homeworker insurance

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• Small business insurance

Working from home and homeworker insurance

Specialist cover for professionals based at home from £5 a month*

Fast, easy online quote in 90 seconds

Interest free direct debit

No hidden fees or cancellation charges

Working from home carries many unique risks, so if you’re a homeworker, it’s vital you are properly insured.

As a specialist insurer with over 30 years’ experience insuring professionals, we have designed our homeworker insurance policies to cover the risks facing home-based professionals.

Unlike many insurers that offer a ‘one size fits all’ policy for both homeworkers and office-based businesses, we offer separate, specialist homeworker policies that can be tailored to the specific risks facing your home business.

If you are unsure which types of protection your business needs, we can help you tailor your homeworker insurance. Our simple quote system allows you to choose the cover you want at a premium you can afford.

Do I need specialist ‘working from home' insurance?

While specialist home working insurance isn’t a legal necessity, if you run a business from home, it’s a good idea to have this kind of protection in place.

Home workers face a variety of risks. Without the right insurance, a mistake in a piece of work, damage you cause to a client’s property or the theft of a laptop could cost your business thousands of pounds.

How does working from home affect home insurance?

Home insurance doesn’t usually cover people when they work from home. Instead, home insurance usually covers:

• damage to the structure of your building from fires, storms and floods
• theft of contents, such as furniture, clothing and electronics
• fire or water damage to your belongings, such as furniture, clothing and electronics
• vandalism of contents, such as furniture, clothing and electronics

Unfortunately, home insurance is unlikely to offer home workers the specialist protection they need. If you work from home, you may want to consider taking out personal possessions cover as part of your home insurance to protect you against the loss, damage or theft of items you may take out and about for work. Personal possessions insurance can cover a variety of items, including:

• musical instruments
• sports equipment

In addition, if you run a business, you’ll need to make sure you have the right business insurance in place. For example, if you employ workers, you’ll need employers’ liability insurance . If you deal with members of the public, you should consider taking out public liability insurance , and if you give advice or offer a professional service in the course of your work, you’ll require professional indemnity insurance .

Why choose Markel for working from home insurance?

At Markel, we understand the unique risks that homeworkers face and are well placed to provide insurance products that fit their requirements. With over three decades of experience offering sector-specific advice to freelancers, contractors, SMEs, charities and community groups, you can rely on us to give you the cover you need.

If you’re looking for work from home insurance, we can help. Here are some of the reasons you should consider taking out a policy with us:

✔ Policies from £5 a month

We believe that we can offer affordable work from home insurance which will help you to get the cover you need whilst trying to keep your expenses to a minimum.

✔ Quotes in under two minutes

It only takes 90 seconds to get a quote with Markel. All you have to do is fill out a simple online form and we’ll do the rest.

✔ Customer recommended

We insure more than 200,000 micro businesses and have excellent customer experience reviews on Feefo.com .

✔ Reliable cover

We are a division of Markel International, a Lloyd’s and London market insurer that wrote £1.09 billion of gross premium totals in 2020.

✔ Round-the-clock legal advice

With Markel, there’s no need to wait to get your questions answered. If you take out a policy with us, you’ll get access to a 24/7 legal helpline staffed by qualified solicitors.

*The £5 a month premium referenced above is based on a public liability insurance policy with a £1m level of cover.

What insurance do I need to work from home?

Whether you’re a freelance photographer or you run a tutoring business, if you work from home, there are a variety of insurance products you may need. As a starting point, you should consider public liability, professional indemnity, employers’ liability and business equipment insurance.

Do I need public liability insurance to work from home?

If members of the public visit your home for business purposes, then you should have public liability insurance in place. Public liability safeguards your business against compensation claims, and the associated legal costs, if a third party becomes injured or their property is damaged due to your work.

For example, if a customer visits your business to collect an order and slips on a wet floor, you could be held liable for compensation. Similarly, if a dressmaker ripped a client’s wedding dress while making alterations, they could be responsible for paying damages.

Do I need insurance for employees working from home?

