Best Homeowners Insurance In Lake City, FL For May, 2024

I recommend Nationwide as the best homeowners insurance company in Lake City.

min read
Updated: 04 January 2024
Written by
Bob Phillips
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Living in Lake City, Florida brings a range of weather challenges throughout the year. From scorching heat and humidity to strong summer thunderstorms, and occasional winter freezes in January and February, homeowners here need to be ready. Along the Gulf or Atlantic Coast, the looming risk of hurricanes from May to October adds to the worries.

Lake City residents have the important task of protecting their homes from damaging winds and floods caused by severe summer storms, tropical storms, or hurricanes. This often leads to higher insurance rates due to significant losses from these weather events.

To lower these risks, Lake City homeowners are always on the lookout for the best insurance providers. If you’re searching for the right homeowners insurance company, you’re in the right place.

Having lived in Florida for nearly twenty years, I understand the challenges of choosing a company that can effectively safeguard your home and belongings from catastrophic loss. After extensive research and personal experience, I can confidently state that Nationwide is the top home insurance company overall.

Nevertheless, I encourage you to read our reviews of other home insurance companies in Lake City and form your own opinion.

Best Homeowners Insurance Companies In Lake City, FL 2024

Compare The Best Home Insurance Companies In Lake City, FL

Online Experience Rating (10.0 Best) A.M. Best Rating (A++ Best) Overall Rating Best Suited For Customer Satisfaction Rating (1000 Best) Get A Quote
USAA

8/10

A++

4.8

Military Families

881

Instant Quote
Citizens

6/10

B++

4.6

Florida Based Insurer

Not Rated

Instant Quote
Chubb

7/10

A++

4.6

High Value Homes

809

Instant Quote
Allstate

9/10

A+

4.7

People Looking For Discounts

816

Instant Quote
State Farm

9/10

A++

4.8

Agent Presence

829

Instant Quote
Nationwide

8/10

A+

4.9

Best Overall

815

Instant Quote
Tower Hill

7/10

B

4.5

Cheap Premiums

Not Rated

Instant Quote
Progressive Insurance

8/10

A+

4.7

Customer Satisfaction

874

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

We carefully evaluated the best homeowners insurance companies in Lake City using a thorough process. This involved analyzing data from reputable rating services like A.M. Best for financial strength and J.D. Power for customer satisfaction. We also considered opinions from various consumer sites and took into account the author's personal experience. This comprehensive approach helped us effectively assess the insurance coverage and providers.

75

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

23

Brands Reviewed

29+

Research Hours

Home Insurance Company Reviews


Best Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Nationwide claims the top spot overall for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it earns an exceptional A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, indicating strong financial stability. Moreover, Nationwide shines in customer satisfaction ratings across various online platforms, demonstrating its dedication to providing excellent service. With a strong presence of agents in South Florida and highly competitive rates, Nationwide emerges as a reliable choice all-around.

What distinguishes Nationwide is its standard home insurance policy, which offers unique coverages not commonly found with other providers. For instance, they provide reimbursement for credit card fraud and include ordinance or law coverage, ensuring compliance with stricter codes when the need for rebuilding arises. In addition, if you own a home and a car, you can combine homeowners insurance with auto insurance, known as bundling policies for a discount.

The ability to customize your policy with add-ons is another advantage. Better Roof Replacement enables coverage for upgraded roofing materials in the event of qualifying incidents. Another option, Brand New Belongings, ensures replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings. In case of damage or destruction, you’ll receive reimbursement for the depreciated value of the items, allowing you to repurchase them and submit the receipts to Nationwide for reimbursement of the cost difference.

When it comes to purchasing home insurance from Nationwide, convenience is key. You have the option to buy from a local agent, over the phone, or online. Furthermore, managing your policy is hassle-free through the Nationwide website or mobile app, enabling you to file and track claims, make payments, and make necessary policy changes without any trouble.

Nationwide’s average cost for home insurance in Lake City: $209/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Competitive premiums offered in Lake City
  • Additional coverages are available, including upgraded roofing and replacement cost protection for belongings
  • The standard policy includes credit card protection
Drawbacks
  • Reimbursement is necessary for optional contents replacement cost coverage

Best For Military Families

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

USAA takes the silver medal for Best Overall, primarily because it exclusively serves military members and their families. However, this doesn’t detract from the fact that USAA remains a highly reliable choice.

