What You Should Know About Home Insurance in Raleigh

There are many things to love about this city that was founded in 1792 and designed specifically to be the state capital. Some of the reasons people flock here include the mild climate, the growing job market and plenty of art and culture, like the ever-popular Raleigh Artsplosure Art Festival. The cost of living is not exorbitant, there’s a thriving nightlife and food scene and outdoor activities for everyone.

Raleigh is part of what’s known as the Research Triangle. Along with Durham and Chapel Hill, this area is a beehive of activity in the technology, life sciences and financial businesses. Residents say the schools are excellent, there’s greenspace and it’s just a short drive to the nearest beach.

Those who are fortunate enough to live in Raleigh or are planning to become a homeowner there should consider InsureOne for when buying home insurance in North Carolina. InsureOne offers the best home insurance with top-rated carriers and customizable options.

How Much Does a Homeowners Insurance Policy Typically Cost in Raleigh?

Raleigh is a popular place to live and that makes competition for homes daunting. The average home price there is close to $500,000 — up 3.9% from last year. For a $400,000 home, the average home insurance is $3,248 annually. When you compare the average cost for a $300,000 home in the U.S. at $2,601 annually, it seems Raleigh is on par with the rest of the nation at $2,605.

Home insurance costs are based on how much it will cost to rebuild your home from the ground up. Take a look at the table below for average costs across various dwelling costs.

Dwelling Coverage in North Carolina Average Annual Cost in Raleigh Average Annual Cost Nationwide
Homes $300K $2,605 $2,582
Homes $600K $4,537 $4,140
Homes $1 million $7,158 $7,380

We arrived at these numbers by using the cost of dwelling coverage, a $100,000 liability and a standard $1,000 deductible.

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How Do Home Insurance Deductibles Change Insurance Rates in Raleigh?

The higher your deductible, the lower your payment. That’s why some homeowners choose to set their deductibles as high as $10,000. If you can afford to kick in that much if your home is destroyed, you can get a much lower premium.

Many homeowners cannot afford to come up with that much money in the event of a total loss, so you’ll need to decide what you are comfortable with when you set your deductible. The lower your deductible, the higher the premium.

Is Home Insurance Tax Deductible in Raleigh?

Believing that home insurance is tax deductible is one of those myths that refuses to go away. People may be confused because there are some costs associated with home ownership that can be deducted, such as the expenses of a home office. But the home insurance itself is considered a personal expense and, therefore, is not deductible.

It’s always best to consult a tax professional if you have questions about how to file your taxes correctly.

Does Raleigh Have the 80% Homeowners Insurance Rule?

Most insurance companies have the 80% rule, but it doesn’t have anything to do with government regulations. The 80% rule is typically found in the fine print of your homeowners insurance contract, which is why it is a good idea to read, understand and ask questions before your sign anything.

Simply put, the 80% rule stipulates you must carry at least 80% of the amount it would cost to replace your home in insurance. For example, if it would cost $450,000 to rebuild your home from the ground up (dwelling coverage), your policy must be worth at least $360,000 (80% of 450,000).

If you make major renovations your replacement value may go up and you will need to adjust your policy. If your dwelling coverage is found to be short of the 80% standard, your insurer may be able to pay less out than 100% (minus your deductible) on any claim you file.

Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Raleigh

Home insurance in Raleigh seems to be comparably priced with the average cost in the U.S. Since it protects the home that protects you and your family, it is critical to have. But even with average pricing being comparable, it can still seem like a large financial burden that comes around every six months or annually.

There are ways to lessen the cost, including bundling your home insurance with another policy at the same insurance company. In fact, bundling your home and auto insurance may result in up to 25% off your premium.

There are several reasons why your insurer is happy to give you this discount, but the main one is competition is ferocious for your insurance dollars. Allowing one insurer to handle two or more of your policies shows brand loyalty – and that is something they are grateful for and glad to thank you for in the form of a discount.

