Best Homeowners Insurance In Jacksonville, FL For December, 2024
Nationwide takes the prize for best homeowners insurance company in Jacksonville.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $450 per year on their home insurance.
Owning a home in Jacksonville, Florida brings its fair share of weather challenges throughout the year. The Sunshine State’s scorching heat and humidity, along with intense summer thunderstorms, and occasional winter freezes in January and February are all part of the deal.
Living along the Atlantic Coast means facing the possibility of hurricanes between May and October. Jacksonville residents know the risks of damaging winds and floods when severe storms or hurricanes hit. Unfortunately, insurance companies often raise rates due to the losses they incur from these weather events.
As a result, homeowners in Jacksonville are always on the lookout for the best home insurance companies. If you’re searching for a solution to find reliable property insurance, you’ve come to the right place.
Having lived in Florida for nearly two decades, I understand the challenges of finding the right company to protect your home and belongings from severe damage. Based on my experience and research, I can confidently say that Nationwide is the best overall home insurance company.
However, I encourage you to read our reviews of other home insurance companies in Jacksonville and make your own judgment.
Best Homeowners Insurance Companies In Jacksonville, FL 2024
Compare The Best Home Insurance Companies In Jacksonville, FL
Customer Satisfaction Rating (1000 Best) | Overall Rating | A.M. Best Rating (A++ Best) | Online Experience Rating (10.0 Best) | Best Suited For | Get A Quote | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chubb |
809 |
|
A++ |
7/10 |
High-Value Homes |
Instant Quote |
USAA |
881 |
|
A++ |
8/10 |
Military Families |
Instant Quote |
Citizens |
Not Rated |
|
B++ |
6/10 |
Florida Based Insurer |
Instant Quote |
Allstate |
816 |
|
A+ |
9/10 |
People Looking for Discounts |
Instant Quote |
Tower Hill |
Not Rated |
|
B |
7/10 |
Cheap Premiums |
Instant Quote |
State Farm |
829 |
|
A++ |
9/10 |
Agent Presence |
Instant Quote |
Nationwide |
815 |
|
A+ |
8/10 |
Best Overall |
Instant Quote |
Progressive Insurance |
874 |
|
A+ |
8/10 |
Customer Satisfaction |
Instant Quote |
Our Methodology
The rankings for the top home insurance companies in Jacksonville were determined using factual data from trusted rating services like A.M. Best (evaluating financial strength) and J.D. Power (measuring customer satisfaction). Additionally, subjective opinions from various consumer websites and the author's own firsthand experience were taken into account.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
The Best Homeowners Insurance In Jacksonville, FL
Best Overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Nationwide secures the top spot overall due to its exceptional A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, high customer satisfaction ratings across various platforms, strong agent presence in South Florida, and competitive rates. It proves to be a reliable choice all around.
What distinguishes Nationwide is its comprehensive standard home insurance policy, offering unique coverages not commonly found with other carriers. These include reimbursement for credit card fraud and ordinance or law coverage for rebuilding under stricter codes.
To cater to your specific needs, Nationwide offers customizable add-ons. Better Roof Replacement covers upgraded roofing materials following a qualified event, while Brand New Belongings provides replacement cost coverage for damaged or destroyed personal belongings. Submit your receipts for reimbursement of the cost difference.
Purchasing home insurance is made convenient with Nationwide, offering options such as local agents, phone, or online. Filing claims, paying bills, and making policy changes are all easily managed through the user-friendly Nationwide website or app.
Nationwide’s average cost for home insurance in Jacksonville: $209/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Competitive premiums in Jacksonville
- Inclusion of credit card protection in their standard policy
- Optional coverages for upgraded roofing and replacement cost protection ✓
- Reimbursement required for optional contents replacement cost coverage ✘
Best For Customer Satisfaction
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Progressive impressed us with the second-highest JD Power customer satisfaction score among all the companies we reviewed, excluding USAA. Although USAA did not receive the Best for Customer Satisfaction award due to its exclusive availability to military members and their families.
