Homeowners insurance can be harder to get or more expensive depending on your house's location, age and condition, your claims history and even your credit score.
But even if you've been rejected or dropped by your carrier, you still have options.
CNBC Select has named the best high-risk homeowners insurance companies in a variety of categories. (See our methodology for more on how we made our picks.)
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
Amica offers two tiers of homeowners insurance: A standard policy and the brand's Platinum Choice plan, which covers more situations and has extended coverage for jewelry and liability. Add-on options include computer coverage, sump pump backup coverage, and dwelling replacement coverage.
Progressive doesn't underwrite its own insurance policies. Through its HomeQuote Explorer platform, however, it gathers multiple quotes from over a dozen top insurers to help you quickly compare and save.
Best high-risk homeowners insurance
Best for affordability: Allstate
Allstate Homeowners Insurance
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
App available
Yes
Policy highlights
Allstate's homeowners insurance combines strong track records for customer satisfaction with affordability. While not available in all states, it is widely available across the U.S. It's also willing to work with homeowners who have unique needs like those with homes over 100 years old. Special features including unique homesharing coverage can help make your homeowners insurance policy even more useful.
Pros
- Offers several discounts, including bundling discounts for bundling home and auto insurance
- Coverage is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Cons
- New policies not available in California
Who's this for? Allstate's numerous discounts keep costs down, including rate reductions for recent homebuyers and retirees. You can also save up to 25% by bundling home and auto insurance with Allstate.
Standout benefits: With Allstate's optional Claim RateGuard benefit, you can keep your rates from going up if you file a claim (applies to one claim every five years).
Best for vacant homes: American Family Insurance
American Family Homeowners Insurance
Cost
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
App available
Yes
Policy highlights
American Family offers coverage for a variety of situations, including home-based businesses and short-term rentals. The company also offers coverage for vacant homes and vacation homes. A wide variety of policy add-ons can help you get the coverage you need and skip what you don't.
Pros
- Additional coverage available for equipment breakdown coverage, flash flooding and hidden water damage that's not visible in your home
Cons
- Not available nationwide
Who's this for? If your home is sitting empty because you're renovating or trying to sell, insurers may consider it a high-risk property. American Family Insurance is one of the few companies that insures vacant homes, with coverage available for three, six or twelve months.
Standout benefits: American Family offers numerous add-ons for homeowners, including coverage for sump pump and water backup, roof damage, equipment breakdown, inland flooding, service line repair and short-term rentals.
[ Click here for more details on American Family Insurance ]
Best for older homes: Foremost
- Covers homeowners who have been non-renewed or declined elsewhere
- Covers vacation homes and vacant properties
- Online quotes take 2 to 3 days and aren't available in all states
Who's this for? Foremost covers homes that other insurers won't, including older properties with signs of aging or hefty claims histories.
Standout benefits: Foremost has an extended replacement cost coverage add-on that increases your dwelling limit by up to 50%, which can help rebuild your home if it's a total loss.
Best for bad credit: Nationwide
- Rates well below national average
- Discounts for bundling, new homes, staying claims-free and more
- Credit card fraud protection standard
- Less-than-stellar customer service reviews
- Not available in all states
- Can't purchase a policy online
Who's this for? Most states allow insurers to consider your credit score when determining rates, but Nationwide's average premiums for homeowners with poor credit are still much cheaper than the national average.
Standout benefits: The Better Roof Replacement add-on allows you to rebuild with safer and stronger roofing materials after a covered loss.
Best for high-value homes: Chubb
- Top-rated for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power
- Extended replacement cost available
- Complimentary home inspections and property services
- Cash settlement available if you decide not to rebuild
- Rates are higher than many competitors
- Online quotes are not available
Who's this for? Aimed at higher-value homes, Chubb's Masterpiece policy comes with extended replacement cost coverage for your property and replacement cost coverage for contents so you can buy new belongings. It also includes up to $100 million in personal liability coverage.
Standout benefits: The Masterpiece policy also includes water backup coverage, identity theft protection and a complimentary visit from a risk consultant who can assess your home for potential problems.
[ Click here for more details on Chubb ]
What makes a home high-risk?
Homes can fall into a higher risk category for several reasons, including:
Location
If your home is in an area prone to wildfires, hurricanes or other severe weather, insurers consider you more likely to file a claim.
Swimming pools and diving boards
While they can be fun, pools raise your home's risk factor significantly.
Older or damaged roof
Your roof is your home's first line of defense. If yours hasn't been maintained, it can put your property at risk for severe weather and other perils.
Vacant homes
Whether it's a vacation getaway, a house being renovated or a property you're selling, an empty home is a higher risk because no one is around to spot a leak, fire or other peril.
What makes a homeowner high-risk?
Sometimes, people can be considered high-risk. Here are several common scenarios where that applies:
Prior claims
If you've filed several homeowners insurance claims in the past, your CLUE report will reflect this and insurers might raise your rates.
Low credit score
Your credit score can influence your insurance score, which helps determine the price you'll pay for coverage. This is restricted in some states, however.