If you employ workers, you are legally obliged to have employers’ liability in place - whether they work from home or not. You must take out this cover as soon as you become an employer and your policy must cover you for at least £5 million. Employers’ liability is there to protect you should an employee sustain an injury or develop an illness because of the work they do for you. There are however situations in which this cover isn’t necessary. For example, if you only employ a family member or someone who is based abroad, you may be exempt.

Do I need business equipment insurance working from home?

Business equipment insurance is designed to cover against the loss, theft and accidental damage of necessary equipment, such as laptops, tablets and smartphones. If you use any such equipment while working from home, you should consider taking out this type of insurance.

Do I need professional indemnity insurance working from home?

Professional indemnity insurance can protect you if you’ve made a mistake, provided poor advice or acted negligently and it has resulted in financial loss or reputational damage for your client. If you provide advice, offer a professional service, handle client data or are responsible for intellectual property, you should consider taking out professional indemnity insurance - whether you work from home or not.

For example, if a freelance copywriter is accused of plagiarism or a counsellor was found to give incorrect advice or guidance, legal action could be taken against them. In these cases, PI insurance could cover the cost of compensation awarded to the clients, as well as any legal costs.

How much working from home cover should I have?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to working from home cover. What may suit one individual may not necessarily suit another.

Exactly how much cover you will need depends on a variety of factors, including:

• the size of your business
• the nature of your business
• how many visitors you have to your property
• how often you have visitors to your property
• the amount of equipment you have

To discuss your specific requirements, get in touch with our customer service team or get a quote in just 90 seconds.

*£5 a month price is based on a marketing consultant requiring £1 million of public liability insurance.

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Policy Documents

Summary of cover

Policy wording

Cover starting at £5 a month

Tailor your homeworker insurance with these specialist covers, professional indemnity insurance.

Professional indemnity insurance  covers the cost of defending your business against allegations of professional negligence (such as giving your client incorrect or wrongful advice) and any compensation or damages subsequently awarded against you. This is vital protection for all homeworkers and insurance cover is available with limits ranging from £50,000 to £5m.

Public and product liability insurance

Public and product liability insurance  covers the cost of defending your business (including damages awarded against you if unsuccessful) if someone is injured, or their property damaged, which arises from you going about your business or supplying products. The legal fees alone could cost your business thousands of pounds. This is an important cover if you regularly deal with clients or members of the public. Limits range from £1m to £5m.

Employer’s liability insurance

Employer’s liability insurance  is a legal requirement if your business has employees. It covers your business against claims for injury or illness suffered by employees arising from their employment. Regardless of the industry you work in, if your business employs staff, you need this cover. Cover for £10m.

Legal expenses insurance

Legal expenses insurance pays your legal costs and expenses for contract disputes, tax enquiries (including IR35), attending jury service, debt recovery, personal injury, as well as any award you are required to pay following an employment dispute with an employee. There is a limit of £100,000.

If a client takes legal action against you because of an error you have made, this cover can prevent you from needing to use your own finances to cover legal expenses.

Directors and officers insurance

Directors and officers insurance  covers the costs of defending you as a director or officer of your company against allegations of wrongful acts and any damages subsequently awarded against you. Cover is also provided in respect of the legal costs and expenses of defending actions for disqualification as a director, investigations and extradition proceedings. Limits range from £100,000 to £5m.

Office insurance

Home  office insurance  covers your office buildings, office contents and computer equipment against accidental damage (including theft) whilst on your business premises. You can also choose to cover your business equipment (such as laptops and mobile phones) on a worldwide basis, and insure your business against loss of income and/or additional trading expenses following events such as damage to your property.

Occupational personal accident insurance

Occupational personal accident insurance provides a weekly payment if you are unable to work due to temporary total disablement (subject to a 14 day deferment period).

In the event of loss of limbs, sight, speech, hearing, permanent total disablement or death, a lump sum would be paid out.

If you would struggle to maintain an income if you were unable to work following the accident, you should consider having occupational personal accident insurance to help ease the financial burden. Limits from £100/week to £500/week for temporary total disablement (£25k lump sum to £100k lump sum for permanent total disablement).

