest insurer can differ by state).
Best for: shoppers who want a widely available carrier and competitive pricing in many states.
Erie Insurance (regional)
Erie often competes well on price in its operating states (regional carrier; not nationwide). While not always “the cheapest” in every list, it commonly appears in value-focused comparisons.
Best for: homeowners in Erie-served states who prefer regional pricing + service.
Cincinnati Insurance (regional / independent agent channel)
Insurify’s 2026 “cheap” roundup includes Cincinnati Insurance among low-cost national options in its analysis.
Best for: higher-quality homes in eligible states, shoppers using independent agents.
Grange Insurance (regional)
Insurify’s 2026 cheap-home-insurance analysis lists Grange as one of the lowest-cost options in its dataset.
Best for: homeowners in Grange markets, especially if you can pair with other policies.
Armed Forces Insurance (eligibility-based)
MarketWatch’s 2026 research highlights Armed Forces Insurance as a particularly affordable option (eligibility required).
Best for: eligible households prioritizing price.
Nationwide (varies by state; can be very competitive)
Rate examples can vary a lot, but Nationwide sometimes shows up as a low quote winner in comparison scenarios.
Best for: homeowners who want to compare a large carrier that can be aggressive in certain markets.
Comparison table: which cheap insurer fits which homeowner?
| Insurer | Often cheapest for… | Best when you… | Availability notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | Eligible households | Want strong value + price | Eligibility required |
| State Farm | Many standard homes | Bundle home + auto | Broad national presence |
| Auto-Owners | Price-focused shoppers | Prefer agent support | Regional footprint |
| American Family | Bundlers in key states | Want discounts + solid baseline pricing | State availability varies |
| Travelers | Many states | Want a widely available “often-cheap” option | Varies by state |
| Erie | Value shoppers | Like strong regional carriers | Not nationwide |
| Cincinnati | Agent-placed policies | Work with independent agents | Not nationwide |
| Grange | Certain regions | Compare regional options | Not nationwide |
| Armed Forces Ins. | Eligible households | Want lowest-price focus | Eligibility required |
| Nationwide | Quote shoppers | Want another major carrier to benchmark | Varies by market |
How to actually get the best rate (step-by-step)
Quote the same coverage across insurers: Keep dwelling coverage, deductible, endorsements, and loss-of-use consistent. Otherwise, you’re comparing apples to oranges.
Use rebuild cost—not market value: Many homeowners underinsure or overinsure because they use Zillow/market price. Insurers price primarily on replacement cost.
Check roof age and condition: In many states, roof age and materials can be a bigger premium driver than square footage.
Raise the deductible (carefully): A higher deductible often lowers premiums, but only do it if you can comfortably pay it after a loss.
Bundle where it makes sense: Bundling can be meaningful, but not always. Get both bundled and standalone quotes.
Ask about hidden discounts: Security system, impact-resistant roof, updated plumbing/electrical, claims-free, loyalty, and autopay can matter.
Re-shop annually (or after big changes): Rates are volatile in catastrophe-prone states. Even if your insurer was cheapest last year, it may not be today.
Where home insurance is cheapest and most expensive in 2026
State averages help you set expectations. Bankrate puts the national average around $2,424/year for $300k dwelling, but notes large state variation. NerdWallet similarly highlights big differences by state.
If you’re in a high-risk area, the best rate often comes from:
- choosing a carrier with strong appetite in your state,
- improving risk factors (roof, mitigation),
- comparing multiple carriers every renewal.
FAQ
What is a good home insurance rate in 2026?
A good rate is one that offers adequate dwelling coverage and key endorsements at a price that is competitive for your ZIP code. National averages (around the mid-$2,000s/year in common coverage scenarios) are only a benchmark.
Who is usually cheapest: big insurers or regional insurers?
It depends on your state. Regionals can be very competitive where they operate, while some big insurers price aggressively in certain markets.
Will switching insurers hurt me?
Not inherently. Just avoid coverage gaps, align effective dates, and confirm any escrow requirements if you have a mortgage.
Conclusion
In 2026, the 10 best home insurance rates aren’t one fixed list for everyone—but insurers like USAA, State Farm, Auto-Owners, American Family, and Travelers repeatedly show up as strong low-cost contenders in major pricing analyses. The fastest way to land the best rate is to standardize coverage, collect multiple quotes, and optimize the big drivers (roof, deductible, mitigation, and bundling).