Homeowners Insurance Quotes in Huntsville, TX

What You Should Know About Home Insurance in Huntsville

Two settlers from Huntsville, Alabama, opened a trading post in Texas in 1836 and, in 1837, named the location Huntsville after their hometown. Today, this Texas city, covering nearly 36 square miles, serves as the seat of Walker County. Located about 70 miles from Houston, Huntsville is part of the Texas Triangle megaregion, an area containing the five largest Texas cities and more than half the state’s population.

Huntsville’s largest employer is the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, but the city’s economy also thrives thanks to just over 1,200 businesses, the majority of which fit into the categories of public administration, healthcare and social services, retail, and accommodations and food services. Local parks provide features like amphitheaters, basketball courts, walking trails, and aquatic centers. Huntsville is also home to fairgrounds, live performance venues, Sam Houston State University, and several museums, including the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas.

If you already own a home in Huntsville or are considering buying one, you will need coverage to protect it from unwelcome events, such as fire, theft, or vandalism. The expert agents at InsureOne can help you find the best homeowners insurance for your unique situation — and at competitive rates.

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

A number of factors, including your home’s zip code, help determine your insurance rates. Texas policy rates are some of the highest in the country.

The chart below shows a comparison of Huntsville rates to the national average:

Dwelling Insurance Total	Average Annual Cost in Huntsville	Average Annual Cost Nationwide
$300K	$4,327	$2,582
$600K	$7,702	$4,140
$1 million	$11,932	$7,380

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

How Do Home Insurance Deductibles Change Insurance Rates in Huntsville?

The deductible is the amount you agree to pay when you file a claim — usually between $500 and $5,000 — and a major determinant of your insurance rates.

If you choose a higher deductible, such as $2,000:

• Your rate will be lower
• You will pay more out of pocket on your claims — for a $5,000 approved claim, you will receive $3,000 from your insurance company
• You will be unable to file a claim for damage under your deductible (e.g., $1,900 worth of damage)

If you choose a lower deductible, such as $500:

• Your rate will be higher
• You may be more likely to file multiple smaller claims, but doing so may raise your insurance rates. You could also lose your “claim-free” discounts

If you are unsure which scenario fits your situation, your InsureOne agent can explain your customized options to help you find a good fit.

Is Home Insurance Tax Deductible in Huntsville?

Home insurance is only tax deductible in Huntsville in certain circumstances — for instance, if you rent out a room in your house, run a daycare from your home, or use part of your home as a business in some other way.

Your tax professional can help determine if your situation makes you eligible to deduct all or part of your home insurance on your taxes.

Does Huntsville Have the 80% Homeowners Insurance Rule?

Most Texas insurers follow the 80% rule, which means you are required to purchase coverage for at least 80% of your home’s replacement value at the current costs (which factors in up-to-date labor and materials costs). As an example, your Pine Prairie home valued at $400,000 would require at least $320,000 (80% of $400,000) worth of insurance. This industry standard, which is not a law, protects you as a consumer by ensuring you have adequate protection.

Be sure to update your InsureOne agent about any home improvements you have made — your agent will then do all the work to verify you have sufficient coverage, along with cost savings.

Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Huntsville

Just like other Huntsville residents, you would probably like to save money on your home coverage. One effortless way to save up to 25% off your bill is by bundling your policies. Bundling just means you would purchase your home and auto coverage from one insurance company. But this process is available with other kinds of policies as well, such as for boat or RV coverage, or if you need coverage on a second home you own.

Bundling your home and auto policies also provides you with the freedom to deal with paperwork and payments from only one company. Your InsureOne agent can provide you with top-tier service to help you find the best policies that fit your needs.

What Factors Do Insurance Companies Consider When Setting Rates?

Your InsureOne agent will consider both your specific circumstances and factors beyond your control, such as inflation and the number of claims filed in your area. Your coverage limits and deductible amount also play a significant role in determining your insurance rates.

Other factors most insurers consider when figuring out your rates include:

• Construction materials: Your insurer will review the materials of which your home’s structure, including the roof, is made.
• Fire protection: Your insurer will consider the distance between your home and the nearest fire station.
• Home security: Your insurer may give you a discount for having a home security system.
• Credit score: Your credit score helps your insurer determine the likelihood of your filing a claim.
• Previous claims: Your insurer will review your past claims. They may also review claims filed for your property before you were the owner — this information is available by obtaining a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report.

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

Because there are so many different types of homes, there are eight types of standard homeowners insurance to assure you have proper coverage.

Here are four of the eight policy types:

• HO-3: This policy is suitable for many homeowners. Coverage includes protection for your home from all perils except those listed as exclusions. Coverage for your belongings provides protection from 16 perils, including fire, windstorm, and theft.
• HO-4: This policy is for renters and covers only your belongings from the same 16 perils as the HO-3 policy.
• HO-5: This policy is more comprehensive, providing protection from all perils except those listed as exclusions and paying replacement cost rather than actual cash value. This policy is appropriate for new construction.
• HO-7: This policy is comparable to the HO-3 policy, but it is for mobile homes, usually stationary ones.

Your InsureOne agent can provide you with more details about these and the other four policy types to help you make the best choice for your situation.

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

The city comprises just over 15,000 houses and apartments, with approximately 41% being single-family detached homes at a median cost of $264,000, and 34% being large apartment buildings. Huntsville has a large number of college students, and therefore, many residents are renters in apartments.

If you are considering making the switch from renting to home ownership, check out the new homeowners guide to insurance for clarification on typical coverage and claims information.

You can also visit your local InsureOne agent for the white-glove service and high-quality insurance options you deserve.

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

While Huntsville is one of the safest cities in Texas in terms of natural disasters, it is essential to understand what your policy covers.

Here is some information about typical natural disasters:

• Hail: Hailstorms are a rare occurrence in Huntsville, but those occasional storms can cause significant damage. Most policies cover damage from hailstones.
• Tornadoes: While Huntsville experiences the occasional tornado, the city’s risk is considered low compared to other Texas cities. Most policies cover wind damage from tornadoes.
• Flooding: Flood damage from household burst-pipe accidents or toilet overflow is typically included in a standard policy. But flooding from natural disasters is usually not covered. Ask your agent about add-on coverage for flood protection.
• Earthquake: Just like most other natural disasters, earthquakes are uncommon in Huntsville. The typical policy excludes earthquake damage, but add-on coverage is available.

Ask your InsureOne agent about your policy’s specific coverage and available riders you can add. You will receive one-stop-shop service with personalized options for high-quality coverage.