Home-based business
If you own a business you run from home, you could have some additional liabilities, even from a homeowners insurance perspective.
Pets
A dog with a history of aggression could also put you at higher risk for filing a claim. Some insurers exclude coverage for particular breeds, including rottweilers and pit bulls.
If you've been rejected by a homeowners insurance company, that doesn't mean you can't get coverage. You might need to try a few more providers or turn to another option, including:
FAIR plan
Also called the insurer of last resort, a FAIR plan is a state-run plan that covers fire, theft, windstorms and other perils. These policies are typically more expensive than you'd find on the private market. You may need to show several rejections and repair or upgrade certain systems to qualify.
To see if there is a FAIR plan in your area, contact your state's insurance department.
Surplus lines insurance
Unique properties can get coverage that isn't available on the standard homeowners insurance market with surplus lines coverage.
Some states, including California, Texas and Florida, have surplus lines insurance associations that can provide more information.
How to save on homeowners insurance with a high-risk home
It's still possible to pay a lower rate if you're faced with a high-risk situation. Here are some moves you can make to lower your costs.
1. Make home improvements
Many homeowners insurance companies in high-risk areas offer discounts for taking fire, wind and hurricane mitigation steps. Depending on where you live and what risks your property faces, that could range from installing wind-resistant features to a sprinkler system and beyond.
2. Raise your deductible
Your deductible is the amount you'll need to cover before your homeowners insurance kicks. In most cases, raising your deductible lowers your premiums. Make sure you can afford the additional expense if you have to file a claim.
3. Look for discounts
Many homeowner insurance companies offer rate reductions for bundling your policy with auto insurance. You can also see if there are discounts for older owners, for living in a gated community or for having safety features like a burglar alarm or smoke detectors.
4. Increase your credit score
Those with good credit scores tend to pay less for homeowners insurance. Paying your bills on time and checking your credit report for errors could help you bump your credit score.
More on the best high-risk homeowners insurance
Allstate
Allstate is one of the largest homeowners insurance companies in the U.S., with $12 billion in direct premiums written in 2023. Its HostAdvantage endorsement offers extra protection for personal belongings damaged or stolen by Airbnb guests or other short-term renters.
Availability: Allstate homeowners insurance is available nationwide but the company is not issuing new policies in California.
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking: Below average
NAIC complaint index: More complaints than expected
American Family Insurance
Wisconsin-based American Family, also known as AmFam, has been in business since 1927. Policyholders in Western states may have access to wildfire prevention and mitigation services as part of a partnership with Wildfire Defense Systems.
Availability: American Family offers home insurance in 19 states
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking: Below average
NAIC complaint index: About the expected number of complaints
Foremost
Founded in 1952, Foremost has been a part of the Farmers Insurance Group since 2000. In addition to homeowners policies, it offers auto insurance, flood insurance and specialty coverage for boats, RVs and manufactured homes.
Availability: Foremost homeowners insurance is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking: Not rated
NAICP complete index: Fewer complaints than expected
Nationwide
Founded in 1926 as the Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Nationwide is now one of the nation's largest providers of homeowners insurance. Policyholders are eligible for a free Ting electrical fire sensor, along with five years of complimentary fire prevention service and $1,000 toward repair costs..
Availability: Nationwide offers homeowners insurance in all U.S. states except Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking: Above average
NAICP complete index: Fewer complaints than expected
Chubb
With origins dating back to 1792, Chubb specializes in exceptional coverage and customer service for high-value properties. In addition to homeowners policies, it sells condo, renters, auto, boat and jewelry insurance, as well as private flood insurance.
Availability: Chubb homeowners insurance policies are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking: Above average
NAICP complete index: Far fewer complaints than expected
Homeowners insurance FAQs
What makes a home a higher risk for insurance companies?
Many factors — both personal and those about your home — can lead insurers to consider your home a higher risk. Personal factors like low credit scores, filing multiple claims and owning an aggressive pet breed could play into being considered higher risk. Your home could also have several factors that could lead to an increased risk, including its age, having a swimming pool or an older roof.
Is it hard to get homeowners insurance after being dropped?
It's possible to get coverage for your home after being dropped by your current insurer or facing rejection. Start by asking your insurer why they decided not to continue your coverage. If it's fixable, you may be able to ask your insurer to reconsider.
What if I can't find homeowners insurance?
If you're having trouble getting homeowners insurance through private companies, you might want to try your state's Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan. Most states have a FAIR plan. However, you'll want to try all your options first, as FAIR coverage may be more expensive than other homeowners insurance options.
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Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every homeowners insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Our methodology
CNBC Select analyzed more than 15 homeowners insurance companies that work with homes and owners with risk factors, focusing on average premiums for high-risk situations.
We considered rates, coverage options, discounts and availability, as well as customer satisfaction data from J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' complaint index.
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
Based on that criteria, our picks for best homeowners insurance for high-risk homes are:
Best for affordability: Allstate
Best for vacant homes: American Family
Best for older homes: Foremost
Best for bad credit: Nationwide
Best for high-value homes: Chubb
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