Find the Best Homeowners Insurance Rates and Companies in Wisconsin
The median home value in Wisconsin is $262,474. Homeowners in Wisconsin need a reliable homeowners insurance policy to protect their investment in their homes. Homeowners insurance helps you recover financially when your home or your belongings are damaged.
An independent insurance agent can help you find the best home insurance in Wisconsin. Independent agents can help you get quotes from multiple insurance companies so that you can make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Best Homeowners Insurance Companies in Wisconsin
Many insurance companies in Wisconsin offer home, car, and business insurance. The following are some of the best homeowners insurance companies in Wisconsin. They are highly rated for their mix of valuable coverage offerings and competitive pricing.
- Foremost Insurance Group: Founded in 1952, Foremost Insurance Group offers a selection of personal insurance policies including home and auto insurance. The company offers flexible payment plans, numerous discounts, and 24/7 customer service.
- Safeco: Safeco has been protecting individuals and families since 1923. The company offers homeowners insurance in Wisconsin, as well as a comprehensive range of other personal insurance policies. Working through independent agents, Safeco makes it easy to get the best mix of coverage and pricing.
- West Bend Mutual Insurance Company: West Bend is a mutual insurer, which means that it's owned by its policyholders. West Bend offers homeowners and other types of personal insurance in Wisconsin.
- Nationwide: Nationwide provides homeowners insurance and other popular types of insurance coverage in Wisconsin. The company is headquartered in Columbus, OH, and is represented by independent insurance agents in 50 states.
- Travelers: Travelers offers highly rated homeowners insurance in Wisconsin. It can meet your additional personal insurance needs with a full line of products including auto, boat, identity theft, umbrella, and other coverages.
An independent insurance agent in your area can help you learn more about these and other homeowners insurance companies in Wisconsin. A local agent can help you get competitive quotes for the coverage that fits your insurance needs in Wisconsin.
What Homeowners Insurance in Wisconsin Can Cover
Homeowners insurance is designed to cover certain types of property damage in Wisconsin. The biggest risks to property in Wisconsin include severe storms and lightning, flooding and water damage, tornados, heavy snow, and burglary and other property damage.
Wisconsin has even experienced quite a few large-scale natural disasters:
- Number of declared disasters in Wisconsin since 1953: 54
- Most common types of disasters in Wisconsin: Severe storms, floods, and tornados
- Average number of tornadoes per year in Wisconsin: 23
- Average amount of property damage claims per year in Wisconsin: $585,360,000
Homeowners insurance in Wisconsin typically covers much of the damage caused by natural disasters, including damage caused by wind, rain, hail, and fire. It also covers damage and other losses caused by a break-in or vandalism. Keep in mind that homeowners insurance in Wisconsin does not cover flood damage. For flood coverage, you’ll need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy.
A typical Wisconsin home insurance policy will contain several coverage categories that can help you after a natural disaster or another property damage event. These provide coverage for the inside and outside of your home according to your policy specifics. What’s more, your home insurance policy in Wisconsin covers expenses related to the temporary loss of use of your home after a covered event.
A homeowners insurance policy typically categorizes property coverage and coverage limits as follows.
- Dwelling coverage: Covers your house and attached structures. It also covers items like plumbing, heating, and permanently installed air-conditioning systems, and electrical wiring.
- Other structures coverage: Protects other structures on the property such as detached garages, tool sheds, retaining walls, and so on.
- Contents coverage: Protects the contents of your home and other personal belongings owned by you or family members who live with you.
- Loss of use coverage: Helps you with additional living expenses if your home is damaged by a covered peril (e.g., a fire) and you cannot live in your home while repairs are being made. It typically covers expenses like housing, meals, storage, and more, as long as they are in line with your usual living expenses.
Home insurance in Wisconsin also provides liability coverage for when you're faced with a lawsuit or negligence claim. This is essential protection for your assets. Personal liability coverage provides coverage if you or a resident of your household is responsible for causing property damage or an injury to someone else.
You can also customize your policy to cover other risks. You can add coverage for identity theft, sewer and water backup, scheduled personal property, business property, and more.
A local independent insurance agent can help you find the best homeowners insurance in Wisconsin.
What Won't Homeowners Insurance in Wisconsin Cover?
All insurance policies exclude coverage for certain types of losses, and home insurance in Wisconsin is no different. It does not cover everything that can go wrong with your home or on your property.
First, the liability coverage in your homeowners insurance policy has certain limitations. If you hurt someone because of an intentional act, your liability coverage will not cover you. You can find all the exclusions to your liability coverage in your policy documents.
In addition, home insurance in Wisconsin does not cover flood damage. Since flooding can be a problem in some areas of Wisconsin, it’s important to understand the flood risk for your home and consider purchasing flood insurance.
