Best homeowners insurance in Charlotte, NC (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Charlotte.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a licensed auto insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
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Reviewed by

Britta M. MossBritta M. MossProperty & casualty claim consultant and expert witnessBritta M. Moss, CPCU, SCLA, AIC-M, has over 25 years of insurance industry experience. In her work as a property and casualty claim consultant, she provides consultation and expert witness services in claim handling standards, practices, and norms.  She has been retained by law firms representing plaintiffs and those representing insurer defendants involved in disputes or litigation regarding coverage analysis, investigation, liability determination, damage evaluation, negotiation and settlement.  She is a graduate of The Ohio State University. 

Updated|4 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

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Charlotte, North Carolina is a beautiful city to own a home. The homes are affordable, the weather is beautiful, and despite its growing size, Charlotte still has a small town charm that many homeowners love. Despite the risk of damage from the storms that come up the Carolina coasts, homeowners insurance is affordable and on par with the rest of the state.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Charlotte is $1,605 per year or $134 a month. This is around 4% higher than the statewide average of $1,545 per year, and about 8% lower than the national average of $1,754 per year. 

Compare home insurance rates in Charlotte

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Compare the best cheap homeowners insurance companies in Charlotte

To find the best cheap homeowners insurance in Charlotte, Policygenius rated over a dozen of the largest insurance companies in North Carolina across several categories, such as average policy cost, financial strength ratings with AM Best, customer and claims satisfaction scores with J.D. Power, available policy options, and more.

Company

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

Auto-Owners Insurance

$193

5.0 out of 5

State Farm

$81

4.8 out of 5

Erie

$188

4.5 out of 5

Nationwide

$202

4.5 out of 5

Allstate

$73

4.4 out of 5

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Auto-Owners Insurance

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange star

5.0

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers flood insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

Auto-Owners Insurance is the best homeowners insurance company in Charlotte thanks to its extensive policy and coverage options, its high marks for financial strength, and its customer experience ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers a slew of extra coverage add-ons

  • Lots of discounts available

  • Flood insurance through the NFIP

Cons

  • Rates are higher than average

  • Not able to get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for best overall company

Auto-Owners Insurance is our pick for the best overall home insurance company in Charlotte. Auto-Owners scored at least a 4 out of 5 for customer experience, coverage options, and financial strength, which earned it a perfect 5 out of 5 Policygenius rating.

With endorsements like guaranteed replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, inland flood coverage, and a comprehensive Homeowners Plus endorsement package, Auto-Owners offers excellent value for the coverage you're getting.

Finally, although Auto-Owners' rates are more expensive than average in Charlotte, the company offers a range of discounts that can help lower your insurance rates.

How do Auto-Owners home insurance rates compare to the Charlotte average?

The average cost of Auto-Owners home insurance in Charlotte is $2,320 per year, according to sample quotes provided to us by Quadrant Information Services. This makes Auto-Owners Insurance about 45% more expensive than the statewide average.

How to get a quote

Online or by calling an Auto-Owners Insurance agent.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

State Farm

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

All 50 states

Why we chose itchevron icon

State Farm home insurance is one of the best overall home insurance providers in Charlotte thanks to low rates, a large selection of policy options for most home types, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Rates are cheaper than average

  • Excellent line-up of policy add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage

  • Save up to $1,127 per year when you bundle your home and auto insurance

Cons

  • 20% more complaints filed with the NAIC than other companies of its size

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose State Farm

At a time when lots of competitors are no longer insuring homes in areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes, State Farm continues to offer its relatively affordable and highly-rated home insurance to homeowners in most parts of the country, including Charlotte.

While some of its competitors may not have the financial strength to pay out claims after several natural disasters in the same year, State Farm isn't one of them. It earns the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability — only six insurance companies out of nearly 70 we reviewed hold this title.

How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Charlotte average?

The average cost of State Farm home insurance in Charlotte is $975 per year, which is 39% cheaper than the average citywide premium of $1,605 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Erie

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Mobile app

Bundle home & auto

Why we chose itchevron icon

Erie's wide range of coverage options, industry-best customer service ratings, and private flood insurance add-on makes it one of the best companies in Charlotte..

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Cheap rates

  • Guaranteed replacement cost comes standard on Erie policies

  • Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

  • Only available in 12 states

  • Just three available discounts

  • Can’t get quotes or file claims online

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Erie

Erie is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Charlotte for residents who want to add more flood protection to a basic policy. Its Extended Water endorsement is effectively a flood insurance policy and sewer and drain backup coverage rolled into one.

Home insurance policies from Erie also come standard with guaranteed replacement cost coverage — which you often have to pay extra for at other companies. On top of this, a basic policy covers lost and misplaced items, jewelry, and gift cards to closed businesses.

Erie also offers a range of add-ons that you can purchase, like short-term rental coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, underground service line coverage, and more.

How do Erie home insurance rates compare to the average in Charlotte?

