Best and worst homeowners insurance companies lists are written by whoever is paid to write them, so this page gives you the public data instead. The worst carriers show up in state complaint ratios and in how they settle roof and contents claims; the best show up in low ratios, strong financial ratings and policies that pay replacement cost. The largest home insurance companies sit at both ends. The Insurance Information Institute's NAIC-based figure puts the average US homeowners premium at $1,411 for 2021, and the average renters premium at $170; both are national averages that no single household pays, and the rate pages on this site show what carriers actually file where you live.
The complaint ratio is the sharpest test
State insurance departments and the NAIC count complaints against each carrier relative to the premium it writes in the state. A carrier far above the median ratio for several years is the worst kind in the only sense that matters: claims that end in disputes. The ratio is per state, so check yours.
Financial strength and the catastrophe year
A carrier that fails after a hurricane season leaves claims to the state guaranty fund with limits. Financial strength ratings are public and are the reason a low price from a thinly capitalised carrier is not a bargain in a coastal state.
Why the largest home insurance companies are not automatically best
Scale buys claims capacity and stable pricing; it does not buy generous settlement terms or low complaint ratios. Some of the largest carriers score well on both, some do not, and regional mutuals often beat them in their own states. The III reports that 5.5 percent of insured homes had a claim in 2022, so most policy years end with nothing paid out and the price is paid for the year something is.
Check the policy terms before the brand
Roof settlement on replacement cost or a depreciation schedule, the wind deductible, water backup, ordinance or law. The rate pages on this site show what each carrier files in your state; the declarations page shows what it will pay.
Questions people ask about best and worst homeowners insurance companies
Which are the worst homeowners insurance companies?
This site publishes no list. The state complaint ratio, financial strength and settlement terms identify them for your state.
Are the largest home insurance companies the safest?
They have the claims capacity; whether they settle well is in the complaint data, which varies by carrier and by state.
Where do I check a carrier?
Your state insurance department's complaint data, the financial strength rating, and the filed rates on this site.