When it comes to Progressive home insurance policies, they provide the standard coverage types that are commonly found in homeowners insurance policies:
Dwelling coverage ensures that your home is protected by paying for repairs or replacements in the event of damage caused by covered incidents like a fire or tornado.
Other structures coverage takes care of the expenses associated with repairing or replacing structures that are not directly attached to your home, such as a fence or shed.
Personal property coverage ensures that your belongings, such as clothes, electronics, and furniture, are protected by providing the necessary funds to repair or replace them in the event of damage or loss.
Liability insurance is an important coverage that protects you from financial loss in case someone is injured or their property is damaged while on your property. It covers both property damage and bodily injury, as well as legal defense costs if you are sued.
Additional living expenses coverage is designed to provide support when circumstances prevent you from residing in your home due to a covered incident, such as a tornado. It covers essential expenses like hotel bills, meals, and even pet boarding fees, ensuring that you have the necessary resources to maintain a comfortable living situation while your home is temporarily uninhabitable.
Based on Progressive’s filings with the Florida Department of Insurance, it should be noted that certain dog breeds may be considered ineligible for homeowners’ coverage. These breeds include Akitas, American bulldogs, chow chows, Dobermans, Mastiffs, pit bulls, Rottweilers, Staffordshire terriers, wolf hybrids, as well as any mix or variation of these breeds. Additionally, dogs with a history of biting may also be excluded from coverage.
Average premium for Progressive home insurance in Jacksonville: $219/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers highly competitive rates in the market
- The Name Your Price tool allows you to specify your budget, and Progressive tailors coverage accordingly ✓
- Lacks options for obtaining higher dwelling coverage limits
- Maintains a list of banned dog breeds in Florida, which may render you ineligible for coverage ✘
Best For Florida-Based Insurers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Citizens Property Insurance Corporation fulfills a vital role in Florida’s property insurance landscape by extending coverage to individuals who, although entitled to obtain insurance through the private market, face difficulties in doing so.
As one of the leading insurers for Florida homes and businesses, Citizens is dedicated to delivering service that matches the standards set by private insurers.
Established in August 2002 by the Florida Legislature, Citizens operates as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government entity. Its primary objective is to provide property insurance to eligible property owners in Florida who are unable to secure coverage from the private market.
While policyholder premiums form the foundation of Citizens’ funding, Florida law mandates that assessments be imposed on most policyholders in the event of a shortfall resulting from a severe storm or a series of destructive storms.
Average premium for Citizen’s home insurance in Jacksonville: $180/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida
- Specializes in providing insurance coverage for Florida homes ✓
- Premiums may escalate after a significant storm event
- No JD Power rating available for evaluating customer service satisfaction ✘
Best For Military Families
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅USAA came in a close second for the Best Overall category, primarily due to its exclusivity to military members and their families. However, it remains a highly reliable choice overall.
Founded in 1922 by 25 Army officers with the aim of self-insuring their vehicles, USAA now offers a wide range of insurance and financial products to members of the U.S. armed forces, Reserves, veterans, and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA operates satellite offices in various locations, including London, Frankfurt, and Luxembourg.
USAA’s standard home insurance policy provides coverage for personal belongings with replacement cost included. It also offers specific coverage for uniforms of active-duty and deployed service members. Optional insurance options, such as earthquake and home-sharing coverages, may be available as well.
Eligible members can conveniently purchase USAA insurance products online using their active membership ID, over the phone, or by visiting a local branch. The USAA website features an automated agent chatbot for easy access to online accounts, allowing policyholders to handle tasks like bill payments, policy changes, and claims management.
USAA holds an impressive A++ rating from AM Best, which signifies the highest level of financial strength for insurance companies. This further reinforces USAA’s reliability and stability in serving its esteemed members.
