Coverage A is the number that matters
Coverage A (dwelling) should equal full rebuild cost at today's construction prices — many homes are underinsured by 20–30% because policies were never updated after renovation or construction-cost inflation. Ask for extended replacement cost (125%) or guaranteed replacement cost endorsements where available.
- • Flood is never covered by a standard HO-3 — it needs a separate NFIP or private policy.
- • Earthquake is a separate endorsement or policy everywhere.
- • Schedule jewelry, art, and collectibles — sublimits are typically $1,500–2,500.
Ways to cut the premium without gutting coverage
Raise the deductible, bundle auto, install monitored alarms and water-leak sensors, update the roof (the single biggest rating factor in storm states), and re-shop every 2–3 years. Loyalty rarely pays in insurance — new-customer pricing is aggressive.
Related guides
Long-form playbooks on the same topic, written by the RevenueLab editorial team.
FAQ
How much is homeowners insurance on a $400K house?
If $400K is the rebuild cost (not market value), expect roughly $1,400–2,800/year in average-risk areas and $4,000–8,000+ in coastal Florida, Louisiana, or wildfire-exposed California. Deductible, roof age, and claims history swing the number ±30%.
Is flood damage covered by homeowners insurance?
No. Standard HO-3 policies exclude flood and storm surge entirely. Flood requires a separate NFIP policy (up to $250K dwelling) or private flood insurance, with a typical 30-day waiting period before coverage starts.
How much dwelling coverage do I need?
Enough to rebuild the home at current local construction costs — typically $150–250 per sq ft nationally, $300–600 in high-cost metros. Get a replacement-cost estimate from your insurer's calculator and consider extended replacement cost (125%) as a buffer.
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Written by Sam Doshi and the RevenueLab editorial team. We don't sell the data feeds this tool is built on.
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