Best Homeowners Insurance Companies In Ocala, FL For 2024

If you’re in a hurry and just need an immediate answer then I believe Nationwide is the Ocala’s best home insurance company.

min read
Updated: 04 May 2024
Written by
Bob Phillips
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When those big summer storms, tropical storms, or hurricanes strike, Ocala homeowners face the risk of strong winds and flooding. It’s a bummer that insurance companies often hike their rates after these weather disasters, because they end up with huge losses. So, Ocala homeowners are always on the hunt for the best home insurance companies. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right place.

After living in Florida for nearly two decades, I get the struggle of finding the right insurance company to safeguard your home and belongings. Through my own experience and research, I wholeheartedly recommend Nationwide as the top choice for home insurance.

But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Take a look at the other insurance companies we review in Ocala and make your own decision.

Compare The Best Homeowners Insurance In Ocala, FL

Overall Rating A.M. Best Rating (A++ Best) Customer Satisfaction Rating (1000 Best) Best Suited For Online Experience Rating (10.0 Best) Get A Quote
Chubb
4.6

A++

809

High Value Homes

7/10

Instant Quote
USAA
4.8

A++

881

Military Families

8/10

Instant Quote
Citizens
4.6

B++

Not Rated

Florida Based Insurer

6/10

Instant Quote
Allstate
4.7

A+

816

People Looking For Discounts

9/10

Instant Quote
Tower Hill
4.5

B

Not Rated

Cheap Premiums

7/10

Instant Quote
State Farm
4.8

A++

829

Agent Presence

9/10

Instant Quote
Nationwide
4.9

A+

815

Best Overall

8/10

Instant Quote
Progressive Insurance
4.7

A+

874

Customer Satisfaction

8/10

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

To find the best home insurance companies in Ocala, we did our homework. We looked at reliable sources like A.M. Best and J.D. Power, who rate financial strength and customer satisfaction, respectively. We also checked out feedback from regular folks on consumer websites and considered the author's personal experience. By taking both facts and opinions into account, we put together a thorough list of the top home insurance providers in Ocala.

71

Quotes Analyzed

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

20

Brands Reviewed

29+

Research Hours

The Best Home Insurance Companies in Ocala


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 really stands out as the top choice overall for a few reasons. First of all, they have a fantastic A+ (Superior) rating from AM Best, which shows they’re financially stable. Plus, they get high ratings from satisfied customers on various online platforms, so you know they’re reliable. Another great thing about Nationwide is that they have lots of agents in South Florida, so you can get personalized help when you need it. And let’s not forget about their competitive rates – they’re hard to beat!

What makes Nationwide truly special is their comprehensive standard home insurance policy. It includes some unique coverages that you don’t typically find with other insurers. For example, they’ll reimburse you for credit card fraud, and they also cover the extra costs of meeting stricter building codes if your home needs to be rebuilt.

On top of all that, Nationwide offers add-ons that you can customize to fit your needs. One cool option is Better Roof Replacement, which covers the cost of better roofing materials if your roof gets damaged. They also have Brand New Belongings, which gives you replacement cost coverage for your personal stuff. If something gets damaged or lost, they’ll reimburse you based on the item’s depreciated value, so you can buy a replacement and get the price difference back by submitting the receipts to Nationwide.

Convenience is a big deal with Nationwide. They give you lots of ways to buy home insurance – you can talk to a local agent, call them up, or even do it online. And their website and mobile app are really easy to use. You can file and track claims, make payments, and make changes to your policy without any hassle.

Nationwide’s average cost for home insurance in Ocala: $87/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers some of the lowest premiums in Ocala
  • Provides optional coverage for upgraded roofing during rebuilds and replacement cost protection for belongings
  • Includes credit card protection as part of their standard policy
Drawbacks
  • Reimbursement is required 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 comes in a strong second place for the title of Best Overall, but there’s a catch – it’s only available to military members and their families. However, don’t let that hold you back, because USAA is still a highly respected choice all around.

