Seattle Homeowners Insurance

If you own a home in Seattle or are house hunting, you'll need to research your options for home insurance. Choosing a policy and a company can seem daunting, but you'll find the help you need from an independent insurance agent. 

Everyone's needs are different, and the type and amount of homeowners insurance you need in Seattle varies according to your property value, your personal information, and your location within the city. Your agent can help you find affordable home insurance in Seattle to help you protect your investment. 

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost in Seattle, WA?

You may pay less for home insurance in Seattle than you would in other parts of the country. Although the average home insurance premium in Seattle is lower than the national average, it's still important to get multiple specialized quotes from several companies. 

• National average yearly premium: $1,173
• Washington average yearly premium: $811
• Washington is the 30th most expensive state for home insurance premiums

Averages are a useful benchmark, but a lot goes into a homeowners insurance policy. Each insurance company has algorithms they use to calculate premiums. Your rates may be based on some or all of these factors:

When you compare quotes, you can choose the policy that best meets your needs at the lowest price. Your agent can help you understand how to compare insurance companies and their policies. 

Does Seattle Homeowners Insurance Cover against Catastrophic Events?

A homeowners insurance policy covers you for a variety of events that are outside of your control. Storms, fire, and severe weather can damage your property, and most home insurance policies cover these catastrophic events. 

Your agent can talk with you about how to design a policy that adequately covers your possessions and dwelling so you can repair or rebuild your home after a disaster. 

Catastrophic events in Washington

• Number of federally declared disasters in Washington: 132
• Most common reasons for disasters in WA: Fire
• Average number of tornadoes per year in Washington: 2.5

In Seattle, homeowners are statistically most at risk for damage from fires. Smoke and fire damage is usually covered by homeowners insurance. Flood damage may not be included in your policy, though. If you have concerns about possible flooding in your area, talk with your agent about getting coverage with a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Why Do Seattle Homeowners Need Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance protects the investment you make in your home by paying if you are legally responsible for damage. A liability lawsuit can be expensive, so this type of insurance is an important aspect of your homeowners policy. 

You may be involved in a homeowners liability insurance claim if someone visiting your home is injured on your property, even if you didn't do anything to cause the injury. If your child breaks a neighbor's window or your dog bites a jogger on the sidewalk, it's likely that your homeowners liability insurance will help you pay for damages. 

Your agent will help you understand why you need liability insurance. They can talk with you about how to choose the amount of liability insurance you purchase as part of your policy. You may decide that you want more liability insurance than you'd get with a regular homeowners policy. An umbrella policy can help boost your total liability coverage. 

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Does Seattle Homeowners Insurance Cover against Burglaries?

Burglary rates in Seattle are higher than they are in Washington. Both Seattle and the state of Washington have a much higher burglary rate than the national average. In Seattle, residents reported 7,985 burglaries in 2018. 

• Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in the US: 4.69
• Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Washington: 6.75
• Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Seattle: 10.75

Having your home broken into means you may have some of your personal possessions stolen. You may also be left with damage that requires repairs to windows, doors, and locks. Your homeowners insurance may provide compensation for losses that include personal property. It may also pay for damage to your home. 

Installing a home security system is one effective way to deter thieves. You may also get a discount on your home insurance if you have a home security system in place. If you have a security system or would like one, talk with your agent about the specific discounts offered by various insurance providers. 

What about Second Home and Vacation Home Insurance?

If you own a home in Seattle and you also have a vacation home or second home, you may need special types of insurance. A home that isn't your primary residence may have special risks. There are specific types of insurance to consider for your vacation home or second home. 

If your second home is occupied by tenants or you have a vacation rental, you may need the coverage offered by landlord insurance. Tenant-occupied second homes tend to have a higher risk of liability and property damage claims. 

Your vacation home, if left unattended for long periods of time, has a higher statistical risk of break-ins and property damage. Vacant home insurance can help you protect your investment year-round. 

If you have more than one home, be sure to let your agent know so they can include your other residence in your homeowners quotes. 

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Seattle, WA?

When you choose an independent insurance agent in Seattle, you'll get the one-on-one service you need so you can make the right decisions about your coverage. Your agent can help you design a homeowners policy that meets your needs and find an insurance company with a great reputation.

Independent agents in Seattle are standing by to help. Contact an insurance agent today to get started building your ideal home insurance policy.