The average cost of Erie home insurance in Charlotte is $2,257 per year, which is 41% higher than the citywide average of $1,605 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through Erie

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Nationwide

Nationwide logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

Nationwide is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Charlotte for people who want complete coverage. You can strengthen a basic Nationwide policy with the company's range of coverage add-ons.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Multiple high-quality coverage options

  • Highly rated for claims satisfaction with J.D. Power

Cons

  • Rates are higher than average

  • Below-average customer satisfaction and digital experience ratings

  • Won’t cover Airbnbs or other short-term rentals

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Nationwide

Nationwide is the best homeowners insurance company for those who can take advantage of its large selection of coverage options. These include guaranteed and extended replacement cost coverage, better roof replacement, new belongings coverage, water backup protection, and equipment breakdown coverage.

Nationwide has also received high ratings from J.D. Power for claims satisfaction, and it ranks fifth on J.D. Power's Property Claims Satisfaction Study from 2022. The company also receives far fewer complaints than other insurers, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Although we found that Nationwide's rates are more expensive than average in Charlotte, you might be able to lower your premiums with the company's discounts. These include discounts for bundling, renovating your home, buying a new home, and others.

How do Nationwide home insurance rates compare to the Charlotte average?

The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Charlotte is $2,426 per year, which is 51% more expensive than the citywide average of $1,605 per year.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Nationwide.

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2024 Policygenius award winner

Allstate

Allstate logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Smart home discounts

Why we chose itchevron icon

Allstate is one of the top home insurance companies in Charlotte. Featuring average premiums below the Charlotte average, Allstate also offers a few add-ons that can make a basic policy stronger.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers HostAdvantage for short-term rental coverage

  • Offers water backup protection, other endorsements

Cons

  • Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Allstate

Allstate is a top home insurance company in Charlotte. We like that Allstate offers some home insurance coverages that you can add to your policy for more protection, like water backup protection, scheduled personal property coverage, and identity theft restoration coverage.

If you're looking to cover your short-term rental, Allstate's HostAdvantage is another perk. HostAdvantage comes with theft protection, coverage for your damaged property ($10,000 per host period), and a $25 discount on cleaning services from Merry Maids.

How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Charlotte average?

The annual average cost of Allstate home insurance in Charlotte is $870 per year, which is 46% cheaper than the citywide average.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.

Compare home insurance rates in Charlotte

We don't sell your information to third parties.

How much is homeowners insurance in Charlotte?

The average cost of home insurance in Charlotte is $1,605 per year, or $134 a month, for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is around 4% more expensive than the average annual cost of $1,545 for homeowners insurance in North Carolina, and about 8% less than the national average. 

Charlotte home insurance rates by ZIP code

Home insurance rates can vary substantially depending on which ZIP code your home is located in, as homes in certain Charlotte neighborhoods may be more prone to extreme weather damage or property crime than others.

To help you find out how much home insurance costs where you live, we calculated average home insurance rates by ZIP code in Charlotte.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

28269

$1,570

2%

28277

$1,570

2%

28215

$1,570

2%

28227

$1,569

2%

28216

$1,571

2%

28205

$1,569

2%

28210

$1,568

1%

28212

$1,570

2%

28213

$1,570

2%

28273

$1,567

1%

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Cheapest ZIP codes for home insurance in Charlotte

With an average home insurance rate of $1,567 per year, the 28273 ZIP code is the most affordable area for home insurance in Charlotte.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

28273

$1,567

1%

28278

$1,567

1%

28202

$1,568

1%

28203

$1,568

1%

28207

$1,568

1%

28208

$1,568

1%

28209

$1,568

1%

28210

$1,568

1%

28217

$1,568

1%

28204

$1,569

2%

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Most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Charlotte

With an average annual premium of $1,692, the 28244 ZIP code is the most expensive ZIP code in Charlotte for home insurance. If you live one of these ZIP codes, your rates might be among the highest in the city.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

28244

$1,692

10%

28246

$1,692

10%

28254

$1,692

10%

28274

$1,692

10%

28280

$1,692

10%

28281

$1,692

10%

28282

$1,692

10%

28284

$1,692

10%

28285

$1,692

10%

28287

$1,692

10%

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Learn more >> Home insurance rates by ZIP code

Charlotte home insurance costs by coverage amount

Along with your home's location, your homeowners insurance premiums are primarily based on how much dwelling coverage is in your policy. This is the centerpiece of your home insurance coverage, covering the cost to repair or rebuild your home after a covered disaster.

Here are the average rates for homeowners insurance based on coverage amount.

Dwelling coverage limit

Average annual cost

$100,000

$641

$200,000

$1,068

$300,000

$1,605

$400,000

$2,022

$500,000

$2,426

Charlotte home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your home insurance deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying on each claim before insurance kicks in to help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your property. A higher deductible means lower insurance premiums, but it also means you're responsible for paying more out of pocket when you file a claim.

Here are the average rates for homeowners coverage by deductible amount.

Deductible

Average annual cost

$500

$588

$2,000

$364

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Charlotte

Based on our analysis, Kemper, Bankers Insurance Group, and Allstate are the three cheapest home insurance companies in Charlotte, with average premiums citywide ranging from $798 to $870 per year.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$798

Bankers Insurance Group

$860

Allstate

$870

State Farm

$975

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,140

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,140

Universal Group

$1,159

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,283

Narragansett Bay

$1,421

USAA

$1,973

Foremost

$2,128

Erie

$2,257

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,320

Nationwide

$2,426

UPC Insurance

$3,331

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Cheapest home insurance in Charlotte if you have poor credit

bad credit score does more than just cost you a few dollars in late payment fees — it can also make your auto and home insurance rates thousands of dollars higher.

