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The Best & Worst Homeowner’s Insurance Companies of 2017

Homeowner’s Insurance Companies Ranked

As a restoration contractor we’re often asked which homeowner’s Insurance companies we recommend or have the most negative experiences with. Typically, we provide a rather neutral response like “it depends on the individual adjuster” as we can have wildly different experiences with the same company but with different adjuster’s involved. However, there are a handful of insurance providers we have found to be consistently easy to work with and some we’ve found to be persistently difficult to downright dirty in their dealings with storm damage property claims.

Survey Results

Recently Consumer Reports put out a survey based on 7,418 homeowner’s responses to insurance company satisfaction – specifically in regard to claims. Now these ratings are based on national responses and not every carrier listed provides coverage in Georgia; so it does not perfectly mirror our experiences, but apart from a few exceptions it is surprisingly similar.

It comes as little surprise to us that Amica and USAA are in the top two spots, as both insurers consistently provide good customer service and their claims handling is almost always fair. Likewise, it comes as no shock that Liberty Mutual, American Family and Allstate are rated poorly as these providers routinely have arbitrary and moving targets as the means of assessing property damage.

While shopping for homeowner’s insurance most property owners seek out the lowest premiums, or settle for large deductibles or even Actual Cash Value Policies which only cover a portion of the damaged property. This approach often leaves homeowners with insurance that covers very little.

Top Ten Tips:

  1. Work with an independent agent who can compare premiums and coverage
  2. Make sure you have enough coverage
  3. Don’t worry about filing small claims
  4. Consider flood insurance regardless of waterfront
  5. Animal damage may not be covered
  6. The larger the claim the more you’ll need to prepare for a fight
  7. Your credit history will affect your rates
  8. Things you love most may not be covered
  9. *Beware the hail loophole
  10. Even renters need insurance

*Regarding no. 9. the hail loophole: hail was the single biggest peril with 32% of those surveyed said it was the reason for their homeowner’s insurance claim. The standard homeowner’s policy covers hail, but cosmetic damage may be excluded so be sure to ask for a policy endorsement that covers cosmetic damage.

To save the most, be sure to avoid insurers that require special percentage deductibles for hail damage. Example: 2% deductible on a $400,000 home means you’re responsible for the first $8,000 on a hail damage claim.

Information provided based on August 2017 Consumer Reports



This post first appeared on Atlanta's Very Best Contractor, please read the originial post: here

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The Best & Worst Homeowner’s Insurance Companies of 2017

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