Back in 1922, USAA was founded by a group of 25 Army officers who wanted to insure their own cars. Since then, it has grown to offer a wide range of insurance and financial products. It’s designed for members of the U.S. armed forces, Reserve, veterans, and their families. With its headquarters in San Antonio, USAA has offices all over the United States and even in places like London, Frankfurt, and Luxembourg.

USAA’s standard home insurance policy comes with some great features. They offer replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings, and they have specific coverage for uniforms of active-duty and deployed service members. They might even have options for additional coverage, like protection for earthquakes or if you’re sharing your home with others.

For those who are eligible, USAA makes it easy to buy insurance online using your active membership ID. You can also get help over the phone or visit a local branch if that’s more your style. To make things even better, they have a handy chatbot on their website that can help with bill payments, policy changes, and managing claims. It’s worth noting that USAA has an impressive A++ rating from AM Best, which is the highest level of financial strength for insurance companies.

Average premium for USAA home insurance in Ocala: $120/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Standard coverage includes contents replacement cost
  • Uniforms and equipment of active duty and deployed service members are covered
Drawbacks
  • No physical locations for in-person assistance in Ocala
  • Offers fewer discounts compared to competitors
  • Eligibility limited to current and past 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 has earned the honorable position of our second runner-up, thanks to its remarkable network of agents in Ocala and South Florida. This is truly noteworthy because it ensures not only the availability of numerous State Farm agents in the aftermath of severe storms or hurricanes but also the convenience of having claims adjusters and claims offices right in Ocala.

When it comes to home insurance, State Farm offers a trustworthy standard policy that can be further tailored to meet your specific needs. They go the extra mile by providing additional coverages, such as protection for ordinance and law requirements, safeguarding against identity theft, and insuring valuable items like precious jewelry.

State Farm stands tall in terms of financial stability, proudly holding the highest possible AM Best rating of A++. This recognition underscores their strong financial strength and unwavering reliability.

One of the standout features offered by State Farm is optional replacement cost coverage for your home, other structures, and personal belongings. With this coverage, damaged items are replaced at their current market value without factoring in depreciation. This means you won’t be left with a lesser amount when it’s time to replace your cherished possessions.

When it comes to getting a quote, State Farm lets you kickstart the process online. However, for purchasing a policy, you’ll need to collaborate with a local agent. State Farm also understands the importance of convenience and provides a range of online tools and resources. From filing claims to managing your account, enrolling in paperless billing, and accessing a comprehensive resource library, State Farm has you covered, making insurance-related matters a breeze.

Average premium for State Farm home insurance in Ocala: $157/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Competitive premiums
  • Top financial strength rating
  • Extensive network of local agents in South Florida
Drawbacks
  • Policies not sold 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 a fantastic option for budget-friendly home insurance in the sunshine state of Florida. It’s worth mentioning, though, that Tower Hill Insurance is primarily focused on Florida and has limited coverage in only 16 additional states, which explains why it lacks a JD Power score for customer satisfaction and holds a B++ rating from AM Best.

What’s great about Tower Hill is their flexibility in allowing homeowners to customize their coverage to fit their specific needs. In addition to standard coverage for things like your home and personal property, their Typical and Prime Plus policies offer extra options called endorsements. These endorsements include cool features like extended replacement cost coverage, water backup coverage, and personal injury coverage.

What sets Tower Hill apart are the unique add-on coverage options they provide, which might be hard to find with other insurance companies. They offer coverage for things like landscaping, food spoilage, trampoline liability, and even lock replacement. And if you go for their highest-tier Spire package, you’ll enjoy a range of optional coverages that are already included in the policy.

Tower Hill aims to offer affordable rates for Florida homeowners. However, it’s important to take into account their customer satisfaction score (or lack thereof) and financial strength rating, along with their coverage options, when making your decision.