Cyber and data risks insurance

Cyber and data risks insurance  pays the costs of restoring data and equipment, informing clients, meeting ransom demands and loss of your net profit following a cyber attack. It also pays your legal defence costs and damages you are legally liable to pay to other parties. If you hold confidential information about your clients and their projects on computers and other internet connected devices, you should consider to this cover.

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Frequently asked questions

Does my home insurance cover my garden office.

If you use a garden office for recreational use, your home insurance package should provide the cover you need. However, if you use it for business purposes, you may require commercial cover in the form of homeworker’s insurance.

Do I need business insurance if working from home?

Yes, regardless of whether you work from home or not, if you work as a contractor, freelancer or if you run an SME, charity or community group, you should have the appropriate insurance in place.

For example, you may require employers’ liability insurance if you have employees, public liability insurance if you come into contact with members of the public or professional indemnity insurance if you provide advice or a professional service.

At Markel, we can create a home worker’s insurance package that is tailored to your specific needs and covers the risks you face.

Does working from home affect my car insurance?

If you use your own car in the course of your business activities, you might need to amend your car insurance to cover the miles you travel on top of non-work driving.

Your current policy may only cover social, domestic and pleasure (SDP) use, also known as ‘social only’ use. This covers things like going shopping, visiting family and friends and going on days out. You may also have cover for social, domestic and pleasure including commuting (SDP+C) use.

Some comprehensive policies cover business use as standard but you should check your policy. If you drive for business reasons, for example to deliver an order to a customer or to go to a client meeting, and you don’t have suitable cover in place, you’re breaking the law and risk being fined and getting points on your licence. You could even be disqualified from driving.

Do I have to tell my insurer I work from home?

It’s important that your home insurer has as full a picture as possible of your circumstances so it’s a good idea to tell your insurer if you work from home, even if it is just on a part-time or occasional basis. You must tell your insurer if any of the following apply:

• You’ve moved a business to your home or are planning to
• You make, sell or store goods at your home
• Members of the public visit your home for business reasons
• You’ve adapted your home for business purposes
• You’ve purchased equipment that belongs to your business

Does home insurance cost more if you run a business from home?

If you run a business from home, your insurer will need to take this into consideration when calculating the cost of your premium. You may find that your premium increases, especially if you have regular visitors to your property for business purposes or you store valuable goods or hazardous equipment for work at your home.

What’s considered ‘business use’?

Business use is usually defined as any activity performed in a repeated or continued way for financial gain.

How is Markel regulated?

Markel is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (FCA registered number 202570). You can find out more on the Financial Services Register .

Specialist services available to Markel policyholders

Our policyholders receive access to these unique services designed to make your life easier (included as standard with certain covers).

24 hour legal advice helpline

When you insure with Markel, you'll benefit from 24/7 telephone access to a qualified solicitor at no additional cost. Expert legal advice can be costly when you're working for yourself and it's difficult to know who to turn to for a trustworthy answer. Whether it's a question on health and safety, employment law, legal structures for your business or how to handle a difficult client, an experienced team of solicitors are on hand day and night to help you with any business-related legal queries. Included as standard with all policies.

 Markel Business Hub access

In addition to our 24 hour legal helpline, you'll have access to the Markel Business Hub - an award winning online resource of legal and business guides, templates and content written and created by our team of expert solicitors. Instantly download ready-made contracts, policies, procedures and guidance you can use for your business - without paying any expensive legal fees. Included as standard with all policies.

Fee dispute service

Customers don't always pay on time and chasing fees or invoices costs time and money. Mindful of the impact this has on your business, we offer our policyholders access to a unique fee dispute helpline operated by one of the UK's leading law firms, who will provide specialist legal guidance and support on fee dispute issues. Included as standard with professional indemnity insurance.

