Home & Renters Insurance, Explained Like a Human Wrote It
Finding an affordable home is half the battle — protecting it is the other half. Plain-English guides to what home, renters, and mobile home insurance costs, what it actually covers, and how to stop overpaying.
State renters insurance guides
What renters actually pay, city by city, and where the coverage gaps are in each state.
Pennsylvania
One of the cheapest states in the country — unless you're in Philadelphia. City-by-city costs and the flood gap to watch.
Read the PA guide →Michigan
Detroit pushes Michigan above the national average. Why west Michigan pays less, and the water backup endorsement everyone skips.
Read the MI guide →Ohio
Remarkably flat pricing across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton — plus what a standard policy covers when tornado season hits.
Read the OH guide →What each type of coverage costs
Typical U.S. costs for a standard policy, based on published industry rate data. Individual quotes vary by state, property, and claims history.
| Coverage type | Typical monthly cost | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Renters insurance | $15–$20 | Anyone renting an apartment, house, or room |
| Homeowners insurance | $150–$230 | Required by every mortgage lender |
| Mobile / manufactured home | $60–$120 | Owners of mobile and manufactured homes |
| Flood insurance (NFIP) | $40–$90 | Anyone in a flood zone — not included in any standard policy |
| Landlord insurance | $110–$210 | Owners renting out a property they don't live in |
The three things people get wrong about home insurance
"Flood is covered"
It never is. Not on homeowners, not on renters. Flood and groundwater damage require a separate NFIP or private flood policy. This is the single most expensive assumption in the industry.
"Hazard insurance is a separate policy"
It's not — it's the structure-coverage portion of your homeowners policy. Lenders use the term because it's the part they legally require. You don't buy it separately.
"My landlord's policy covers my stuff"
A landlord's policy covers the building, not a single item you own inside it. If the place burns down, your belongings are covered by renters insurance or nothing.
See what coverage costs for your place
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Start My Free Quote →Home insurance FAQ
How much is home insurance per month?
Homeowners insurance in the U.S. averages roughly $150–$230 per month ($1,800–$2,800 per year) for a typical single-family home, though rates vary enormously by state, roof age, and distance to a fire station. Renters insurance averages just $15–$20 per month, and mobile home insurance typically runs $60–$120 per month.
What is the difference between hazard insurance and homeowners insurance?
Hazard insurance isn't a separate product — it's the portion of a homeowners policy that covers physical damage to the structure itself. Mortgage lenders use the term because that's the part of the policy they require to protect the home securing the loan.
Is renters insurance worth it?
At $15–$20 per month for $15,000–$30,000 of property coverage plus $100,000 of liability protection, renters insurance is the cheapest policy most people will ever own relative to what it protects. A single stolen laptop or kitchen fire pays for a decade of premiums.
Does home insurance cover flooding?
No. Neither homeowners nor renters insurance covers flood or groundwater damage. Flood coverage is a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private flood insurer.