Average Premium for Tower Hill home insurance in Ocala: $90/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers the lowest rates in Ocala and throughout Florida
  • Specializes in policy packages tailored for high-value homes
  • Provides a wide range of coverage options to customize home insurance based on individual needs
Drawbacks
  • Received a financial strength rating downgrade by AM Best in 2022
  • Above-average number of customer complaints reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
  • Lacks a mobile app and offers limited policy information on the website

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 tall as a top-tier choice for homeowners seeking to safeguard their precious assets. With an impressive range of additional coverage options, Chubb goes the extra mile to provide comprehensive protection. It’s worth noting, however, that homeowners on a budget in Ocala may find Chubb’s rates slightly higher than average.

When it comes to insuring high-value homes, Chubb takes the lead with its standout feature: extended replacement cost coverage. This invaluable protection ensures that in the event of a covered incident, your home can be rebuilt without bearing the burden of financial strain.

One exceptional advantage of choosing Chubb is their proactive risk consulting program. By dispatching a Chubb consultant to your home, they diligently assess potential fire or security risks, taking preemptive measures to prevent accidents before they occur.

Chubb’s Masterpiece insurance policy is tailored to cater to the unique needs of discerning homeowners. It encompasses remarkable coverage options, such as restoring electronic data damaged by computer viruses and even offering property management services.

When it comes to claims, Chubb sets itself apart by empowering claims agents to provide immediate payment, ensuring a streamlined and hassle-free process. Notably, a claim cannot be denied without the approval of a manager, emphasizing fairness and accountability.

Average premium for Chubb home insurance in Ocala: $117/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Provides personalized home assessments to ensure clients have the right coverage for emergencies
  • Allows masterpiece-level customers to select their preferred contractors and artisans for repairs
  • Offers a cash settlement option for those who prefer not to rebuild after a total loss
Drawbacks
  • Policies are typically pricier compared to competitors due to their focus on high-value properties
  • Only offers quotes through agents, no online quote option available

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 stands out from the crowd with an exceptional offering of 11 homeowners insurance discounts, surpassing the industry average. Here are some noteworthy discounts that set Allstate apart:

  • Claims forgiveness: Your rate won’t skyrocket after filing a claim.
  • Claims-free: Enjoy a 5% renewal discount each year if you steer clear of claims.
  • Deductible reward: Receive a welcoming $100 deduction in your deductible when you sign up.
  • Bundle: Bundle your home and car insurance to save up to an impressive 25%.
  • Automatic payment: Set up automatic payments and get up to 5% off.
  • Loyalty: Allstate rewards your loyalty with a discount of up to 10% upon renewal.
  • New Homebuyer: If you’re a recent homebuyer, a discount awaits you.
  • New home: Secure a discount for insuring a newly constructed home.
  • Responsible payment: Maintain a good payment history and earn an additional discount.
  • Early payment: Plan ahead and purchase a new policy at least seven days before your old one expires to enjoy up to 10% off.
  • Protective device: Protect your home with theft and fire protection systems and receive a discount.

Allstate’s homeowners insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your dwelling, personal belongings, liability protection, guest medical protection, and more. In addition to these essential coverages, Allstate offers an array of optional coverages to suit your individual needs.

When you choose Allstate, you have the freedom to select from nine optional coverage types for your homeowners insurance. Alongside common options like identity theft and scheduled personal property, Allstate goes the extra mile by offering unique coverage for homeowners with yards and gardens. This means you can benefit from increased coverage limits for landscaping costs and even the protection of riding lawn mowers.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Provides a wide range of discounts to help save money
  • Boasts a substantial presence of local agents and claims adjusters in South Florida
  • Demonstrates strong financial stability
Drawbacks
  • Experiences a higher volume of complaints compared to the national average

Best For Customer Satisfaction

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

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

Why We Like Them

Progressive really stands out because it achieved the second highest customer satisfaction score from JD Power among the companies we reviewed, except for USAA. But we couldn’t give USAA the title of Best for Customer Satisfaction because they only offer home insurance to military members and their families.

