Why Has My Home Insurance Premium Increased So Much?

Let’s talk about a topic that might be causing some concern: the significant increase in home insurance premiums. If you’re among the many homeowners shocked by this rise, you might wonder why it’s happening. Several key trends and factors are driving up the overall cost of coverage. So, let’s break them down.

Inflation, Cost of Materials, and Contractor Prices

Inflation: One of the primary reasons for the surge in home insurance premiums is inflation. As the rate of inflation rises, the cost of goods and services follows suit. This increase directly impacts the cost of materials required for home repairs and construction.

Higher Material Costs: Over the past few years, prices for essential building materials like lumber, steel, and concrete have skyrocketed. This spike is often due to supply chain disruptions and increased demand from other sectors, such as commercial construction and infrastructure development. When the cost to repair or rebuild a home increases, insurance companies adjust premiums to cover these higher expenses.

Increased Contractor Prices: The cost of labor has also risen significantly. Contractors and skilled laborers are now charging more for their services, driven by higher living costs and greater demand for their expertise. Therefore, any repairs your home might need will be more expensive, and insurance companies are passing these costs on to policyholders.

Increased Severe Storm Activity

Another significant factor contributing to higher premiums is the increase in severe storm activity. Changing weather patterns and population shifts have led to more frequent and intense weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. These events cause extensive damage to homes and properties, leading to a surge in insurance claims.

Higher Risk, Higher Cost: Insurance is all about risk management. Insurance providers adjust their premiums to cover the anticipated higher payouts when the risk of damage due to natural disasters increases. This is why premiums are particularly high in regions prone to severe weather.

High Cost of Reinsurance

Reinsurance is essentially insurance for insurance companies. It allows them to manage their risk by purchasing coverage from other insurers to safeguard against significant losses. In recent years, the reinsurance cost has increased, driven by the same factors affecting primary insurance – higher claims from severe weather events and increased repair costs. When reinsurance costs rise, these expenses are typically passed down to policyholders through higher premiums.

What Can You Do?

• Shop Around: Use an independent insurance agent who represents multiple insurance companies to compare quotes from different providers and find the best rate.
• Increase Your Deductible: A higher deductible can lower your premium, but ensure you can afford the out-of-pocket expense if you need to file a claim.
• Maintain Your Roof and Siding: Regular maintenance and timely repairs of your roof and siding can prevent minor damage from becoming major issues. When replacing them, consider using higher-grade, weather-resilient materials.
• Improve Home Security: Installing security systems, smoke detectors, and other safety features can sometimes qualify you for discounts.
• Bundle Policies: If you have multiple insurance policies (like auto and home insurance), bundling can often result in savings. For example, FMT Insurance offers a multi-policy discount when you have an active personal auto policy with the same agency as your home insurance or another policy with FMT.

By staying informed and proactive, you can better manage your home insurance costs in these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to contact FMT or your insurance agent with any questions or for personalized advice.

Teresa Coones | FMT Team