Discounted IR35 contract reviews

Falling within IR35 legislation - which determines that an individual is avoiding tax by using a limited company to disguise employment - is a huge concern for contractors and consultants, with the fees and penalties due to HMRC eye-wateringly high. Our policyholders receive an exclusive discount on IR35 contract reviews from Markel Tax (a Markel company), who have over 20 years experience advising individuals and businesses on their tax status. As part of the service, Markel Tax will review your contract, along with your working practices, to determine whether or not you are operating outside of IR35, and you'll receive a written report with suggested contract amendments where appropriate. Policyholders can access this service by calling 0345 223 2727 or emailing [email protected] , quoting 'MKLD' and your policy number.

Public relations crisis management service

In today's 24 hour news culture, public relations disasters can occur at any time. Having to deal with the press whilst managing a difficult situation can be hugely stressful as well as being a potential minefield. When there is a risk to your business as a result of negative press attention, our specialist public relations crisis management firm, The Counsel House, will work with you to help manage allegations of fraud, injury caused to employees or the public, and official investigations into your company's affairs. Included as standard with professional indemnity insurance, directors and officers insurance, cyber and data risks insurance and legal representation and employment disputes insurance.

Cyber response helpline

If you're the victim of a targeted cyber attack, our cyber response helpline provides access to specialist solicitors and information security experts who will give expert legal and technical IT security guidance on the issues arising from cyber and data protection risks. Included as standard with cyber and data risks insurance.

Related articles

What is professional indemnity insurance?

What is public liability insurance?

Why homeworkers need business insurance

5 tips to protect customer data for home based professionals

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What is homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that provides financial protection to homeowners in the event of damage or loss to their private residence and its contents. Home insurance may also offer liability coverage against certain types of accidents that occur within your home or on your property. If you own your home, having reliable homeowners insurance is important to safeguard against unexpected accidents or events that could lead to significant financial losses. Enjoy peace of mind by getting a homeowners insurance quote online today, and then customize your coverage with innovative discounts, support from a local insurance agent, and more.

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Why do you need homeowners insurance? Home insurance protects one of your most important investments and offers protection for you from accidents in your home or on your property.

Property Damage

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Property Damage coverage protects against damage to your home and many permanent structures on your property. This includes damage from fire, smoke , wind, falling trees, hail, and theft.

Personal Property coverage protects belongings that were damaged or stolen such as furniture, appliances, clothing, and electronics. Our Personal Property Insurance calculator can help you decide how much coverage fits your situation.

Personal Liability coverage protects against damage to others caused by you or members of your household, including most pets. This can include medical expenses or property damage.

It could also help with legal expenses in the case of a lawsuit. For example, a visitor slips in your kitchen and gets injured. Or your child accidentally throws a ball through a neighbor's window and breaks the TV.

This covers medical payments for minor injuries to people who don't live with you but get hurt on your property. For example, a visitor slips down your steps on a rainy day and gets injured.

Additional expenses could be covered for extra costs you might have to pay when experiencing a covered loss. For example, payment for a place to stay if your home suffers damage that makes it unlivable.

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Home insurance resources

• Types of Property Insurance for Your Home
• What Does Home Insurance Cover?
• What is Personal Property Coverage?
• Personal Property Insurance Calculator: Get a Personal Property Value Estimate
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Homeowners Insurance FAQ

