Kentucky (KY) homeowners insurance
The right policy can help you balance the cost of premiums with the coverage your home and belongings require.
Getting the best deal on Kentucky homeowners insurance can seem challenging. After all, your home is likely your largest purchase, and you want to protect your investment. The average price for a home in Kentucky is a little more than $226,000. At the same time, saving money is a priority, and you want to get the best deal.
More than 4.5 million people call Kentucky their home state. That's a lot of people searching for insurance coverage, and there are many companies to provide it. Each one has a variety of policies. VIU by HUB has an online tool for obtaining homeowners insurance quotes and providing guidance. You can compare companies and policies, ensuring you choose the best one for your circumstances.
The weather in Kentucky can be unpredictable. You may sometimes think you're experiencing all four seasons in the same week. Actually, the state has four seasons, each with its own perils that can potentially cause damage to your home. Higher-than-average rainfall and 11 inches of snow in the winter put your Kentucky home at risk year-round.
Kentucky averages over 20 tornadoes annually. The state is part of Hoosier Alley, a segment of the country that experiences a high number of tornadoes compared to other areas. Tornadoes can be particularly dangerous for homeowners, ravaging houses and property.
While blizzards are uncommon, Kentucky is no stranger to ice storms. Even a quarter inch of ice can cause mature trees and power lines to buckle under the weight. Trees can fall on houses and damage roofs. Frozen pipes can burst and flood homes.
Straight-line winds can cause damage by blowing over trees and power lines. Wind can toss heavy objects through the yard, such as trash cans, trampolines and patio furniture, sending them careening into windows.
Warm weather can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain and flash floods. Over 20 Kentucky counties experienced serious flooding in 2020. Flood insurance is available in a separate policy that many homeowners don't realize they need.
Homeowners pay quite a bit for insurance in Kentucky. The state ranks in the top ten states for the most expensive home insurance. A policy with $250,000 in dwelling coverage costs $170 per month, well above the national average of $120 per month.
Where you live in Kentucky influences your premiums. If you live in or near a larger city, you will likely pay more for homeowners insurance. Higher premiums are partly attributable to higher crime rates, putting homeowners at increased risk for burglary or vandalism. Home values also trend higher in cities, making them more expensive to insure.
Rural homeowners usually find lower rates. Lower home prices and population density can make insurance more affordable. If you'd like to learn more about policy options in your area, VIU by HUB has an online comparison tool. You can view the various rates that different homeowners insurance companies provide.
Insurance companies look at individual factors when setting policy premiums. You may qualify for discounts to lower your rates.
Installing a burglar alarm can save you money on home insurance. An alarm that alerts a police station or a central monitoring system can save you even more than a standard house alarm.
If you want to lower your monthly premiums, ask your VIU by HUB Advisor about increasing your deductible. This option is good if you can afford to pay more out of pocket if you have a claim.
People aged 55 and older may qualify for a home insurance discount. Most residential burglaries occur in the daytime. Statistically, it's the time most people are at school or work. Retired people are more likely to be home during the day. They also have more time to spend on home upkeep and improvements.
High-quality or fire-resistant building materials can make your dwelling less susceptible to property damage from fire or natural disasters. These types of building materials often enable insurers to offer you a discount.
A typical home insurance policy covers your home and other buildings on your property. Dwelling protection includes the house's structure: the walls, foundation and roof. It may also include attached structures, such as a garage or deck.
Most policies include Other Structures coverage for buildings that are detached from your home and located on your property. Examples are detached garages, fences, tool sheds or barns. All but the most basic homeowners policies also protect the personal belongings inside your home.
Liability protection is also typically included in a homeowners policy and covers expenses if someone gets hurt on your property.
You may need to purchase additional coverage beyond your basic policy. Flood insurance, for example, is not part of a typical home insurance policy. You can find flood coverage options by purchasing a policy from a private insurer or from the National Flood Insurance Program.
You may need additional Personal Property coverage if you have expensive items in your home, such as artwork, furs or jewelry. Your standard policy might not cover rare or high-priced belongings.
Identity theft is another coverage to consider. As stolen identities become more common, you may decide purchasing coverage is a good idea.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