Founded in 1922 by a group of 25 Army officers who wanted to self-insure their cars, USAA now offers a range of insurance and financial products for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve, veterans, and their families. Their headquarters is in San Antonio, and they have additional offices in various U.S. locations, as well as in London, Frankfurt, and Luxembourg.

USAA’s standard home insurance policy provides valuable features such as replacement cost coverage for personal belongings and coverage for uniforms of active-duty and deployed service members. They may also offer optional insurance coverage for events like earthquakes and home-sharing. In addition, if you own a home and a car, you can bundle homeowners insurance with auto insurance to save money on both.

Eligible members can conveniently purchase USAA insurance products online using their active membership ID, through phone assistance, or by visiting a local branch.

To enhance customer convenience, USAA offers an automated agent chatbot on their website, allowing easy access to online accounts. Through the online platform, policyholders can manage various tasks such as bill payments, policy changes, and claims. It’s important to note that USAA has an excellent A++ rating from AM Best, indicating the highest level of financial strength for insurance companies.

Average premium for USAA home insurance in Lake City: $140/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Standard contents replacement cost coverage
  • Inclusion of coverage for active duty and deployed service member uniforms and equipment
Drawbacks
  • Lack of physical locations in Lake City for in-person services
  • Limited discounts in comparison to competitors
  • Eligibility is restricted to current and former military members and their immediate families

Best For Agent Presence

Overall Rating
4.8

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

State Farm secures the second spot with its strong presence of agents in Lake City and South Florida. This proves crucial for quick access to help after storms or hurricanes, as they have many claims adjusters and offices in Lake City.

State Farm offers a standard homeowners policy that can be customized with extra coverages. These include options like ordinance and law coverage, identity theft protection, home-based business insurance, and insurance for valuable items such as jewelry.

State Farm has the highest financial strength rating from AM Best, with an impressive A++ rating.

For convenience, State Farm provides optional replacement cost coverage for your home, other structures, and personal belongings. This coverage replaces damaged items at their current market value without considering depreciation. Without this, replacement is based on the actual cash value. In addition, if you own a home and a car, you can bundle homeowners insurance with auto insurance for a discount.

While you can start the quote process online, you need to work with a local agent to purchase the policy. Policyholders can manage claims, accounts, and choose paperless billing through the State Farm website or app. The website also offers helpful resources to understand insurance better.

Average premium for State Farm home insurance in Lake City: $147/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Competitive premiums that provide excellent value
  • Highest available financial strength rating
  • Extensive network of local agents in South Florida
Drawbacks
  • Home insurance policies are exclusively sold through company agents and not available through independent agents

Cheapest Coverage

Overall Rating
4.5

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
6/10 Customer Reviews
7/10 Claims/Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Tower Hill stands out as the most budget-friendly choice for insurance rates in Florida. However, it’s important to mention that the company lacks a JD Power score for customer satisfaction and holds a B++ rating from AM Best. These aspects can likely be attributed to Tower Hill Insurance’s specialization as a Florida homeowners insurance company, with coverage limited to only 16 additional states.

Tower Hill’s home insurance allows homeowners to personalize their own insurance plan. Alongside standard coverage types like dwelling and personal property, their Typical and Prime Plus policies provide various endorsement options. These include extended replacement cost, water backup coverage, and personal injury coverage.

What makes Tower Hill unique is their offering of exclusive add-on coverage options that may be hard to find with other providers. These additions range from landscaping coverage and food spoilage to trampoline liability and lock replacement, among others.

Moreover, Tower Hill’s highest-tier Spire package incorporates numerous optional coverages into the policy for added convenience.

Average Premium for Tower Hill home insurance in Lake City: $125/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Boasts the most budget-friendly rates in Lake City and across Florida
  • Offers specialized policy packages designed for high-value homes
  • Presents a wide array of coverage options to personalize home insurance according to individual needs
Drawbacks
  • Experienced a downgrade in financial strength rating by AM Best in 2022
  • Does not provide a mobile app and offers limited policy information on the website
  • Noted for a higher-than-average number of customer complaints reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

Best For Discounts

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims/Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Allstate shines brightly in the realm of homeowners insurance with an impressive lineup of 11 exclusive discounts, surpassing the industry average of seven. Renowned among home insurance aficionados, Allstate’s commitment to delivering exceptional savings opportunities is evident through its exceptional array of seven uncommon discounts.