• Are there ways I can help protect my home? Preventive maintenance can save you a lot of time and money over the life of your home. This interactive guide can help you identify potential problems before they arise.
• How much homeowners insurance coverage do I need? First, start by knowing what is commonly included in a homeowners policy, then identify your wants and needs to ensure you are getting the coverage you desire. While certain coverages may not be able to be changed to ensure your home is properly protected, understating what is included and knowing what protections you want will help you make the right selections when purchasing a policy.
• What does homeowners insurance cover? You might need more homeowners insurance coverage and not even realize it. Here are some commonly overlooked areas that could be putting you and your family at more financial risk than necessary.
• Fire and smoke damage
• Windstorm or hail damage
• Falling objects
• Frozen plumbing
• Water damage caused by plumbing, water heaters, appliances, and heating or cooling systems
• Replacement cost If your home is destroyed in a fire, how much would it cost to rebuild it? The actual cost is the replacement value. This amount includes materials, labor, inflation, and availability of building materials. Estimated replacement cost is the difference from the current tax assessment or market value of your home. This cost accounts for the actual cost to rebuild your home.
• Location, location, location Risks like extreme weather, distance to a fire hydrant, and crime rate all can impact your premium. For example, you might pay more for waterfront property or if you're located in an area prone to flooding. The cost of construction varies by region, which is another factor that determines the cost of your homeowners policy.
• Age and condition of specific things like the age of the roof, building materials and renovation of home systems.
• Your deductible amount. The higher your deductible you select, the lower your premium
• Home safety devices like smoke detectors, burglar alarms and dead bolt locks can help you stay safe and lower the costs
• How can I prevent claims at my home? Clutter can take many shapes. Homeowners should be aware of potential risks, liabilities, and hazards before they occur. This will help to avoid future accidents .
• The inspection will be performed by a representative of your insurance company.
• You don't have to be present for the inspection.
• If an interior review is needed, the inspection company will schedule an appointment.
• The inspector will look at the exterior of your home to include your yard and roof.
• If the inspector needs to verify features impacting replacement cost, they may request to see the interior of your home.
• Once the inspection is complete the information will be reviewed to determine if it is necessary to make any changes to your policy to ensure that your home is adequately protected.
• If hazards are found in the inspection, the next steps will vary and may include requiring repairs or cancelling the policy.
• To learn more 5 Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector .
• Should I get an umbrella insurance policy too? Umbrella insurance gives you extra protection from accidents and lawsuits. If you injure someone or damage their property, you might not have enough coverage. An umbrella policy could save you from paying out of your own pocket.
• Do I need flood insurance for my home? Do you think living far from the coast means your home is safe from flooding? The truth is floods can occur anywhere. Floods can occur outside of high-risk flood zones. Something else to consider, most homeowners insurance policies don't cover flood damage. You may want to consider flood insurance .

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6 Best Home Insurance Companies of May 2024

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The best home insurance companies at a glance

We evaluated dozens of homeowners insurance companies to find the best ones. These are the six companies that received a perfect 5-star score based on their coverage options, discounts, online experience, financial strength and consumer complaints.

Amica : Best for consumer satisfaction.

Andover Companies : Best coverage.

Chubb : Best for high-value homes.

Country Financial : Best for using an agent.

NJM : Best small regional insurer.

USAA : Best for military and veterans.

The best home insurance companies

How to find the best home insurance policy in five common scenarios

How to compare homeowners insurance

Find the best homeowners insurance in your state

How we ranked the best home insurance companies

Frequently asked questions about home insurance

Your home is one of your largest and most meaningful investments, so choosing the best homeowners insurance available to you makes sense. To narrow down our list of the best home insurance companies, we looked at customer complaint data, consumer experience and financial strength. We also assessed each insurer's coverage options and discounts.

Why you can trust NerdWallet

The best home insurance companies of 2024

Below are the companies that earned a perfect 5-star rating under NerdWallet’s scoring system. Learn more about our top home insurance companies by reading the brief summaries below and checking out our comprehensive reviews.

Amica: Best homeowners insurance for customer satisfaction

Coverage options Ratings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.

Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.

NAIC complaints Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.

High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.

Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.

Simple online claims filing and tracking.

You can start a quote online but have to finish the buying process by phone.

Not available in Alaska or Hawaii.

Why it's the best: Amica home insurance shines when it comes to customer service. The company draws far fewer complaints than expected for an insurer of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. And it’s perennially near the top of J.D. Power’s annual customer satisfaction studies.

It’s no slouch when it comes to coverage, either. You can upgrade to Amica's Platinum Choice package for perks like extended dwelling coverage, higher liability limits and coverage for damage due to backed-up drains or overflowing sump pumps.

Another way Amica makes policyholders’ lives easier: Its Contractor Connection program can pair you with licensed and insured contractors after a claim.

States served: Washington, D.C., and every state except Alaska and Hawaii.

Choose Amica if ...

You’re looking for a company that values customer service and offers upgraded coverage.

» Read the full review: Amica home insurance

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Andover Companies: Best homeowners insurance for coverage

Andover Companies

Far fewer consumer complaints than expected.