Here are the average rates for homeowners insurance for Charlotte residents with poor credit.

Company

Average annual cost

Allstate

$870

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,140

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,140

Kemper

$1,140

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,171

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,283

Universal Group

$1,437

Narragansett Bay

$1,506

State Farm

$1,670

Foremost

$2,632

Nationwide

$2,765

USAA

$3,308

Erie

$4,859

UPC Insurance

$5,091

Auto-Owners Insurance

$7,972

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Cheapest home insurance in Charlotte if you have an older home

Insurance carriers consider older homes to have a higher risk of damage or loss compared to newer homes since they're constructed with older and more difficult to replace materials. Additionally, certain structural components in older homes, like the roof or plumbing systems, may not be up to code.

Here are the average homeowners insurance rates for Charlotte residents with older homes.

Company

Average annual cost

Kemper

$798

Bankers Insurance Group

$860

Allstate

$870

State Farm

$975

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,140

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,140

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,283

Universal Group

$1,494

Narragansett Bay

$1,946

USAA

$1,973

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,163

Foremost

$2,362

Erie

$2,393

Nationwide

$2,426

UPC Insurance

$3,437

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Cheapest homeowners insurance in Charlotte if you have a history of claims

Claims history is one of the biggest factors that insurance companies use when calculating your home insurance premiums. If you have multiple claims on your record, your insurer will likely view you as a risk for filing future claims and may charge you higher rates as a result.

Here's the cheapest home insurance companies in Charlotte for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period on their record.

Company

Average annual cost

Allstate

$870

State Farm

$975

Farm Bureau Insurance

$1,140

Lititz Mutual Insurance

$1,140

Bankers Insurance Group

$1,247

Kemper

$1,341

Lighthouse Property Insurance

$1,940

Narragansett Bay

$2,209

Auto-Owners Insurance

$2,320

Erie

$2,393

USAA

$2,988

Universal Group

$3,645

Nationwide

$3,919

UPC Insurance

$5,407

Foremost

$6,802

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How to get homeowners insurance quotes in Charlotte

Finding the right amount of coverage at the right price may seem like an overwhelming endeavor, but it’s actually fairly easy if you know what to look for in a company and policy. Since Charlotte’s average annual premium of $1,688 is below the national average, you will still enjoy lower rates than most, but there are other things you should consider when choosing a policy.

Here are 6 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Charlotte, NC:

6 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Charlotte, NC

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of licensed insurance experts are waiting to help you figure out how much coverage you need and what company offers it at the best price. Our agents do this for free with no impact to your credit score.

  2. Ask about NCJUA — North Carolina’s FAIR Plan provider. If you are unable to obtain coverage in the private market due to being labeled “high risk,” ask your Policygenius agent about whether a policy through North Carolina’s FAIR Plan makes sense. 

  3. Consider purchasing hail and wind insurance. Since wind and hail is sometimes excluded from home insurance policies in areas of North Carolina at risk of tropical storms, you may need separate windstorm insurance to make sure you’re fully protected. A Policygenius agent can help you do this, too.

  4. Figure out how low of a deductible you can afford. You’ll want to set this to an amount you can afford to pay in the event you need to file a claim due for loss or damage. 

  5. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Once you’ve nailed down your coverage needs, limits, and chosen a deductible, a Policygenius agent will walk you through quotes from a few different companies to help you find the best policy for your needs.

  6. Sign the policy and pay your first premium. After you’ve chosen the policy you want, your Policygenius agent will complete all of the paperwork for you. The only thing left to do is sign the policy and pay your first premium.  

Compare home insurance rates in Charlotte

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Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Charlotte?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Charlotte is $134 per month, or $1,605 per year.

Why does the breed of dog I have matter to my home insurance?

Because statistics around dog bites show certain dog breeds make up a greater portion of dog bite claims. Insurance companies consider these breeds to be “dangerous” and will charge a higher premium to offset this risk.

Is a high home insurance deductible worth the discount?

A good way to lower your homeowners insurance rates is by opting for a higher deductible. Just keep in mind a higher deductible means you’ll have to pay more money out of pocket when you file a claim before your insurance kicks in to cover the rest. When you are choosing your plan, consider how much you will be able to cover out of your savings in the case of a claim.

If coming up with $2,000 will be difficult, it may be worth paying more each month to know you will only be responsible for $500 in the case of a claim. However, if you know you can cover the deductible, the short-term savings can add up quickly.

Is it mandatory to have homeowners insurance in North Carolina?

While it’s not North Carolina law to have homeowners insurance, most mortgage lenders require you to purchase home insurance before they’ll allow you to close on your mortgage. Your mortgage company has a financial interest in your home until the mortgage is paid off, and the mortgage company wants to ensure their investment is protected.

Author

Rachael Brennan is a licensed auto insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

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