Average premium for USAA home insurance in Jacksonville: $140/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Inclusion of coverage for active duty and deployed service member uniforms and equipment
- Standard inclusion of contents replacement cost coverage ✓
- Lack of in-person locations in Jacksonville
- Eligibility limited to current and past military members and their immediate families
- Limited number of discounts compared to competitors ✘
Best For Agent Presence
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅State Farm was our second runner-up due to its extensive agent presence in Jacksonville and South Florida, which is crucial for prompt and efficient assistance during severe weather events. State Farm offers standard homeowners insurance and policyholders can customize their coverage with additional options, such as identity theft protection, insurance for valuables like jewelry, and ordinance and law.
State Farm has the highest possible financial strength rating from AM Best, an A++.
Policyholders can opt for optional replacement cost coverage for their home, personal property, and other structures. This endorsement replaces damaged items at their current market value, regardless of depreciation. Without this option, replacement is calculated on an actual cash value basis.
Starting a quote with State Farm is possible online, but a local agent must assist with policy purchase. Policyholders can utilize the State Farm website or app for claim filing, account management, and enrollment in paperless billing. The site also offers a comprehensive resource library for insurance education.
Average premium for State Farm home insurance in Jacksonville: $144/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Very competitive premiums
- Boasts the highest number of local agents in South Florida
- Earns highest financial strength rating available ✓
- Policies not accessible through independent agents ✘
Cheapest Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Tower Hill emerged as the most cost-effective choice for home insurance in Florida. However, it’s important to note that the company lacks a JD Power score for customer satisfaction and holds a B++ rating from AM Best. These factors can be attributed to Tower Hill Insurance’s specialization as a Florida homeowners insurance company, operating in only 16 additional states.
Tower Hill provides homeowners with the flexibility to customize their insurance plans. Alongside essential coverage options like dwelling and personal property, their Typical and Prime Plus policies offer endorsements such as extended replacement cost, water backup coverage, and personal injury coverage.
What sets Tower Hill apart are their unique add-on coverage options, which may be challenging to find with other carriers. These include landscaping coverage, food spoilage, trampoline liability, lock replacement, and more.
Moreover, Tower Hill’s highest-tier Spire package incorporates numerous optional coverages directly into the policy, further enhancing its comprehensive nature.
Average Premium for Tower Hill home insurance in Jacksonville: $121/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers the cheapest rates in Jacksonville and the entire state of Florida
- Provides specialized policy packages for high-value homes
- Has an extensive list of coverage options to personalize home insurance coverage for every need ✓
- AM Best downgraded its financial strength rating in 2022, raising concerns over its financial stability
- Received a higher than average number of customer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
- No mobile app and limited policy information is available on the website, which may cause inconvenience to tech-savvy customers. ✘
Best For High-Value Homes
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Chubb presents an exceptional choice for homeowners seeking to protect high-value assets, thanks to their array of valuable extras. However, it’s worth noting that budget-conscious homeowners in Jacksonville might find their rates slightly above average.
When it comes to insuring a high-value home, Chubb offers a range of policy add-ons tailored to meet your unique needs. Notably, extended replacement cost coverage stands out, providing vital support in rebuilding your home after a covered accident.
One notable perk offered by Chubb is their risk consulting program, wherein a Chubb consultant can assess potential fire or security concerns within your home before any accidents occur, providing you with added peace of mind.
The Chubb Masterpiece insurance policy covers various aspects that hold importance for affluent clientele, including the restoration of electronic data destroyed by a computer virus and property management services.