Let’s delve deeper into the remarkable discounts Allstate has to offer:

  • Claims forgiveness: Bask in the tranquility of additional coverage that shields you from rate increases following a claim.
  • Claims-free: Rejoice in a renewal discount of 5% each year as long as your claim-free streak remains intact.
  • Deductible reward: Savor the satisfaction of a $100 deduction from your deductible the moment you sign up.
  • New home: Allstate offer discounts for insuring a newly constructed home.
  • Responsible payment: Delight in an extra discount for maintaining a stellar payment history.
  • Early payment: Seize the opportunity to save up to 10% by securing a new policy at least seven days before your existing one expires.
  • Protective device: Fortify your savings by installing theft and fire protection devices, earning yourself a generous discount.
  • Bundle: Embrace the power of bundling your home and car insurance to enjoy savings of up to 25%.
  • Automatic payment: Relish in savings of up to 5% by conveniently setting up automatic payments.
  • Loyalty: Bask in the benefits of loyalty as you earn a renewal discount of up to 10% for remaining loyal to Allstate.
  • New Homebuyer: Celebrate your recent home purchase with a tailor-made discount just for you.

Allstate’s homeowners insurance bestows essential coverages like dwelling and personal property coverage, liability protection, home business insurance, and guest medical protection. However, Allstate doesn’t stop at the basics. It extends its offerings with a rich assortment of nine optional coverages, going above and beyond the ordinary. Alongside popular options like identity theft and scheduled personal property coverage, Allstate caters to the unique needs of homeowners with yards and gardens, providing increased coverage limits for landscaping costs and even riding lawn mowers. With Allstate, your outdoor haven is protected to the fullest.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers a diverse array of discounts to assist in reducing premiums
  • Possesses a significant presence of local agents and claims adjusters in South Florida
  • Displays robust financial stability
Drawbacks
  • Encounters a higher volume of complaints when compared to the national average

Best For Florida-Based Insurers

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

7/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims/Payouts
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation plays a crucial role in Florida’s property insurance market. It provides essential insurance protection to individuals who are entitled to coverage but face difficulties obtaining it through the private market.

As one of Florida’s prominent insurers for homes and businesses, Citizens is dedicated to delivering service that meets the standards set by the private market. In addition to the home and business insurance, if you own a home and a car, you can bundle homeowners insurance with auto insurance for a discount.

Established by the Florida Legislature in August 2002, Citizens operates as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt government entity. Its main objective is to offer property insurance to eligible Florida property owners who struggle to find coverage in the private market.

Citizens is funded by policyholder premiums. However, in the event of significant storms or a series of devastating events leading to a deficit, Florida law requires Citizens to impose assessments on most Florida policyholders.

Average premium for Citizen’s home insurance in Lake City: $180/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Based in Tallahassee, Florida, providing a local touch
  • Specializes in catering to the insurance needs of Florida homes
Drawbacks
  • Premiums have the potential to rise following significant storm events
  • Does not possess a customer service rating from JD Power

Best For High-Value Homes

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

7/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
9/10 Claims/Payouts
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Chubb stands out as an excellent option for homeowners looking to protect valuable assets, offering a range of additional features to enhance coverage. However, it’s important for budget-conscious homeowners in Lake City to note that Chubb’s rates tend to be higher than the average.

Chubb understands the unique considerations of insuring high-value homes. With Chubb, you have access to various policy add-ons, notably extended replacement cost coverage, which helps rebuild your home after a covered accident.

Another advantage is Chubb’s risk consulting program, where a Chubb consultant can assess your home for potential fire or security risks before accidents happen, providing an extra layer of protection.

The Chubb Masterpiece insurance policy is tailored to the needs of affluent clients, covering important aspects such as data restoration from computer viruses and property management services.

In terms of claims, Chubb claims agents have the authority to provide immediate claim payments. However, claim denials require approval from a manager, as Chubb aims to streamline the claims process and make it as smooth as possible.

