Tacoma, WA Homeowners Insurance

(How to find a reliable home insurance policy at an affordable price)

Written by Rachel Morey
Written by Rachel Morey

Rachel Morey is a journalist specializing in making complicated personal finance and insurance subjects easy to understand. She has been writing professionally for nearly a decade and has projects in print, broadcasting, and online. A native Iowan, Rachel has a special fondness for the open roads of rural America.

Updated
Tacoma Washington homeowners insurance

When you need home insurance in Tacoma, it's smart to work with a local independent insurance agent. Whether you just moved to town or are a lifelong resident, you need home insurance that protects your investment with a trustworthy company. 

An independent insurance agent local to the area understands the risks associated with owning a home in Tacoma. They know the local rules and regulations about insurance, and they can shop dozens of insurance companies to help you find a policy that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost in Tacoma, WA?

While the average home insurance policy costs less in Washington than it does across the country, it's still necessary to shop around to make sure you are getting the best possible rates. Comparing rates can help you save hundreds of dollars on your home insurance premiums. 

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

Averages can help you understand what to expect, but your premiums may vary greatly from the average Tacoma resident's insurance rates. Insurance companies calculate rates on a case-by-case basis, using a number of factors. 

  • The size, age, and value of your home
  • The type of home you are insuring (e.g., single-family detached home, condo, manufactured home, vacation home, etc.)
  • The number of stories in your home and whether it has a basement
  • The crime rate and weather risks in your ZIP code
  • Your claims history and credit score
  • Whether you are bundling your coverage with another policy like car insurance or life insurance

When you compare quotes, you'll be able to see the difference in rates from one company to the next. Your agent can help you get the most coverage for your money while making sure that you have enough insurance to replace or rebuild your home after a disaster. 

Does Tacoma Homeowners Insurance Cover against Catastrophic Events?

In Tacoma, you are statistically most likely to experience a financial loss due to fire or smoke damage. Your homeowners policy should cover you against damage caused by fire. You'll also get coverage for storm-related damage for your home's contents and the dwelling. 

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

While you can count on your home insurance to cover fire damage, most homeowners insurance policies don't cover damage from flooding. If you live in a flood-prone area or are worried about future flood damage costs, talk with your agent about getting a flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

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Why Do Tacoma Homeowners Need Liability Insurance?

Liability coverage is a crucial part of every home insurance policy. A liability lawsuit can be expensive and is often the result of events beyond the homeowner's control. 

Your liability policy covers expenses related to someone else's medical care and recovery if they are injured on your property. It also covers some accidental damage to someone else's property caused by you or a family member. A liability lawsuit can happen to anyone. 

Here are some examples of situations where your liability insurance may pay for the damage: 

  • A visitor in your home trips on loose carpeting on your stairway and suffers a serious back injury.
  • Your child breaks your neighbor’s picture window while playing baseball in your backyard.
  • Your dog manages to get loose and bites a jogger.
  • A local business sues you for libel because of a negative review you posted on social media.

Your agent can explain the finer points of homeowners liability insurance and the personal liability insurance that comes with it. They can help you choose liability limits for your policy that fit your budget and lifestyle. If you think you may need more liability coverage than your homeowners insurance offers, consider an umbrella insurance policy. This type of insurance provides an affordable way to increase your liability coverage. 

Does Tacoma Homeowners Insurance Cover against Burglaries?

In Washington, the burglary rate is higher than the national average. In Tacoma, it's even higher. In 2018, Tacoma residents reported 1,912 burglaries. 

  • 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 Tacoma: 8.86

If you are the victim of a property crime, you'll have coverage for stolen personal property and damage to your home, up to the policy's limits. Having your home broken into is a stressful event. The right types and amount of insurance can help bring some relief. 

Your agent may recommend a home security system in Tacoma because it's a powerful theft deterrent. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts if you have or are willing to install a home security system. 

What about Second Home and Vacation Home Insurance?

If you own more than one home, you'll need special insurance to protect your personal property and the home's structure. Any home that isn't your primary residence has certain additional risks. 

A second home that's occupied by tenants may have a higher statistical risk of property damage. You may also need higher liability coverage in the form of landlord insurance

If you have a vacation home that you visit only periodically, vacant home insurance can help you insure against the increased risk of property damage and break-ins. Your agent can help you assess your overall risks and they can recommend the types and amounts of insurance you may need for your second home or vacation home. 

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

When you choose a Tacoma independent insurance agent, you'll get one-on-one advice about your property. Your agent works for you, so you'll get multiple quotes from different insurance companies. They can help you choose the best insurance options with a premium that works with your budget. 

Reach out to an independent agent in Tacoma and get started comparing customized home insurance quotes right away. 

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http://www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf

https://www.census.gov

http://www.city-data.com/city/Tacoma-Washington.html

https://www.fema.gov/data-visualization-disaster-declarations-states-and-counties