In their commitment to ensuring a seamless claims experience, Chubb claims agents hold the authority to promptly process and pay claims. It’s important to mention that claim denial requires the approval of a manager, as Chubb aims to make the claims filing process as painless as possible for policyholders
Average premium for Chubb home insurance in Jacksonville: $317/month
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Provides home assessments for every client, ensuring they have tailored and comprehensive coverage for emergency situations
- Masterpiece-level customers have the freedom to select their own contractors and artisans for repairs following a claim
- Offers a cash settlement option for those who prefer not to rebuild their property entirely after a total loss ✓
- Policies are generally pricier compared to most competitors, as they cater specifically to high-value properties
- Only offers agent-assisted quotes, with no option for obtaining online quotes ✘
Best For Discounts
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Allstate stands out with an impressive range of 11 homeowners insurance discounts, including seven that are considered uncommon offerings by industry analysts. This exceeds the industry average of seven discounts and demonstrates Allstate’s commitment to providing customers with exceptional savings opportunities. Allstate’s discounts include:
- Claims forgiveness: additional coverage which keeps your rate from increasing after you file a claim
- Claims-free: customers can get 5% back on renewal as long as they remain claims-free every year
- Deductible reward: $100 off deductible upon signing up
- Bundle: up to 25% for bundling home and car insurance
- Automatic payment: saves up to 5%
- Loyalty: up to 10% for renewing with Allstate
- New Homebuyer: discount for recent homebuyers
- New home: discount for insuring a newly constructed home
- Responsible payment: additional discount for having a good payment history
- Early payment: up to 10% for buying a new policy at least seven days before your old policy expires
- Protective device: discount for installing theft and fire protection
Allstate’s homeowners insurance not only includes essential coverages like dwelling and personal property protection, liability coverage, and guest medical protection but also offers an array of optional coverages to cater to individual needs.
With nine optional coverage types available, Allstate goes beyond the norm. Alongside commonly offered options such as ID theft and scheduled personal property coverage, Allstate stands out by providing specialized coverage for homeowners with yards and gardens. This unique offering increases coverage limits for landscaping costs and even includes protection for riding lawn mowers.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Provides a wide range of discounts to customers
- Boasts a substantial presence of local agents and claims adjusters in South Florida
- Exhibits strong financial stability ✓
- Registers a higher number of complaints compared to the national average ✘
How To Find The Best Home Insurance Company For You
Looking for the best home insurance company in Jacksonville may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it. Your South Florida home is probably your biggest financial asset, so protecting it and everything you own is crucial for your family’s financial well-being.
Follow these steps to find the right policy for you:
- Research home insurers in Jacksonville online and choose three companies you feel comfortable with.
- Decide how much coverage you need (an agent can help you with this).
- Get quotes from the three insurers for the coverage you want.
- Compare the coverage, customer reviews, financial strength, and rates of each company.
- Fill out the application for coverage with the company you choose.
Some companies let you do all of this online, while others require you to talk to an agent.
Largest Home Insurance Companies In Florida
Based on the latest data from the Insurance Information Institute in 2021, we have identified the Florida home insurers with the highest number of policyholders:
- Universal Insurance Holdings
- Citizens Property Insurance
- State Farm
- Tower Hill Insurance
- Progressive
- USAA
- First Protective Insurance Company
- HCI Group, Inc.
- Florida Peninsula Holdings
- Heritage Insurance
Average Cost Of Home Insurance In Jacksonville, FL
Using the median home data from the U.S. Census, we have calculated the following rates for a 2,100-square-foot home with $215,300 of dwelling coverage built in 1986:
Insurer | Annual Rate |
Tower Hill | $1,040 |
Chubb | $1,411 |
Allstate | $2,240 |
Average | $1,867 |
State Farm | $1,816 |
American Integrity | $2,112 |
Nationwide | $2,670 |
How To Get An Online Home Insurance Quote In Jacksonville
To obtain an online quote for home insurance in Jacksonville, you can easily follow these steps:
- Visit the websites of the insurance companies you’re considering.
- Fill out the quote form by providing relevant details about your home and its contents, such as value, age, square footage, exterior material, zip code, and other requested information.
- Submit your information and wait for your quotes to be generated.