Progressive’s home insurance policies cover all the important things you need:

  • Dwelling coverage: It pays for repairs or replacement if your home gets damaged by things like fires or tornadoes.
  • Other structures coverage: It covers repairs or replacement for structures not attached to your home, like fences or sheds.
  • Personal property coverage: It takes care of repairs or replacement for your belongings, such as clothes, electronics, and furniture.
  • Liability insurance: It protects you from property damage and injuries to others, and it covers accidents that happen on your property. It also helps with legal defense if you get sued.
  • Additional living expenses coverage: It includes expenses for things like hotel stays, meals, and pet boarding if you can’t live in your home due to a covered event, like a tornado.

According to Progressive’s filings with the Florida Department of Insurance, it’s important to know that some 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 mixed or varied breeds of these, and any dogs with a history of biting.

Average premium for Progressive home insurance in Ocala: $167/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Unbeatable rates that fit any budget
  • Personalized coverage with Progressive's innovative "Name Your Price" tool
Drawbacks
  • Limited options for increasing dwelling coverage beyond standard limits
  • Banned dog list in Florida may affect eligibility for coverage based on certain breeds

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 an important role in Florida’s property insurance market. It provides insurance coverage to people who can’t get it from private companies.

As one of Florida’s leading insurers, Citizens aims to give its customers the same level of service as private companies.

Citizens was created by the Florida Legislature in 2002. It is a non-profit government organization that offers property insurance to eligible property owners in Florida who can’t find coverage in the private market.

Citizens is funded by the premiums paid by policyholders. If there is a shortfall after a major storm or a series of storms, Florida law allows Citizens to charge extra fees to most policyholders in the state.

Average premium for Citizen’s home insurance in Ocala: $358/month

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Headquartered in the sunny city of Tallahassee, Florida
  • Specializes exclusively in insuring homes across the state
Drawbacks
  • Premiums may rise due to severe storms or hurricanes
  • No JD Power rating available for customer service performance

How To Find The Best Home Insurance Company For You

When it comes to finding the best home insurance company in Ocala, it’s worth the effort to ensure your South Florida home and belongings are well protected. Follow these steps to guide you in your search:

  • Begin by researching home insurance companies in Ocala online. Look for three companies that stand out to you.
  • Determine the coverage limits you need, and if needed, seek assistance from an agent who can help you navigate through the options.
  • Request quotes from the three insurers you’ve selected to compare their offerings.
  • Consider factors such as coverage, customer reviews, financial strength, and rates when making your decision.
  • Once you’ve done your research, choose the company that best meets your needs.
  • Complete the application process to secure your coverage.

Remember, while some companies offer online convenience, others may require you to speak with an agent. Don’t hesitate to reach out and protect your Ocala home with the right insurance policy.

Largest Home Insurance Companies In Florida

After diving into the detailed information provided by the Insurance Information Institute in 2021, we’ve discovered the top contenders in Florida’s home insurance market—the companies with the largest 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 Ocala, FL

Based on recent data from the U.S. Census, we have compiled the estimated insurance rates for a specific type of home. If you own a 2,100-square-foot house built in 1986 with dwelling coverage worth $215,300, these rates will give you an idea of the approximate insurance costs for your property:

Insurer Annual Rate
Tower Hill $1,064
State Farm $2,018
Progressive $2,024
Universal $1,653
Average $2,240
Florida Peninsula $2,724
Heritage $2,732
HCI $2,419
Chubb $5,271

Average Homeowners Insurance Rates By ZIP Code

ZIP Code Average Annual Rate
34475 $1,944
34474 $1,942
34482 $1,942
34481 $1,949
34473 $1,954
34480 $1,943
34476 $1,947
34470 $1,942
34472 $1,944
34471 $1,943

Average Homeowners Insurance Rate By Dwelling Coverage

Dwelling Coverage Amount Average Annual Rate
$100,000 $743
$200,000 $1,426
$300,000 $1,896
$400,000 $2,401
$500,000 $3,136

How To Get An Online Home Insurance Quote In Ocala

If you’re ready to get an online quote for home insurance in Ocala, here’s a straightforward process to follow:

    • Head over to the websites of the insurance companies you’re interested in.
    • Fill out their quote form with specific details about your home, such as its value, age, size, exterior, and zip code.
    • Submit the form, and sit tight as your personalized quotes are generated.