And remember, whether you purchase a basic policy or a policy with more comprehensive coverage, almost all homeowners insurance policies in Wisconsin will exclude coverage for damage caused by the following:
- Ordinance or law (e.g., demolition or construction required to bring your house up to code)
- Earth movement (e.g., earthquakes, sinkholes, landslides)
- Water damage due to floods, sewer backups, and water that seeps through the foundation
- Power failure
- Neglect
- War
- Nuclear hazard
- Intentional acts
- Governmental action (e.g., destruction, confiscation, or seizure of covered property by any governmental or public authority)
- Loss to property resulting from faulty zoning, bad repair or workmanship, faulty construction materials, and defective maintenance
To avoid any surprises down the road, be sure to understand what your home insurance in Wisconsin does and does not cover when you decide to purchase a policy.
Flood Damage in Wisconsin
Flooding can be a significant concern for many homeowners, but homeowners insurance in Wisconsin does not cover flood damage. It is vitally important for Wisconsin homeowners to understand this.
Flooding can be a problem in some areas of Wisconsin. In fact, it is one of the top five risks for homeowners in the state. Depending on where you live in Wisconsin, you could be at risk for flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, ice/debris jams, snowmelt, and dam breaks or levee failures.
If necessary, your agent can help you purchase flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a program established by the federal government to help homeowners recover after a flood event. If you live in a high-risk flood zone and you have a federally-backed mortgage, you’ll be required to purchase flood insurance. And even in lower-risk areas, flood insurance should always be a consideration for homeowners in Wisconsin.
It’s important to discuss your need for supplemental flood insurance with your independent insurance agent.
Average Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is the 47th most expensive state for home insurance in the US. The state has some of the lowest average homeowners rates in the nation.
- National average yearly premium: $1,211
- Wisconsin average yearly premium: $779
When you receive quotes for homeowners insurance in Wisconsin, expect your premiums to be more or less than average. Your insurance premiums depend on your home’s unique characteristics (size, location, age, value, etc.) and other risk factors (crime rate, severe weather risk) in your neighborhood.
If your property’s location comes with more hazards than most, expect to pay more. You will also pay more if your home will cost more to repair or rebuild than others.
Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies and making sure you are maximizing your home insurance discounts is the best way to make sure you’re getting the best rate on your home insurance. A local independent insurance agent can help you get home insurance quotes in Wisconsin.
Average Wisconsin Home Insurance Costs by City
Homeowners insurance costs vary from city to city just like they vary from home to home, and state to state. If you live in a city with a high crime rate or a history of natural disasters, you’re likely to pay more for homeowners insurance than someone who lives in a very safe city. Residents of larger cities often pay more than those who live in rural areas.
In Wisconsin, residents of towns with higher-than-average property values pay more for home insurance coverage than people who live in cities with lower property values.
Madison, WI, for example, has higher average property values ($283,691) and some of the highest average home insurance rates in the state ($998 per year). Meanwhile, residents of Fond du Lac pay much less for home insurance, on average ($633 per year), which coincides with much lower average property values ($148,829).
Average Wisconsin Home Insurance Costs by City
National average burglary rate 3.76 per 1,000 people
National average home value $269,000
National average home insurance cost $1,428 year
| City | Avg. home value | Burglaries / 1,000 Residents | Annual insurance cost |
| Appleton | $198,315 | 1.75 | $733 |
| Eau Claire | $158,528 | 4.24 | $860 |
| Fond du Lac | $148,829 | 1.82 | $633 |
| Green Bay | $160,294 | 2.38 | $723 |
| Janesville | $151,365 | 4.37 | $825 |
| Kenosha | $175,588 | 2.48 | $757 |
| La Crosse | $167,463 | 5.01 | $867 |
| Madison | $283,691 | 4.11 | $998 |
| Milwaukee | $146,595 | 7.15 | $893 |
| Oshkosh | $145,301 | 1.89 | $656 |
| Racine | $132,484 | 4.49 | $695 |
| Sheboygan | $141,468 | 1.85 | $609 |
| Waukesha | $233,304 | 1.14 | $891 |
| Wauwatosa | $279,427 | 2.53 | $944 |
| West Allis | $162,595 | 4.31 | $851 |
Popular Questions about Home Insurance in Wisconsin
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is around $65 per month, or $779 per year. That's less than the national average of $101 per month. Home insurance costs in Wisconsin will vary depending on your level of risk and several other factors.
The main purpose of homeowners insurance in Wisconsin is to help you with the costs related to property damage with a policy that contains dwelling coverage, contents coverage, and loss of use/additional living expenses coverage. Homeowners insurance in Wisconsin also includes homeowners liability coverage. It protects you when someone claims you have caused an injury or property damage.
Be sure to discuss with your insurance agent the importance of making sure you don’t have any gaps in your coverage. Ask your agent about replacement cost coverage and what it means, as well as the need for optional coverage like water/sewer backup coverage, flood insurance, and more.
