Best homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. (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 Washington, D.C..
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.
Edited by
Jennifer GimbelJennifer GimbelSenior Managing Editor & Home Insurance ExpertJennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor at Policygenius, where she oversees all of our insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.
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.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,154 per year for a homeowners insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, according to our latest insurance pricing analysis.
Compare home insurance rates in Washington, D.C.
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
To find the best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C., Policygenius reviewed the city's largest insurance companies 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.
Based on our findings, USAA, State Farm, Nationwide, Allstate, and Chubb are the best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
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: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
2024 Policygenius award winner
USAA
Policygenius rating
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.9
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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Why we chose it
USAA is the best home insurance option on the market for active duty military members, veterans, and their families, consistently scoring the best in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies.
Pros and cons
Pros
Affordable rates
Over a dozen additional coverage options
Industry-best customer service and claims satisfaction ratings
Cons
Limited to people affiliated with the U.S. military
More details
Why we chose USAA
It’s no surprise that USAA has some of the highest customer and claims satisfaction ratings with J.D. Power. A basic USAA home insurance policy includes coverages not included in other companies base policies, and it gives customers several chances to save, including discounts for not filing a claim for a certain number of years and opting for paperless billing.
How do USAA home insurance rates compare to the Washington, D.C. average?
The average cost of home insurance with USAA in Washington, D.C. is $631 per year, according to sample quotes provided to Policygenius from Quadrant Information Services. This is 45% cheaper than the D.C. average of $1,154 per year.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
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Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Offers earthquake insurance
Wind/hail deductible
Offers wildfire insurance
Why we chose it
State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Washington D.C. thanks to its large selection of policy options, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Top-tier coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage
High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings
Cons
No discounts for first-time homebuyers
More details
Why we chose State Farm
State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Washington, D.C., especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. State Farm lets homeowners get extended replacement cost coverage for their homes, replacement cost coverage for their personal property, water backup protection, and more.
State Farm's customer service is highly rated, too. The company has received high ratings from policyholders, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys. It has also received the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.
How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Washington, D.C. average?
The average cost of home insurance from State Farm in Washington, D.C. is $1,296 per year, which is 12% more expensive than the D.C. average.
How to get a quote
Online through State Farm or by contacting a local State Farm agent.
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.
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 ($$$$$).
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$
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Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Offers extended replacement cost
Why we chose it
Nationwide is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C. for people who want complete coverage. You can strengthen a basic Nationwide policy with the company's range of coverage add-ons.
Pros and cons
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
More details
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 Washington, D.C., 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 Washington, D.C. average?
The average cost of Nationwide home insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,512 per year, which is 31% more expensive than the D.C. average of $1,154 per year.
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.
4.4
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 ($$$$$).
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$
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Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Allstate is one of the top home insurance companies in Washington, D.C. While its rates are higher than average in the city, Allstate also offers a few add-ons that can make a basic policy stronger.
Pros and cons
Pros
Offers HostAdvantage for short-term rental coverage
Offers water backup protection, other endorsements
Cons
Beginning to pull back coverage in high-risk areas
More details
Why we chose Allstate
Allstate is one of the most popular destinations for homeowners looking for insurance. With a combination of great customer service and affordable coverage options like mold coverage and water backup, Allstate customers know they are getting great coverage that fits within their budget. In addition, Allstate customers can easily file and track claims online, or in the mobile app.
How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Washington, D.C. average?
The annual average cost of Allstate home insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,224 per year, which is 6% more expensive than the D.C. average.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.3
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
All 50 states
Offers flood insurance
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers wildfire insurance
Smart home discounts
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Why we chose it
Chubb is the best home insurance company for people with high-value and luxury homes, as well as other assets that need to be insured, like boats and luxury cars.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extended replacement cost coverage
Cash-out claim settlements
Complimentary wildfire and hurricane mitigation services
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
More details
Why we chose Chubb
Chubb is the best home insurance company in Washington, D.C. for high-value homes. While it's more expensive than average, Chubb's coverage offerings and specialized features make it our top pick for high-net worth individuals.
Chubb offers a range of robust coverages on top of its basic home insurance protections. These add-ons include extended replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your personal property, water backup coverage, blanket personal property coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, and more.
You can also get a few special features with Chubb, like property manager services for a second home, high-tech home inspections, and personalized claims services.
How do Chubb home insurance rates compare to the Washington, D.C. average?
The average cost of home insurance from Chubb in Washington, D.C. is $828 per year, which is 28% cheaper than the D.C. average of $1,154 per year.
How much is homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C.?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. is $1,154 per year, or roughly $96 a month, for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
However, your own home insurance rates will depend on factors like your home’s age, construction style, and location, as well as personal factors like your credit score and claims history.
