Home insurance helps with finances after the worst happens. It’s always a good idea to have, but there are unique risks that Cincinnati faces that homeowners need to understand: 

• Severe Thunderstorms & Tornadoes: High winds and hail damage are prevalent risks, especially in areas like Mason and West Chester.
• Winter Storms: Snow, ice, and low temperatures can lead to burst pipes and roof damage.
• Historic Homes: Homes in Mt. Adams or Over-the-Rhine areas are over a century old, which means costly and delicate repair jobs.

When shopping for home insurance, many policies start with standard levels of coverage. This includes: 

• Dwelling Coverage: Offers coverage for the physical structure (including the roof and walls) of your home against risks like fire, wind, hail, snow, vandalism, etc.
• Personal Property Coverage: Helps if your personal belongings (furniture, clothing, certain electronics) are stolen or damaged.
• Liability Protection: Helps cover expenses if someone is injured on your property or if you damage someone else's property.
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Provides financial assistance for temporary housing and other expenses because of your home becoming uninhabitable due to a covered incident.

While standard coverage offers protection for the necessities, there are some areas it doesn’t protect. Additional coverage exists to further protect you from when disaster strikes. 

• Flood Insurance: Flood damage is not covered by standard policies. You’ll have to purchase a separate flood policy from the National Flood Insurance Policy (NFIP) or a private carrier.
  • Helpful for areas along the Ohio River, or areas like Covington or Newport where flood damage is commonly reported.
• Sewer Backup Coverage: Offers protection from water damage that was caused by water backup from your plumbing system.
• Windstorm Coverage: While dwelling coverage offers some protection, adding additional coverage specifically for wind and hail could be helpful in areas like Mason and Loveland.
• Extended Replacement Cost Coverage: Offers additional protection for rebuilding costs if they exceed your standard policy limits due to the result of citywide damage.

This may not be every optional coverage option available, but Goosehead works with you to find coverage that makes the most sense for your needs.

These descriptions are also general in nature to give you an idea of what they offer.

On average, Cincinnati homeowners pay around $2,000 to $2,100 a year for their coverage. However, what you pay is influenced by more than just your coverage, deductibles, and carrier. 

Other rating factors include: 

• Location: Homes along the Ohio River face higher flood risks, while some areas may have higher risks of theft, all of which make a home more expensive to insure.
• Age and Condition of Your Home: Historic homes or those that may not be in top condition may face higher costs.
• Home Rebuild Costs: Your home’s overall value isn’t a rating factor, but the cost it takes to repair or rebuild is. Homes with more square footage or luxury materials face higher premiums.
• Claims History: Those that make frequent claims often face higher rates.
• Credit Score: Insurers may look at your credit score when determining a rate.

Home insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several strategies to help you reduce your premium: 

• Bundling Policies: Many carriers allow you to bundle home and auto insurance to help you save.
• Storm-Proofing Homes: Showing your carrier you’re taking proactive measures to safeguard your home can help you qualify for discounts.
• Home Security Upgrades: From anti-theft alarms to water sensors, carriers often reward your effort to lower risk.
• Regular Upkeep: Maintaining or updating your home in minor ways can help keep repair costs low.
• Shop Around: Goosehead makes it easy to compare rates from other carriers to see if you can find a better rate before renewal.

Shopping for insurance can be made easier when you work with Goosehead. Here’s why homeowners trust us to help with their needs: 

• State Expertise: Our agents are licensed for the state of Ohio, so they know what risks to keep top of mind when building a policy.
• Comparisons Made for You: Shopping for insurance can be a time commitment, but with Goosehead, the comparisons are made for you. This saves you time and effort.
• Customized Policies: With access to so many carriers, Goosehead agents can find a policy that fits your needs and lifestyle.
• Dedication to Service: From quotes to binding policies, our agents are with you every step of the way, taking care of you the way you deserve.