Best homeowners insurance companies in North Dakota for 2024

Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in North Dakota

North Dakota homeowners pay an average of $1,900 per year for home insurance, substantially more than the national average of $1,428. Based on our research, though, three of the four best North Dakota homeowners insurance companies have rates lower than the state average. And although cheap home insurance is a perk, we also looked at other factors — like customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, available coverage types and discounts — to choose companies that are impressive in more than just their prices. If you’re shopping for the best homeowners insurance in North Dakota, you may want to get quotes from these companies:

The top 5 home insurance companies in North Dakota

Additional North Dakota home insurance companies to consider

How Bankrate chose the best home insurance companies in North Dakota

To find the best homeowners insurance companies in North Dakota, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team used Quadrant Information Services to obtain 2024 premium information. We also reviewed J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Home Insurance Study, which ranked companies based on customer satisfaction. The providers included as the best home insurance companies in North Dakota were selected based on average premiums, policy options, discounts, customer service scores and financial strength ratings. These factors were used to calculate a Bankrate Score for each carrier, with five points being the highest score.

While coverage options, insurer availability, affordability and customer experience are often top priorities, Bankrate also analyzed each insurer’s online and mobile resources for policy management and claims handling. Insurance is rapidly evolving to keep pace with our digital world, so these aspects also carried weight in determining Bankrate Scores.

Cheapest home insurance companies in North Dakota

Finding affordable homeowners insurance in North Dakota can be challenging due to the state's unique environmental risks, including potential flooding and severe winter storms. However, being aware of the insurers that typically offer more competitive rates can help you make a cost-effective choice. Below, we've highlighted insurance companies known for offering lower average premiums in North Dakota. It's important to note that coverage options and exclusions, such as for wind or hail damage, can differ significantly between companies, locations and policy types, all of which can influence the overall cost of your insurance.

How to get cheap North Dakota home insurance

Finding home insurance within your budget is important, but there are other considerations outside of price. When searching for the best cheap home insurance in North Dakota, you may want to consider these steps:

Best home insurance discounts in North Dakota

Home insurance discounts may be one of the easiest ways to lower your premium. North Dakota homeowners looking for lower rates might want to consider these common discounts:

How to save on home insurance policy renewals in North Dakota

When it comes time to renew your home insurance policy in North Dakota, there are several strategies you might consider to potentially reduce your premiums without compromising on coverage. Being proactive and informed can lead to significant savings:

• Review your policy annually: It's a good idea to assess your coverage needs each year, as changes in your life or property may mean you're paying for more coverage than necessary.
• Inquire about discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for various reasons, such as installing security systems, being claims-free or bundling multiple policies. It's worth asking your provider about any discounts that could apply to you.
• Increase your deductible: Opting for a higher deductible could lower your premium costs, but ensure it's an amount you could comfortably afford in the event of a claim.
• Improve your home's resilience: Upgrades to roofing, electrical and plumbing systems, as well as adding storm shutters, can not only make your home safer but may also qualify you for lower insurance rates.
• Compare quotes: Before renewing, it might be beneficial to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers to ensure you're getting the best rate for your coverage needs.

How much is home insurance in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, the average cost of homeowners insurance is $2,538 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage — much higher than the national average premium of $2,230 per year for the same coverage amount. Compared to homeowners in neighboring states, Minnesota homeowners pay an average of 5 percent less than North Dakota homeowners, at $2,417 per year. South Dakota homeowners pay an average of 8 percent more at $2,732 per year compared to North Dakota.

Home insurance premiums are determined by using several rating factors. Your ZIP code, credit score, claims history, marital status and home details are considered rating factors for home insurance rates in North Dakota. North Dakota’s higher-than-average insurance premiums could be partly due to the state’s common causes of loss, including wildfires, winter storms and tornadoes.

