Home Insurance Comparison Spreadsheet: Find the Best Coverage for Your Property

Homeowners insurance premiums have risen 46% since 2021 — roughly three times the rate of inflation over the same period. The average annual premium is projected to reach approximately $3,057 in 2026, following a 12% jump last year. If you live in Colorado, Texas, or Georgia, your increases have been considerably steeper. In six states, premiums surged more than 20% in 2025 alone, with Minnesota and Colorado each exceeding 30%.

The cause is not a mystery. Climate-driven severe weather — particularly convective storms producing tornadoes, hail, and destructive winds — generated over $42 billion in insured losses for the third consecutive year. Rebuilding costs continue to climb. Reinsurance (the insurance that insurance companies buy to protect themselves) has become substantially more expensive, and those costs are passed directly to policyholders.

Here is what matters for your next renewal: after years of sharp, catch-up rate increases, the market is showing early signs of stabilisation. AM Best revised the homeowners segment outlook from negative to stable in late 2025. Premium growth is expected to slow to around 4% nationally in 2026. But “slower growth” is not “cheaper.” If you have not comparison-shopped your home insurance in two or more years, you are almost certainly overpaying relative to the current market.

This spreadsheet puts every variable that matters into a single view so you can compare quotes from multiple insurers with precision.

Disclaimer: This comparison tool is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute insurance advice. Consult a qualified insurance agent or broker before making any insurance decisions. SpreadsheetTemplates.info is not responsible for decisions made based on the information provided.

The Problem With Comparing Home Insurance on Premium Alone#

Home insurance is far more complex than auto insurance. Two policies with identical premiums can offer dramatically different protection, and the differences only become apparent when you file a claim — which is exactly the worst time to discover them.

Dwelling Coverage: The Replacement Cost Gap#

The most dangerous comparison error is dwelling coverage that does not actually cover the cost of rebuilding your home. Insurance companies calculate replacement cost using construction cost databases, but these estimates can lag behind real-world costs, particularly after periods of rapid materials inflation. If your dwelling coverage is $300,000 but rebuilding would cost $400,000, you are underinsured by $100,000. No premium savings justifies that gap.

When comparing quotes, verify that each insurer’s dwelling coverage estimate is consistent. If one insurer quotes significantly lower dwelling coverage, their premium will look artificially cheap. Standardise the dwelling coverage amount across all quotes before comparing.

Personal Property: Actual Cash Value vs Replacement Cost#

This distinction costs homeowners thousands of dollars in claims. Actual Cash Value (ACV) policies pay the depreciated value of your belongings. Replacement Cost Value (RCV) policies pay what it costs to replace them with equivalent new items. A five-year-old laptop that cost $1,500 might have an ACV of $300 but a replacement cost of $1,200.

The premium difference between ACV and RCV is typically modest — often $50–$150/year. Yet many homeowners carry ACV coverage without realising it, because it produces a lower premium on comparison quotes. Always compare like with like: RCV to RCV.

Endorsements: What Your Base Policy Does Not Cover#

Standard homeowners policies (HO-3 in industry parlance) exclude a number of common risks. Flood damage, earthquake damage, sewer backup, and high-value items (jewellery, art, collectibles above standard sub-limits) all require separate endorsements or standalone policies. Some insurers include sewer backup or equipment breakdown in their standard package; others charge extra.

The spreadsheet includes a section for comparing endorsement availability and cost across insurers, so you can see the full picture.

The 2026 Homeowners Insurance Landscape: State-by-State Reality#

The national average tells one story. Your state tells a very different one. Understanding where your state sits in the current market helps you calibrate expectations and shopping strategy.

States Facing the Steepest Increases#

Colorado, Texas, and Georgia experienced some of the sharpest rate hikes in 2025, driven by each state’s unique combination of climate exposure, building costs, and regulatory environment. Colorado faces a convergence of wildfire risk, severe hail damage, and rapidly rising reconstruction costs — homeowners purchasing new policies in late 2025 were paying $666 more annually than the prior year. Georgia saw a 10% projected increase for 2026 following a 9% increase in 2025, largely driven by Hurricane Helene’s $5.5 billion toll on the state’s infrastructure. In the Midwest, Minnesota premiums jumped 34% in 2025 and Nebraska rose 25%, both driven by severe convective storm losses.

States Seeing Some Relief#

Florida, long the most expensive state for homeowners insurance, may see some stabilisation in 2026. Private insurers have begun returning to the market following a quiet 2025 hurricane season (the first in a decade without a major US landfall) and legislative reforms that curbed abusive litigation practices. Most homeowners on the state’s insurer of last resort (Citizens Property Insurance) will see premium decreases in early 2026. However, Florida premiums remain the highest in the nation by a substantial margin.

