Best Homeowners Insurance for High-Risk Homes in 2025: Top Picks & Money-Saving Tips

Your home is likely your most valuable asset, but if it’s considered “high-risk,” finding insurance can feel like trying to insure a house of cards in a windstorm. Whether it’s due to its location, age, or your claims history, being labeled high-risk doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. In fact, some insurance companies specialize in covering homes others won’t touch.

Let’s break down the best homeowners insurance companies for high-risk properties in 2025 and how you can still secure affordable coverage.


Top High-Risk Homeowners Insurance Companies in 2025

🏆 Best for Affordability: Allstate

Why it stands out: If you’re looking for coverage that won’t drain your wallet, Allstate is a solid option. The company offers multiple discounts, including bundling savings (home + auto), security system incentives, and even rate reductions for retirees.

✔️ Pros:

  • Available in all 50 states (except California)
  • Unique Claim RateGuard keeps rates from rising after one claim every five years
  • Discounts for home safety features

Cons:

  • Not writing new policies in California
  • Below-average customer satisfaction rating (J.D. Power)

👉 Get a quote from Allstate here.


🏡 Best for Vacant Homes: American Family

Why it stands out: If your home is sitting empty—whether due to renovations, a pending sale, or extended travel—American Family provides specialized coverage that many insurers shy away from.

✔️ Pros:

  • Offers short-term policies (3, 6, or 12 months)
  • Covers additional risks like sump pump failure and hidden water damage

Cons:

  • Only available in 19 states
  • Below-average customer satisfaction rating

👉 See if American Family covers your area here.


🏚️ Best for Older Homes: Foremost

Why it stands out: Older homes often come with “character”—and by that, we mean aging electrical systems, outdated plumbing, and other issues that scare off insurers. Foremost, part of the Farmers Insurance Group, specializes in insuring older properties.

✔️ Pros:

  • Covers homes that have been denied by other insurers
  • Offers replacement cost coverage up to 50% higher than your home’s value

Cons:

  • Takes 2–3 days to get an online quote
  • Not available in all states

👉 Check Foremost’s coverage options here.


💳 Best for Bad Credit: Nationwide

Why it stands out: Most insurers factor in your credit score when setting your rate (except in states that prohibit this). If your credit history isn’t stellar, Nationwide offers some of the most competitive rates for homeowners with lower credit scores.

✔️ Pros:

  • Discounts for staying claim-free
  • Free Ting electrical fire sensor included with policies

Cons:

  • No online policy purchase option
  • Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, or Oklahoma

👉 See Nationwide’s homeowners insurance options here.


🏛️ Best for High-Value Homes: Chubb

Why it stands out: If you own a luxury home, Chubb’s Masterpiece policy is tailor-made for high-net-worth individuals. Their extended replacement cost coverage ensures your home is rebuilt—even if the cost exceeds your policy’s limits.

✔️ Pros:

  • Extended replacement cost coverage
  • Complimentary risk assessment from a home consultant
  • Personal liability coverage up to $100 million

Cons:

  • Higher premiums than most competitors
  • No online quote tool

👉 Explore Chubb’s Masterpiece policy here.


What Makes a Home High-Risk?

Your home may be labeled high-risk for a variety of reasons, including:

🏠 Location – If your home is in a hurricane zone, wildfire-prone area, or near a fault line, expect higher premiums.
🏊 Swimming Pools & Trampolines – They might be fun, but insurers see them as liability nightmares.
🏚️ Old Roof or Poor Condition – An aging or poorly maintained home is more likely to need repairs.
🚪 Vacancy – An unoccupied home is at greater risk for break-ins, undetected water damage, and fire hazards.


What Makes a Homeowner High-Risk?

Sometimes, it’s not the house that’s the problem—it’s the person insuring it. You may be considered high-risk if:

📉 You Have a Low Credit Score – Some states allow insurers to base rates on your credit history.
🔁 You Have Filed Multiple Claims – Too many past claims can send your premiums through the roof.
🐕 You Own a “Restricted” Dog Breed – Some insurers won’t cover homes with breeds like pit bulls or Rottweilers.
🏡 You Run a Business from Home – Home-based businesses can increase liability risks.


How to Get Homeowners Insurance for a High-Risk Home

If you’ve been turned down for coverage, here are some options:

1️⃣ State FAIR Plans

The Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan is a government-backed option for homeowners who can’t find coverage elsewhere. These policies are typically more expensive, but they provide last-resort coverage.
🔎 Check with your state’s insurance department to see if a FAIR plan is available.

2️⃣ Surplus Lines Insurance

For unique properties that standard insurers won’t cover, surplus lines insurance might be the answer. States like California, Texas, and Florida have associations to help homeowners find these policies.

3️⃣ Work with an Independent Insurance Agent

Independent agents have access to multiple providers and can help you compare options beyond what you’d find on your own.


How to Save on High-Risk Homeowners Insurance

Even if your home is considered high-risk, there are ways to lower your premiums:

💡 Upgrade Your Home – Installing a new roof, storm shutters, or a sprinkler system could make you eligible for discounts.
📈 Raise Your Deductible – A higher deductible means lower premiums (but be sure you can afford it).
🔍 Improve Your Credit Score – If credit is a factor, increasing your score can reduce your rate.
🛠️ Bundle Policies – Bundling home and auto insurance can save you up to 25% with some insurers.


Final Thoughts

Owning a high-risk home doesn’t mean you have to pay sky-high premiums—or worse, go uninsured. Whether your property is at risk due to its location, age, or your claims history, there are insurance companies willing to provide coverage.

Take advantage of discounts, home upgrades, and independent agents to find the best deal. And if all else fails, check out FAIR plans or surplus line insurers as a backup.

At the end of the day, the right insurance policy isn’t just about price—it’s about peace of mind. And that’s priceless.

🔹 Still looking for coverage? Get a quote from one of the top insurers today!