Includes more generous dwelling and personal property coverage than most insurers.

Many additional coverage options to choose from.

No online quotes.

Not available in most states.

Why it's the best: Andover Companies stands out for its generous coverage. Most homeowners are eligible for automatic guaranteed replacement coverage on the structure of their home. That means the company will pay what it takes to rebuild the house if it’s destroyed by a covered disaster, even if your coverage limit isn’t high enough. Many insurers don’t offer this type of coverage at all, and few include it with a standard policy.

Andover also offers replacement cost coverage on your personal belongings, which ensures you’ll get more for stolen or destroyed items than you would if you had actual cash value coverage .

Andover’s coverage comes with strong customer service, too. It draws far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size, according to the NAIC.

States served: Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

Choose Andover Companies if ...

You live within its service area and value the peace of mind that comes with having plenty of coverage.

» Read the full review: Andover Companies home insurance

Chubb: Best homeowners insurance for high-value homes

Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.

Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.

Large number of discounts.

Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.

Why it's the best: Chubb targets owners of expensive homes, tailoring much of its experience toward well-to-do clients. For example, you can choose a personal liability limit up to $100 million — significantly higher than the maximum many other insurers offer. Chubb also includes perks like the HomeScan service, which helps uncover issues with your home that require attention before they can cause damage.

Chubb policies come with extended replacement cost coverage for your dwelling and replacement value for your belongings — two other unusual benefits for consumers. This means that if your home costs more than expected to rebuild after a covered disaster, Chubb will pay more than your selected dwelling limit to help cover the cost. It also means that you’ll receive enough of a payout to buy brand-new replacements for your damaged belongings, rather than getting only their depreciated value.

States served: All states and Washington, D.C.

Choose Chubb if ...

You have a high-value home and want insurance with lofty coverage to match.

» Read the full review: Chubb home insurance

Country Financial: Best homeowners insurance for using an agent

Country Financial

Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.

Many discounts and coverage options available.

Can get an online quote but must finish the purchase over the phone.

Not available in all states.

Why it's the best: Although Country Financial may offer online quotes to some users, you’ll need to speak with a local representative to buy your policy. That’s ideal for homeowners with special coverage needs or those who appreciate having a personal relationship with an agent.

Those personal relationships may pay off when it comes to customer satisfaction. Country Financial sees far fewer complaints to regulators than expected for a company of its size, according to the NAIC.

Depending on which type of policy you choose, Country Financial may cover household mishaps, such as countertop burns or spilled paint. In most states, Country Financial offers the option to buy guaranteed replacement cost coverage. This coverage can pay the cost of standard new construction materials and labor if you need to rebuild your home, with no limits.

States served: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.

Choose Country Financial if ...

You prefer to speak with an agent about the coverage you need and the discounts you may be eligible for.

» Read the full review: Country Financial home insurance

NJM: Best small regional home insurer

Includes coverage other companies charge extra for.

Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.

Many extra coverage options available.

No app to manage your policy.

Available in only five states.

Why it's the best: NJM’s homeowners policies are available in only five states, but they’re a great option if you live in one of them. That’s because NJM includes several types of coverage that often cost extra from other insurers.

For example, the company’s guaranteed replacement cost coverage will pay to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed, even if the damage exceeds your dwelling limit. NJM also includes water backup coverage with its policies, which can pay for damage from backed-up sewers or drains.

Those with NJM insurance tend to be satisfied. Complaints to state regulators about NJM’s homeowners insurance are far fewer than expected for a company of its size, according to the NAIC.

States served: Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Choose NJM if ...

You live in its service area and want a homeowners policy with some of the most comprehensive coverage available.

» Read the full review: NJM home insurance

USAA: Best homeowners insurance for military and veterans

Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.

Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.

Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.

Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.

Why it's the best: USAA is open only to active military members, veterans and their families, and it tailors its policies to meet the needs of those consumers. For instance, it covers military uniforms without a deductible for those on active duty or deployed.

USAA also stands out by providing identity theft coverage in most states to help with expenses if you're the victim of identity fraud. It also covers your personal belongings on a replacement cost basis, paying the cost to replace items rather than providing only the depreciated value. Both of these offerings tend to cost extra from other insurers.