Washington, D.C. homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount
The table below highlights the average annual premium in Washington, D.C. for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.
Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Dwelling coverage limit
Average annual cost
$100,000
$547
$200,000
$863
$300,000
$1,154
$400,000
$1,450
$500,000
$1,744
Compare home insurance rates in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. home insurance costs by deductible amount
A higher deductible amount means lower monthly insurance payments, but it also means you’ll pay more out of your pocket on a claim after a covered loss.
As referenced in the table below, Washington, D.C. residents can save around $300 per year on home insurance by choosing a $2,000 deductible over the $1,000 option.
Deductible
Average annual cost
$1,000
$1,318
$2,000
$1,058
$2,500
$999
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
Based on our analysis, USAA, Chubb, and Allstate have the cheapest average home insurance rates in Washington D.C., with average rates ranging from $636 to $1,224 per year.
Company
Average annual cost
USAA
$636
Chubb
$828
Allstate
$1,224
State Farm
$1,296
Nationwide
$1,512
Cheapest Washington, D.C. homeowners insurance if you have poor credit
Poor credit can lead to more than just being denied credit; it can also lead to higher insurance rates. A poor credit score is often an indicator to insurance companies that you’re a risk and you may file insurance claims more than someone with a better score.
With an average rate of $1,190 per year, Chubb has the cheapest home insurance rates in Washington, D.C. for a homeowner with poor credit, while the State Farm average yearly premium of $2,210 is the highest.
Company
Average annual cost
Chubb
$1,190
Allstate
$1,657
Nationwide
$1,829
USAA
$1,984
State Farm
$2,210
Cheapest Washington, D.C. homeowners insurance if you have an older home
Older homes can be costly to insure, as they're more prone to structural damage than a newer build, and they're often constructed with materials and features that are more expensive to replace.
With an average annual premium of $885, USAA offers the cheapest home insurance rates for a home over 100 years old, while Nationwide is the most expensive.
Company
Average annual cost
USAA
$885
Chubb
$890
State Farm
$1,290
Allstate
$1,333
Nationwide
$1,584
Cheapest Washington, D.C. homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims
Claims history is one of the biggest factors insurers use to determine home insurance premiums. If you have multiple claims on your record, you'll typically pay more for home insurance, as insurers will consider you more likely to file future claims than a homeowner with a spotless claims history.
With an average annual premium of $1,355, USAA offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Washington, D.C. for a homeowner that's filed three claims within a five-year period, while Nationwide is the most expensive
Company
Average annual cost
USAA
$1,355
State Farm
$1,471
Chubb
$1,696
Allstate
$2,254
Nationwide
$2,978
How to buy homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. residents shopping for insurance should ensure they have adequate homeowners insurance to protect their homes and lifestyles if disaster strikes.
5 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C.
Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of insurance specialists can help you get quotes from top companies — at no cost and without an impact on your credit. We can explain everything to you and why home insurance can help you out during rough times.
Consider purchasing flood insurance. Coastal storms can lead to flooding and wind damage. Although rare, hurricanes have affected the D.C. area, so residents who live in floodplains may want to consider additional flood insurance
Figure out if you need a lower deductible. A lower deductible means you’ll pay more for your home insurance, but less out of pocket for a covered claim. A Policygenius agent can help you choose a deductible that works the best for your budget.
Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Once you’ve chosen which policy options work best for you, a Policygenius agent will send over quotes from top insurance companies for your review.
Sign the policy and pay your first bill. Policygenius will do all of the paperwork for you, and even cancel your old policy if it isn’t expired yet. All you have to do is sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium.
Compare home insurance rates in Washington, D.C.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average home insurance rate in Washington, D.C.?
The average home insurance rate in Washington, D.C. is $96 a month. Washington, D.C. homeowners enjoy rates significantly lower than other states in the region.
Why do some insurance companies charge higher rates for certain dog breeds?
Homeowners should have enough liability coverage to protect their assets in case they have a dog considered to be an “aggressive breed.” Many insurance companies charge higher rates for dangerous breeds, while some may deny you coverage altogether. If a party is bitten on your property and decides to sue for damages, you could be held legally responsible.
Is it required to have homeowners insurance in Washington D.C.?
Home insurance isn’t required in Washington D.C. unless you have a mortgage on your property, but it’s certainly a good idea to protect your investment regardless of whether that’s the case or not. To be sure you get the cheapest rates, contact the friendly agents at Policygenius for a quote.
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.
Jennifer Gimbel is a senior managing editor at Policygenius, where she oversees all of our insurance coverage. Previously, she was the managing editor at Finder.com and a content strategist at Babble.com.