Is there a homeowner's insurance company that's known for giving the best rates? I know they all f*** you over when you need them most, but which one has the best (or at least good) rates? I ask because in order to get quotes each one would have to run my credit report, and that's just been happening so often as of late. All State, State Farm, Farmer's, Geico, or Nationwide? FWIW I currently use State Farm for auto insurance, but will switch if someone else offers me a better rate to combine policies.
This really isn't an area where I'd recommend going with the cheapest option available. Especially if you live in Houston. I'm about to move to Clear Lake, where the rates are double what I was paying for my house in The Heights. Kinda sucks, but it is what it is. I'm with Liberty Mutual. I've previously had both Farmers and Allstate. Luckily I've never had to go through the claims process yet with any of them.
whatever credit they run is a "soft hit" and does not affect your credit score. go to: https://apps.tdi.state.tx.us/helpinspublic/Start.do?type=res to see base rates in your area for all the carriers. My advice is to shop around
I have USAA, and have been very happy with the claims process, but filing 2 claims since I bought the house in December 2007 has resulted in my premiums doubling. I'm now paying $700+ annually on a house I paid $52k for. :/
There is no cheap homeowners insurance in Texas since most insurance companies lose money on it. The only reason they stay in Texas is because the Texas insurance commission won't let them leave by threatening the their ability to sell car insurance in Texas which is where all the money is. Generally the big insurance companies won't even sell you home insurance unless you buy car insurance with them.
My mother is a Farmers agent, but all of the big companies have basically priced themselves out of the market. It's their way of saying, "We still write here, we didn't pull out of the market." I went the independent route about a year ago, and depending on what part of town you live in, I've found that Homeowners of America, Imperial, and American Risk are the best. All highly rated with low premiums. You can check ratings on A.M Best, and you can compare policies on OPIC. You can email me through the board if you have any questions.
I use Imperial and they have been great. Had a roof claim (hail) and it was paid promptly and I got more than I expected.
Go with Amica Mutual. Great company/customer service. They replaced my roof/full decking etc this year no hassel.