Average premium for Chubb home insurance in Lake City: $326/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Provides thorough home assessments to ensure clients receive customized coverage for emergency situations
  • Offers a cash settlement option for those who choose not to rebuild their property after a complete loss
  • Masterpiece-level policyholders have the flexibility to choose their own contractors and artisans for claim-related repairs
Drawbacks
  • Only provides agent-assisted quotes; online quoting is not available
  • Premiums for their policies are typically higher compared to most competitors due to the emphasis on high-value properties

Best For Customer Satisfaction

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

8/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Progressive stands out with an impressive customer satisfaction score from JD Power, ranking second among all the companies we evaluated. While USAA claims the top spot, it caters exclusively to military members and their families, preventing us from granting it the title of Best for Customer Satisfaction.

Progressive’s home insurance policies encompass the standard coverage types commonly found in homeowners insurance, ensuring comprehensive protection for your dwelling and belongings. Let’s take a closer look at what they offer:

  • Dwelling coverage: Rest easy knowing your home is safeguarded against covered incidents like fires or tornadoes, with repairs or replacements covered.
  • Other structures coverage: Structures separate from your home, such as fences or sheds, are included, with repairs or replacements accounted for.
  • Personal property coverage: Your cherished belongings, including clothing, electronics, and furniture, are protected, with repairs or replacements covered.
  • Liability insurance: Feel secure knowing property damage and injuries to others, as well as legal defense in the face of a lawsuit, are covered.
  • Additional living expenses coverage: If a covered incident like a tornado renders your home uninhabitable, expenses like hotel bills, meals, and pet boarding fees are taken care of.

However, it’s essential to note that Progressive’s filings with the Florida Department of Insurance indicate that homeowners with specific dog breeds may not be eligible for coverage. These breeds include Akitas, American bulldogs, chow chows, Dobermans, Mastiffs, pit bulls, Rottweilers, Staffordshire terriers, wolf hybrids, any mix or variation of these breeds, and any dog with a history of biting. It’s crucial to consider these restrictions when evaluating Progressive as your home insurance provider.

The average premium for Progressive home insurance in Lake City: $219/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Provides extremely competitive rates in the market
  • The Name Your Price tool enables you to customize coverage according to your budgetary preferences
Drawbacks
  • Does not offer choices for increased dwelling coverage beyond the standard options
  • Maintains a banned dog list in Florida that may exclude certain breeds from obtaining coverage

How To Find The Best Homeowners Insurance Company For You

When it comes to finding the best homeowners insurance company in Lake City, putting in the effort is essential for the sake of your family’s financial security. To simplify your search, follow these steps:

  1. Start by conducting thorough online research on home insurers in Lake City. Narrow down your choices to three reputable carriers that inspire confidence.
  2. Determine the insurance coverage limits that align with your needs. If needed, seek assistance from an agent to make an informed decision.
  3. Obtain quotes from the three insurers you’ve selected. This will give you an idea of the costs involved.
  4. Evaluate the carriers based on the insurance coverage options, customer reviews, financial strength, and rates. Consider all these factors to make a well-rounded assessment.
  5. Select a provider that meets your criteria and aligns with your expectations.
  6. Complete the application process to secure the insurance coverage you require. Depending on the company, you may be able to do this entirely online or communicate with an agent directly.

Remember, each insurer may have a different approach, with some offering a seamless online experience and others involving direct communication with an agent. Choose the path that suits your preferences and needs.

Largest Home Insurance Companies In Florida

Based on the most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute in 2021, we’ve gathered a list of the most popular home insurance companies in Florida based on their number of policyholders. This list provides insight into the companies that have a substantial presence in the Florida home insurance market:

  • Universal Insurance Holdings
  • Citizens Property Insurance
  • State Farm
  • Tower Hill Insurance
  • Progressive
  • HCI Group, Inc.
  • USAA
  • First Protective Insurance Company
  • Florida Peninsula Holdings
  • Heritage Insurance

Average Cost Of Home Insurance In Lake City, FL

Based on the median home data provided by the U.S. Census, we have analyzed and calculated the insurance rates for a 2,100-square-foot home built in 1986, with $215,300 of dwelling coverage. These rates represent the typical cost of insuring a property of this nature.