The Growing Role of the E&S Market#

A critical trend reshaping the comparison process: the Excess & Surplus (E&S) market now accounts for roughly 16% of policies in high-risk states like California, Florida, and Texas, up from under 2% in 2023. E&S carriers are not bound by the same state regulations as standard admitted carriers, which allows them to write policies in areas where standard carriers have withdrawn. The trade-off is typically higher premiums and fewer consumer protections. If you are struggling to find standard market coverage, E&S quotes belong in your comparison spreadsheet.

The Uninsured Homeowner Problem#

Rising costs are pushing a growing number of homeowners to drop coverage entirely. Approximately 14% of owner-occupied homes are now uninsured nationwide, a figure that jumped more than 6% from 2023 to 2024 according to LendingTree. More than half of homeowners surveyed by Insurify said they have made financial sacrifices to afford coverage, and nearly three in ten said they would drop coverage if they could. This is a dangerous trend — a single severe weather event can cause financial devastation without insurance. Comparison shopping to find the best available rate is the first line of defence against being priced out of coverage.

What the Spreadsheet Compares#

The home insurance comparison spreadsheet evaluates up to four quotes side by side across every coverage category and cost variable.

Coverage Categories#

For each quote, you enter dwelling coverage (Coverage A), other structures (Coverage B, typically 10% of dwelling), personal property (Coverage C), loss of use (Coverage D, for temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable), personal liability (Coverage E), and medical payments to others (Coverage F).

Deductible Structure#

Home insurance deductibles vary more than most other insurance types. Some policies use a flat dollar deductible ($1,000, $2,500, $5,000), while others — particularly in storm-prone states — use percentage deductibles (1%, 2%, or 5% of dwelling coverage). A 2% deductible on a $400,000 home means you pay the first $8,000 of a claim, which is dramatically different from a flat $1,000 deductible.

The spreadsheet converts percentage deductibles to dollar amounts based on your dwelling coverage, so you can compare them directly.

Total-Cost Scenarios#

Like the auto insurance spreadsheet, the home insurance tool calculates total annual cost under multiple scenarios: no claims, one small claim (e.g., $5,000 in damage), and one major claim (e.g., $50,000 in damage). This reveals how deductible and coverage differences affect your actual cost of ownership.

Endorsement Comparison#

A dedicated section compares which endorsements each insurer offers and at what cost: flood (if available through the insurer rather than NFIP), earthquake, sewer/water backup, equipment breakdown, scheduled personal property (for high-value items), and identity theft protection.

How to Use the Spreadsheet#

Step 1: Determine your replacement cost. Before shopping, get an estimate of your home’s rebuilding cost — not its market value. Your current insurer’s estimate is a starting point, but consider getting an independent assessment, particularly if you have had significant renovations or if construction costs in your area have risen sharply. Several online rebuilding cost calculators exist, or you can request an estimate from a local builder.

Step 2: Standardise your quote requests. Request all quotes with the same dwelling coverage amount, the same deductible type and level, and RCV personal property coverage. Specify the same liability limit ($300,000 or $500,000 is a reasonable starting point).

Step 3: Request quotes from at least four providers. Include your current insurer (for retention pricing), one or two large national carriers, and at least one regional insurer. In high-risk states, consider including an Excess & Surplus (E&S) carrier, as these specialised insurers are increasingly important in climate-affected markets.

Step 4: Enter all data and review scenarios. Pay particular attention to the dwelling coverage adequacy check (is the coverage sufficient to rebuild?), the deductible comparison (especially if any quotes use percentage deductibles), and endorsement availability for risks relevant to your property.

Download: Home Insurance Comparison Spreadsheet — Excel (.xlsx)

Key Coverage Comparison Table#

Coverage Element	What It Protects	What to Watch For
Dwelling (Coverage A)	Physical structure of your home	Ensure it covers full rebuilding cost, not market value; check for guaranteed or extended replacement cost options
Other Structures (Coverage B)	Detached garage, shed, fence	Typically 10% of Coverage A; increase if you have a large detached structure
Personal Property (Coverage C)	Furniture, electronics, clothing	Confirm it is RCV, not ACV; check sub-limits on jewellery, electronics, firearms
Loss of Use (Coverage D)	Temporary housing and living expenses if displaced	Check the time limit (12 months? 24 months?) and dollar cap
Liability (Coverage E)	Legal liability if someone is injured on your property	$300K minimum recommended; $500K or an umbrella policy for higher-value homes
Medical Payments (Coverage F)	Minor medical costs for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault	Typically $1K–$5K; a goodwill coverage that avoids full liability claims

How to Get the Best Home Insurance Rate in 2026#

Review your dwelling coverage for accuracy — in both directions. Overinsurance wastes premium dollars. Underinsurance creates catastrophic exposure. Request a current replacement cost estimate and adjust accordingly. If your insurer raised your dwelling coverage estimate significantly at your last renewal, verify whether the increase reflects actual construction costs in your area or is inflating your premium unnecessarily.