Keep in mind that while most home insurance companies in Ocala offer online quotes, there might be a few exceptions. In those cases, simply reach out to a licensed agent in your area by giving them a call. They’ll be more than happy to assist you.

How To Buy Home Insurance In Ocala

If you’re ready to buy home insurance in Ocala, here’s a simple guide to follow:

  • Figure out how much coverage you need for your home.
  • Get quotes from three trustworthy insurance companies.
  • Fill out the application and pay the premium to secure your coverage.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Home Insurance Policy In Ocala

There are some significant factors that influence the cost of home insurance in Ocala, 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

How close you are to the Atlantic Ocean in Ocala is an important factor that affects the rates of your home insurance.

Home Insurance Discounts In Ocala

When you’re in the process of purchasing home insurance in Ocala, it’s worth exploring the potential discounts available to you. By discussing with your agent, you may uncover various opportunities to lower your premium. Here are a few distinctive discounts that could apply to your policy:

• Claim-free savings: If you haven’t filed any claims, you can enjoy a discount when it’s time to renew your policy.

• Bundle and save: Many insurers offer generous discounts, up to 25%, when you bundle your home and car insurance together.

• Convenient automatic payments: Setting up automatic premium payments from your bank account could make you eligible for a discount.

• Freshly built home: Insuring a newly constructed home may open the door to a discount.

• Reliable payment history: If you’ve consistently made timely payments, you could qualify for an additional discount.

• Early bird advantage: Securing a new policy at least seven days before your current one expires can earn you a discount as well.

Florida Home Insurance Laws To Know

As the clock struck January 1, 2023, a fresh Florida property law named SB 2A sprang into action. This law unveiled the Florida Optional Reinsurance Assistance Program (FORA), a massive billion-dollar safety net ready to lend a hand to insurance companies when hurricane seasons or colossal calamities strike, just like the memorable one in 2022.

Moreover, this law brings forth a significant change by waving goodbye to the Assignment of Benefits practice. This practice involved the intricate process of transferring insurance claim payments from insurers to contractors, but it’s now a thing of the past.

In The News

•  As per an exclusive report by WFAA news in Ocala, insiders in the home insurance industry are anticipating a notable surge of up to 50% in Florida’s property insurance rates come summer 2023.

• Over the past three years, United Property & Casualty (UPC) has become the latest addition to the group of ten property insurance companies in Florida that have encountered financial difficulties and found themselves in receivership, underscoring the ongoing challenges within the industry.

Information About Ocala

This vibrant city combines history with modernity, creating a unique blend of culture and natural beauty.

Immerse yourself in Ocala’s diverse architecture and captivating neighborhoods. Experience the rich arts scene through art exhibitions and local festivals that showcase the city’s creative spirit.

Explore the stunning landscapes and picturesque parks that make Ocala an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. From serene lakes to scenic trails, nature lovers will find endless opportunities to embrace the beauty of the surroundings.

In Ocala, history comes alive, and progress flourishes, offering residents and visitors a truly distinct and unforgettable experience.

FAQs

Is home insurance more expensive in Florida?

Florida’s home insurance rates are known to be much higher than in other states, often up to 50% more. The reason for this is the greater risk of hurricanes and severe weather in Florida’s coastal areas. When insurance companies face big losses from these events, they raise rates to cover their expenses. Unfortunately, this means homeowners in The Sunshine State have to pay higher premiums for their home insurance.

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

When it comes to insurance rates in Ocala, the choice of insurance company can make a difference. In the city, two companies stand out with relatively affordable rates. Allstate starts at $4,310 per year, and Nationwide offers rates starting at $5,501 per year.

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

In Ocala, insuring a home valued at $250,000 typically costs around $2,200 per year. However, keep in mind that prices can vary based on individual circumstances like the value of your home.

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