Is homeowners insurance higher on older homes?

Asked by: Ettie Berge  |  Last update: March 1, 2025
Score: 5/5 (69 votes)

Home insurance for older properties tends to be more expensive because: Structures and systems that have seen decades (or even centuries) of wear and tear are more likely to cause problems.

Is homeowners insurance more expensive for an older home?

The general rule is the older the home, the more you'll pay for your homeowners insurance. According to The Zebra, “The price difference in insuring a new construction versus a 10-year-old house is 45%. Rates climb incrementally as the home ages through the decades.”

What is the 80% rule in homeowners insurance?

The 80% rule means that an insurance company will pay the replacement cost of damage to a home as long as the owner has purchased coverage equal to at least 80% of the home's total replacement value.

Does my age affect home insurance?

When it comes to home insurance, the age of the house is usually a much more important factor than the age of the homeowner! However, some carriers will use your age to help determine the premium on homeowner's coverage.

Why did my homeowners insurance go up so much in 2024?

Climate change, inflation and industry woes have caused premiums to soar nationwide. Homeowners insurance rates rose dramatically between 2023 and 2024, according to a Bankrate analysis of rate data from Quadrant Information Services.

Homeowners ditching home insurance over rising premiums

21 related questions found

What state has the worst insurance rates?

Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Florida, and Colorado are the most expensive states for homeowners insurance. Oklahoma has the highest average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. at $5,858 per year.

Does your homeowners insurance go down when you turn 65?

Zebra tip: Some insurers offer discounts specifically for senior citizens. If you are retired, your homeowners insurance policy may assume you will be home more often, therefore decreasing the risk of a break-in. Many insurers offer retirement discounts based on this logic.

What are three factors that affect the cost of homeowners insurance?

The cost of homeowners and tenants insurance depends on a number of factors including:
  • location, age and type of building.
  • use of building (residence and/or commercial)
  • proximity of fire protection services.
  • choice of deductibles.
  • availability of any premium discounts.
  • scope and amount of insurance coverage.

What is the 50% rule in insurance?

In California's personal injury cases, the concept of 50/50 liability applies when both parties are equally responsible for an accident or incident. This shared responsibility is also referred to as equal fault or shared fault, and it falls under the broader category of comparative fault.

How do you know if you re paying too much homeowners insurance?

One big way to find out if you're being overcharged for your insurance is to look at what your policy covers. Your home insurance coverage will vary based on your location. But, if you have coverage for everything imaginable and there is a very low risk of it happening, this can drive your costs up.

What percentage of your home's value should be insured?

It's important to insure your home for at least 80% of its replacement cost. Why? Because if you have a loss and your home is insured for less than 80% of its replacement cost, your insurance company may cover less than the full amount of your claim.

How can I lower my homeowners insurance cost?

9 Tips for Lowering Your Homeowners Insurance
  1. Shop around for the best home insurance rates.
  2. Bundle your home and auto policies.
  3. Increase your home insurance deductible.
  4. Improve home security.
  5. Make home improvements.
  6. Review your coverage every year.
  7. Ask about savings.
  8. Consider actual cash value vs. replacement cost.

Can seniors get a discount on home insurance?

Some insurance companies may offer a senior citizens discount on insurance policies. According to Bankrate's research, The Hartford, Erie and Allstate could offer extra savings for retirees.

Is it hard to get homeowners insurance on an old house?

Many of the defining qualities in older homes also make them riskier to insure, often leading to a higher rate and the need for specialized coverage. If you have an older home, you may still be able to get coverage with a standard homeowners policy.

Why has homeowners insurance gone up so much?

Several factors are behind the rising rates. Severe weather events continue to cause serious damage and costly insurance claims. The rising cost of building materials, supply chain issues and unfilled jobs are driving up the costs of home repairs.

Who has the cheapest home insurance for seniors?

The Best Auto and Home Insurance Companies for Seniors
  • State Farm - Most affordable.
  • Allstate - Best bundling.
  • USAA - Best for military personnel and veterans.
  • AARP from The Hartford - Best membership benefits.
  • Travelers - Best customizable packages.

At what age does insurance stop being expensive?

On average, auto insurance rates for 25-year-olds are cheaper than rates for younger drivers. Auto insurance premiums tend to decrease as you get older, until about age 75. But your age is just one factor insurers consider when setting rates.

What is the most expensive insurance company?

Allstate

Allstate is one of the pricier major insurers in America, averaging as the most expensive out of the ten largest insurance providers. At $168 per month, covering a vehicle through Allstate costs $41 more than choosing another large auto insurance company. Esurance is an owned subsidiary of Allstate.

What is the cheapest state for home insurance?

What state has the cheapest home insurance rates? Hawaii, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire and Delaware are the cheapest states for home insurance. These states tend to have either fewer natural disasters or lower costs to rebuild a home, and sometimes both.