Insurer Annual Rate
Tower Hill $1,671
State Farm $2,016
Progressive $2,399
Universal $1,835
Average $2,231
Florida Peninsula $2,729
Heritage $2,712
HCI $2,275
Chubb $3,174

How To Get An Online Home Insurance Quote In Lake City

If you want to get an online quote for home insurance in Lake City, follow these easy steps:

  • Visit the websites of the insurance companies you’re considering.
  • Look for a quote form on their website and fill it out. Provide information about your home, like its value, age, square footage, exterior material, and your zip code.
  • Submit the form, and you’ll receive your quotes promptly.

While there may be other homeowners insurance companies in Lake City that catch your eye, please note that not all of them offer online quoting. In those cases, it’s best to contact a licensed agent in Lake City for assistance with getting a quote to save money.

How To Buy Home Insurance In Lake City

To purchase home insurance in Lake City, just follow these straightforward steps:

  • Determine the amount of insurance coverage you require.
  • Request quotes from three reliable insurance companies.
  • Complete your application for coverage by submitting the necessary premium.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Home Insurance Policy In Lake City

The price of home insurance in Lake City is affected by several elements, including:

  • The location of your home, identified by the zip code.
  • The age of your home.
  • The materials used in the construction of your home, such as brick or stucco.
  • The proximity of your home to flood-prone areas.
  • Your personal claim history.
  • The insurance coverage amounts you choose.
  • Potential discounts offered by the insurance company.

As a resident of Lake City, the proximity of your home to the Atlantic Ocean is a significant factor that influences your insurance rates.

Florida Home Insurance Laws To Know

Effective January 1, 2023, Florida implemented SB 2A, a new property law that brings important changes. One key change is the introduction of the Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance Program (FORA), a billion-dollar safety net supporting insurance companies during hurricane seasons or similar catastrophes. Another significant change is the elimination of Assignment of Benefits (AOB), which involves signing over insurance claim checks to contractors. This aims to address concerns and promote transparency in the insurance claim process.

In The News

  • As reported by WFAA in Tampa, industry experts are predicting a significant surge in property insurance rates in Florida for the summer of 2023, with estimates suggesting an increase of up to 50%.
  • Adding to the list of challenges faced by insurers, United Property & Casualty (UPC) has recently become the 10th property insurance company in Florida to enter receivership within the past three years, shedding light on the difficulties encountered in the state’s property insurance market.

Information About Lake City

Lake City is a charming city located near the Gulf Coast. It has a mix of old and new buildings, with Spanish Colonial and Southern architectural styles. You can enjoy live concerts, art exhibits, outdoor festivals, and interesting museums in the city. With its beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, Lake City is perfect for water activities. There are also plenty of parks and green spaces for those who like to stay active. Lake City is a wonderful place where history, culture, and the coastal environment come together to create a captivating experience.

Home Insurance Discounts In Lake City

When getting home insurance in Lake City, it’s a good idea to ask your agent about potential discounts that can lower your premium. You might qualify for multiple discounts on the same policy, such as:

  • Claims-free discount: You can receive a discount each year for not filing any claims.
  • Bundle discount: If you combine your home and car insurance with certain companies, you can get a discount of up to 25%.
  • Automatic payment discount: Set up automatic premium deductions from your checking account to enjoy a discount.
  • New home discount: Insuring a newly built home can make you eligible for a discount.
  • Responsible payment discount: If you have a good payment history, you can receive an additional discount.
  • Early payment discount: Purchasing a new policy at least seven days before your old policy expires can earn you a discount.

Remember to ask your agent about these discounts to see if you qualify and can save money on your homeowner’s insurance in Lake City.

FAQs

Is home insurance more expensive in Florida?

Florida’s home insurance rates can be significantly higher compared to other states, with increases of up to 50%. The coastal areas of the state have experienced expensive damages caused by hurricanes, which has led insurance companies to raise rates for homeowners. Due to the higher risk of hurricane-related losses, insurers adjust their premiums to account for the potential expenses they may have to cover.

How much per month is a million-dollar home insurance policy in Lake City?

Insurance rates in Lake City can differ significantly depending on the insurer you choose. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, you may consider Allstate and Nationwide. Allstate offers an annual rate of $4,310, while Nationwide provides insurance coverage at an annual rate of $5,501.

What is the average monthly cost of home insurance in Florida?

The cost of home insurance in Lake City is influenced by the value of your home. If you have a dwelling coverage of around $250,000, you can expect an average annual premium of approximately $2,200.

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