North Dakota homeowners insurance rates by city

Homeowners insurance rates in North Dakota can differ significantly from one city to another, influenced by local risk factors such as weather patterns, crime rates and proximity to emergency services. For instance, cities prone to flooding or with harsher winter conditions might see higher insurance costs. Below, we've provided a map and searchable data table to help you explore how rates vary across different cities within the state. This tool can offer valuable insights into the potential cost of insuring your home, depending on its location within North Dakota.

What does home insurance cover in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, a standard HO-3 homeowners insurance policy offers a broad level of protection for your home, personal property and other structures on your property. The dwelling and other structures are typically covered on an open perils basis, meaning they are protected against all risks except for those explicitly excluded in the policy. On the other hand, personal property coverage under an HO-3 policy is generally based on named perils, which are specifically listed risks.

For homeowners in North Dakota, understanding the scope of coverage is crucial, especially given the state's susceptibility to certain natural events. Here are a few of the most relevant covered perils for North Dakota, taking into account the state's climate and environmental conditions:

• Weight of snow, ice or sleet: This coverage is particularly pertinent in North Dakota due to the state's harsh winters. It typically covers damage to your home's structure that might occur from the heavy weight of snow or ice accumulation, which is not an uncommon occurrence in the region.
• Hail or windstorms: Given North Dakota's location in the northern plains, it is prone to severe weather events, including hail and windstorms, especially during the spring and summer. This coverage could provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that damages from such storms are usually covered.
• Freezing of a heating, plumbing, fire sprinkler or air conditioning system or household appliance: The freezing temperatures common in North Dakota winters can cause significant damage to a home's heating, plumbing and air conditioning systems. Coverage for such perils typically includes damages due to the freezing and resultant bursting or cracking of these systems.

It's important for homeowners to review their insurance policies closely and consult with their insurance provider to understand the specific perils covered and any exclusions that may apply. This ensures that you have the appropriate coverage in place to protect your home against the risks most relevant to your location in North Dakota.

Additional home insurance coverage options in North Dakota

Homeowners in North Dakota can purchase a standard home insurance policy with common coverage types, like dwelling, personal property, liability, medical payments and loss of use. Most North Dakota home insurance policies offer optional endorsements and coverage you can use to tailor your policy to your specific needs, such as:

• Backup of sewer and drains: This coverage offers protection if something occurs to cause a clog or backup in your sewer or drains. It also provides coverage if your sump pump stops working and the water flows into your basement or lower level.
• Inflation protection: This endorsement helps your coverage limits keep up with inflation. At each renewal, your dwelling coverage automatically increases. This helps protect you if you have a substantial claim that could potentially go above your original coverage limit.
• Personal property replacement coverage: Without this endorsement, your home policy would pay depreciated value for your damaged personal property. By adding replacement cost coverage for your belongings, you can replace damaged or destroyed items with new items at current market value.

North Dakota homeowners may also want to consider flood insurance. Confirming how your policy covers wind, hail and water damage could also be worthwhile since severe weather is common.

Common North Dakota home insurance problems

Homeowners in North Dakota may face several challenges when securing insurance due to the state's unique geographical and climatic conditions. The extreme weather patterns, including severe winters with heavy snowfall and potential spring flooding, can make finding comprehensive and affordable coverage more complex. Insurers may also consider the risk of hail and windstorms, which are relatively common in the region, when underwriting policies. These factors can lead to higher premiums and more stringent policy terms.

• High risk of flooding: Many areas in North Dakota are prone to flooding, especially during the spring thaw. Standard homeowners policies typically do not cover flood damage, requiring homeowners to purchase separate flood insurance, which can be an additional financial burden.
• Severe winter weather: The state's harsh winters pose risks like freezing pipes and the weight of snow or ice on structures, leading to potential exclusions or higher deductibles for winter-related damages in homeowners policies.
• Limited availability in rural areas: Homeowners in more remote or rural parts of North Dakota might find fewer insurance options available to them. Limited access to services and increased response times for claims can also be challenges in these areas.

Navigating these issues often requires homeowners to thoroughly research and compare insurance options, possibly consider additional coverage like flood insurance and implement preventive measures to mitigate risks and possibly lower insurance costs.

Frequently asked questions