Talk to your friendly InsureOne agent to find out if bundling is right for you.

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How Does Home Composition Impact Insurance Rates in Raleigh?

The materials your home is made of can significantly impact your insurance rates in Raleigh, NC. In this area, homes are commonly built with brick, wood, or vinyl siding, each with different risks and costs. Brick homes tend to have lower insurance rates because they’re more fire-resistant and durable against storms—something insurance companies love. On the other hand, wood siding is more prone to fire and termite damage, which can lead to higher premiums.

Vinyl siding falls somewhere in between; it’s resistant to pests but can be vulnerable to extreme weather. The roof matters too—metal and impact-resistant shingles can lower costs, while older asphalt roofs might raise them. Insurance companies consider how well your home can handle Raleigh’s mix of storms, humidity, and occasional winter weather.

So, if you’re house hunting or renovating, keep materials in mind—they could save you money!

What Are the Different Types of Homeowners Coverage Offered in Raleigh?

There are 8 main types of home insurance coverage, but the most common one by far for homeowners in Raleigh is the HO-3. This policy covers the structure, your personal belongings, liability, relocation expenses and more. The main difference between this type of policy and the HO-1 and HO-2 policies are the way the perils coverage is structured.

Perils are things that could impact your home in a negative way, such as storms, fire and water damage. In an HO-3 policy, you are protected against all perils except those specifically excluded. On the HO-1 and HO-2 policies, you are covered for only the named perils. Most homeowners choose the HO-3.

Here are 3 other types of policies:

  • HO-4 (Renters Insurance): A common myth about renting is that your landlord’s insurance will cover your property. This is actually not true.
  • HO-6 (Condo Insurance): Although your condo association will pay for damages to your building, you still need coverage for the interior and your belongings.
  • HO-7 (Mobile and Manufactured Home Insurance): Plenty of people in Raleigh live in mobile and manufactured homes. This protects those structures and more.

Your InsureOne agent lives in your neighborhood and understands the risks you face. Talk to them to see what coverage works best for you.

What Is the Most Common Type of Home Purchased in Raleigh?

There are many different home styles in Raleigh and where you choose to live may influence the type of home you purchase. For example, the neighborhood of Brier Creek, which has plenty of shopping options, plus green space and a mix of home types like traditional single-family brick to townhomes.

If you want to be closer to downtown, central Raleigh offers proximity to theaters, museums and parks. Home here include Craftsman and condos. Mordecai is a historic neighborhood surrounded by parks and with a great sense of community. Homes here tend to run the gamut and include Victorian, Craftsman and bungalows.

Which Common Natural Disasters Are Covered by Home Insurance in Raleigh?

Even though Raleigh can feel the brunt of Mother Nature through hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and winter storms, the cost of home insurance has stayed close to the average — unlike some other storm-ravaged areas.

But don’t get complacent. Raleigh has been hit by some really damaging hurricanes, such as Fran in 1996. Since that time, Hurricane Debby caused flooding there in 2024, with some power outages.

Raleigh also can see extreme warm temperatures in summer, plus drought, and winter storms that can cause icing and power outages.

Most home insurance policies will cover the damage from these types of weather events, except flooding.

Evanescent Bubbles Fill the Street at Raleigh Artsplosure Art Festival – best home insurance in North Carolina.

Get the Best Homeowners Insurance in Raleigh with InsureOne Today

In Raleigh, you can have it all: A mild climate, plentiful jobs, excellent schools, culture and lots of outdoor activities. Whether you choose to purchase a Victorian stunner or a modest bungalow, you need home insurance.

At InsureOne, we offer the best home insurance at affordable prices with top-rated carriers. Our agents are local so they understand the climate and challenges you may face as a homeowner there. Visit us online for a free quote, stop by an office near you, or call our experts at (800) 836-2240. We offer flexible, customized options that fit your lifestyle and budget.