While there might be other home insurance providers in Jacksonville that catch your interest, please note that not all of them offer online quotes. In such cases, you’ll need to reach out to a licensed agent located near you in Jacksonville by making a phone call.
Find Home Insurance In Jacksonville
How To Buy Home Insurance In Jacksonville
When purchasing home insurance in Jacksonville, simply follow these steps:
- Determine the appropriate coverage amount for your needs.
- Obtain quotes from three well-established and trusted insurance companies.
- Complete your coverage application by submitting the required premium.
Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Home Insurance Policy In Jacksonville
Several factors contribute to the cost of home insurance in Jacksonville, including:
- The location of the home (zip code)
- The home’s age
- Construction materials (brick, stucco, etc.)
- Proximity to flood zones
- Your claim history
- Coverage amounts
- Insurer discounts
In Jacksonville, the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean is an important factor that influences your insurance rates.
Florida Home Insurance Laws To Know
As of January 1, 2023, Florida implemented a new property law known as SB 2A, bringing about significant changes. One notable aspect of this law is the establishment of the Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance Program (FORA). With a billion-dollar fund, FORA acts as a safety net for insurance companies in the event of a hurricane season or a catastrophic event reminiscent of the one experienced in 2022.
Another crucial provision of the law is the elimination of Assignment of Benefits (AOB). This means that the practice of signing over insurance checks received to contractors is no longer permitted under the new regulations.
Home Insurance Discounts In Jacksonville
When purchasing home insurance in Jacksonville, it’s worthwhile to inquire with your agent about potential discounts that can help reduce your premium. There are several discounts that you may qualify for on the same policy, including:
- Claims-free discount: You can enjoy a discount on your policy renewal if you have remained claims-free each year.
- Bundle discount: Some companies offer up to a 25% discount for combining your home and car insurance policies.
- Automatic payment discount: By setting up automatic premium deductions from your checking account, you may be eligible for a discount.
- New home discount: Insuring a newly constructed home can often qualify you for a discount.
- Responsible payment discount: Maintaining a good payment history may entitle you to an additional discount.
- Early payment discount: By purchasing a new policy at least seven days before your current policy expires, you can receive a discount.
In The News
- As reported by WFAA news in Tampa, industry experts in the home insurance sector predict a substantial surge in Florida’s property insurance rates, potentially reaching up to a 50% increase during the summer of 2023.
- In the past three years, United Property & Casualty (UPC) becomes the tenth property insurance company in Florida to enter receivership, highlighting the challenges faced by the industry in the state.
Information About Jacksonville
Jacksonville, the largest city in Florida, is a vibrant community that combines rich history with innovation. Influenced by unique architectural styles and diverse culture, Jacksonville offers a dynamic environment for residents and visitors.
With a thriving arts and cultural scene, Jacksonville hosts live performances, art exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year. From symphony orchestras to contemporary art museums, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the city’s creative offerings.
Nature lovers will appreciate Jacksonville’s natural beauty, with its stunning coastal areas and numerous parks. Miles of beautiful beaches and expansive park spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle.
Looking For Homeowners Insurance In Other Florida Cities?
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- Best Homeowners Insurance In Tampa, FL
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- Best Homeowners Insurance In Orlando, FL
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FAQs
Is home insurance more expensive in Florida?
Yes, home insurance in Florida is often 50% higher than in many other states. This is because Florida’s coastal areas are prone to severe hurricanes that have cost home insurance companies billions of dollars. As a result, homeowners in Florida face significant rate increases to cover these losses.
How much per month is a million-dollar home insurance policy in Jacksonville?
Insurers may offer different rates, but two of the most affordable options are State Farm with an annual premium of $1,867 and Chubb with an annual premium of $1,411.
What is the average monthly cost of home insurance in Florida?
The cost will vary based on the value of the home, but on average, having $250,000 in dwelling coverage will result in an annual premium of approximately $2,200.
Sources
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