Harden your home and claim the discounts. Many insurers now offer meaningful discounts for resilience improvements: impact-resistant roofing (5–20% discount in hail-prone states), fire-resistant materials, smart water leak detectors, and monitored security systems. Colorado’s new insurance law, effective July 2026, specifically requires insurers to disclose wildfire risk scores and offer mitigation discounts. If you have made improvements, ensure your insurer knows about them.

Reconsider your deductible. In storm-prone states, moving from a 1% to a 2% wind/hail deductible can reduce premiums substantially. But understand the dollar impact: on a $400,000 home, that is moving from $4,000 to $8,000 out of pocket per claim. Only raise your deductible if you have the savings to cover it.

Check whether bundling still makes sense. Home and auto bundles typically save 5–25%, but as with auto insurance, verify the maths. The cheapest standalone home policy plus the cheapest standalone auto policy sometimes beats the bundle. This is especially true if the best home insurer for your property’s risk profile is different from the best auto insurer for your driving profile.

Explore the E&S market if you are in a high-risk area. In California, Florida, and Texas, Excess & Surplus carriers now account for roughly 16% of the market, up from under 2% in 2023. E&S policies typically cost more and have fewer consumer protections, but they provide coverage when standard carriers have withdrawn. If your options in the standard market are limited, an E&S quote belongs in your comparison spreadsheet alongside standard quotes.

If you are a renter rather than a homeowner, see our renters insurance comparison spreadsheet instead.

Frequently Asked Questions#

How often should I shop for home insurance?

Annually, 30–45 days before your renewal. The home insurance market is repricing rapidly in response to climate data, which means your insurer’s competitive position changes year to year. An insurer that was cheapest two years ago may be significantly more expensive today.

What is the difference between replacement cost and market value for home insurance?

Market value is what your home would sell for, including land value and location. Replacement cost is what it would cost to rebuild the physical structure from scratch. Insurance covers replacement cost, not market value. In expensive land markets, replacement cost is often lower than market value. In rural areas with high construction costs, it can be higher. Never use your home’s sale price as a guide for dwelling coverage.

Should I file small claims on my home insurance?

Generally, no. Filing small claims (near or below your deductible) can lead to premium increases or even non-renewal at your next review. Most insurers track claim frequency as a rating factor, and the premium increase from a small claim often exceeds the payout. Reserve your insurance for significant losses. This is also why a higher deductible — if you can afford it — often makes financial sense: it reduces your premium and removes the temptation to file marginal claims.

Does my home insurance cover flood damage?

No. Standard homeowners insurance policies explicitly exclude flood damage. Flood coverage requires a separate policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer. Updated FEMA flood maps in 2026 mean more properties now fall within designated flood zones, and premiums are climbing (10% or more over last year in many areas). Even if you are outside a designated flood zone, consider flood coverage — about 25% of flood claims come from properties outside high-risk zones.

What should I do if my insurer is leaving my state or not renewing my policy?

This is increasingly common in climate-affected states. First, contact your state’s insurance department for a list of carriers still writing policies in your area. Second, check your state’s insurer of last resort (such as Citizens Property Insurance in Florida or the FAIR Plan in California). Third, request quotes from E&S carriers, which are not bound by the same regulations as standard carriers and can write policies in high-risk areas. Fourth, document any home hardening improvements you have made, as these can make your property more attractive to carriers willing to underwrite in your area.

Will installing a smart home security system lower my premiums?

Typically, yes. Most insurers offer 5–15% discounts for monitored security systems, and some are beginning to offer additional discounts for smart water leak detectors, smart smoke detectors, and other connected home devices that reduce claim risk. The discount varies by insurer, so this is worth asking about when gathering comparison quotes.

My roof is more than 15 years old. How does this affect my insurance?

Roof age is one of the most significant rating factors for home insurance. Many insurers will not write new policies for homes with roofs older than 15–20 years, and those that do often switch from replacement cost to actual cash value for the roof only. If your roof is approaching this threshold, replacing it — particularly with impact-resistant materials — can both preserve your insurability and reduce your premium, sometimes by 10–20% or more.