There is no law that requires you to purchase home insurance in Wisconsin, it’s important to understand that your mortgage lender will require you to have homeowners insurance and will require proof that you have it. With over $585 million in home insurance claims paid in Wisconsin in one year alone, proper home insurance protection is necessary to avoid a major loss.
Homeowners insurance rates in Wisconsin are not one-size-fits-all. Insurance companies calculate your rates by looking at your home, the risk factors for your neighborhood, and your specific coverage needs.
If you live in a ZIP code with a high crime rate or one that is highly susceptible to natural disasters, you can expect to pay more than someone living in a safer area.
You have a lot of options for your homeowners insurance policy in Wisconsin. The best homeowners insurance companies in Wisconsin are Foremost Insurance Group, Safeco, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, Nationwide, and Travelers. These companies are highly rated for their mix of valuable coverage offerings and competitive pricing.
Yes. Wisconsin has 366 independent insurance agencies to choose from when selecting home insurance. Independent agents work for you free of charge, ensuring that you get the best options for an affordable rate.
Homeowners insurance is not required in Wisconsin, but you’ll probably be required by your mortgage lender to have it.
Searching for the best and most affordable homeowners insurance in Wisconsin can be frustrating and confusing. That’s why it pays to have an experienced insurance professional in your corner.
Instead of getting an online quote, find an independent insurance agent in Wisconsin now, and get one-on-one consultation and affordable options for the best coverage for your unique needs. Your agent will work with you free of charge, offering you a variety of options so you can make the best choice.
Contact an agent today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do You Know What Your Wisconsin Home Insurance Covers?
Average Cost of Home Insurance Near You
The average monthly cost of home insurance in Green Bay is $60.
Not all Green Bay homeowners will pay the same amount for their home insurance. Your monthly rate is based on several considerations, such as the crime rate in your ZIP code, the size of your home, the building materials used in your home’s construction, your claims history, the amount of your deductible, and more.
Many homeowners in Green Bay have a significant risk of sustaining flood damage. This risk isn’t limited to those who are situated near the Fox River and Lake Michigan. When heavy rain falls, the ground can become saturated and drainage systems can become overwhelmed, leading to flash flooding throughout the city. However, it is important to bear in mind that homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage.
The average monthly cost of home insurance in Kenosha is $63.
Your house and property coverage needs are not the same as your neighbor’s. While everyone in your neighborhood has the same crime and weather risks influencing their rates, your homeowners insurance premium can also be based on factors like the size, age and value of your home, the type of roof you have, and when it was last replaced, your claims history, the number of people in your household, and potentially even your credit score. Your monthly rate for Kenosha homeowners insurance may therefore be higher or lower than this average.
Residential fires present one of the most devastating risks to homeowners. In addition to severely damaging your house, a fire can lead to a total loss of your personal belongings, including clothing, furniture, and electronics. That is why it is important for your dwelling coverage to be high enough to enable you to rebuild your home and that you have sufficient contents coverage to let you replace your lost or damaged property without enduring a large financial loss.
The average monthly cost of home insurance in Madison is $83.
Home insurance rates can vary from one homeowner to the next, especially in a large city like Madison. Your rate will be based on factors like the size, value, and location of your home, the age of your roof, the materials used in your home’s construction, and sometimes even your credit score.
Some of the most expensive hazards faced by homeowners in Madison are severe weather events like tornadoes. The rate of tornado activity in the Madison area is 72% greater than the national rate. A tornado can seriously damage or destroy your house if it is in its path. Fortunately, your homeowners insurance can help you repair and replace your home and belongings, and can even help you pay for a hotel if you are temporarily displaced while your home is being repaired.
The average monthly cost of home insurance in Milwaukee is $74.
Your homeowners insurance is completely customized according to the value of your home and property and other considerations like weather risks and crime rates in your neighborhood. You can therefore expect your monthly premium to be greater or lower than this average. It costs more to insure homes in the Downer Woods neighborhood, where houses are large and highly valued, than in Golden Valley, where homes are more affordable.
With more than 3,500 burglaries reported every year, Milwaukee has one of the highest property crime rates in the state. It is therefore important that you take precautions like using deadbolt locks and home security systems to help protect your home. Fortunately, your Milwaukee homeowners insurance can compensate you for your losses if you are the victim of a property crime like theft or vandalism.
The average monthly cost of home insurance in Racine is $58.
Of course, what you may actually be expected to pay can differ significantly from this average price. This is because costs are based on the value of your property and the specific risks associated with it. Some of the factors that can influence your premium amount include the age and size of your house, the crime rate and weather risks in your ZIP code, the materials used in your home’s construction, and your claims history.
Winter storms can be a problem in Racine. Heavy snow can damage roofs, ice dams can destroy gutters, and freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to burst, which can result in extremely expensive damage to your home. Racine homeowners insurance can give you peace of mind in knowing that your winter-damaged home can be returned to normal without causing you a large personal expense.
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