USAA has far fewer complaints to state regulators for home insurance than expected for a company of its size, according to the NAIC.

Choose USAA if ...

You’re a veteran or active member of the military, and you value good coverage and service.

» Read the full review: USAA home insurance

Other home insurance companies to consider

We combed through all of our 4.5-star companies to find the ones that took top honors on various aspects of our rating system, such as coverage and consumer complaints.

Erie: Most generous coverage

Rates generally below the national average.

Policies may include guaranteed replacement cost coverage.

Receives fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.

Why it's the best: We like Erie because in many of the locations it covers, the company includes guaranteed replacement cost coverage in its standard policies. This means Erie will pay as much as necessary to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed, even if the amount is higher than your dwelling limit.

To further customize your policy, you can add options such as identity recovery, service line protection and water backup coverage. Discounts are available for bundling your homeowners insurance with another Erie policy or installing burglar or sprinkler systems.

Erie doesn’t offer as many online bells and whistles as some other insurers do. You’ll have to call an agent to get a quote, for instance, and you can’t file claims online. But if you prefer having a personal relationship with a local agent, the company might be a good fit.

States served: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C.

Choose Erie if ...

You live in its service area, want comprehensive coverage and don’t mind working with an agent to buy a policy or file claims.

» Read the full review: Erie home insurance

Nationwide: Best online experience

Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.

Many discounts available.

Website offers lots of useful features and information.

Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.

Unavailable in a handful of states.

Why it's the best: Nationwide earns high marks for its digital experience. Policyholders can file and track claims online or by phone, and the company’s website has a large library of consumer-centric content.

If you’d prefer to manage your policy using an app, you can do that, too. The highly rated Nationwide app lets you get quotes, file claims and look up policy details.

Nationwide also stands out by offering ordinance or law insurance in its standard homeowners insurance policy. This means if you have a covered loss and need to update your home to meet current building codes, your insurance may cover the costs.

States served: Washington, D.C., and all states except Alaska, Hawaii and Louisiana.

Choose Nationwide if ...

You’re looking for an insurance company with a comprehensive online experience and solid coverage options.

» Read the full review: Nationwide home insurance

Openly: Fewest consumer complaints

Policies include guaranteed replacement cost for your home's structure.

Broad coverage for personal belongings.

No restricted dog breeds.

Why it's the best: Of all the homeowners insurance companies we rated, Openly had the lowest number of complaints in relation to its size, according to the NAIC.

Openly sold its first policies in 2019 and aims to offer a fresh take on homeowners insurance. The company’s policies include guaranteed replacement cost in many states, which means Openly will pay whatever it takes to rebuild your home, up to $5 million. (This feature isn’t available from all insurers and typically costs extra.)

The standard Openly policy also provides “open-perils” coverage for your personal belongings, which covers more potential problems than most homeowners policies do. You can choose from several optional types of coverage for things like damage from backed-up water lines and the breakdown of major appliances.

Openly is currently available only through independent agents, with no option to get an online quote.

States served: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

Choose Openly if ...

You’re willing to work with an independent agent to get generous coverage for your home.

» Read the full review: Openly home insurance

State Farm: Best perks

User-friendly website.

Agents offer personalized service.

Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.

Fewer discounts than some other insurers.

Why it's the best: State Farm's homeowners policies generally include extended replacement coverage for your home’s structure — a useful perk that costs extra from some companies.

The company also offers other freebies that can help keep your home safe. In most states, you can get a smart device called Ting that plugs into an outlet and monitors your home’s electrical system. In select states, you may also be able to get a free ADT security system, along with a discounted rate on professional monitoring.

You can do a lot on the State Farm website, including getting a quote, filing and tracking claims, paying bills and signing up for autopay. The mobile app is similarly useful.

States served: Washington, D.C., and all states except California, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Choose State Farm if ...

You want the perks and financial security of having a policy from the nation’s largest home insurer.

» Read the full review: State Farm home insurance

How to find the best home insurance in five common scenarios

You’re a first-time home buyer.

We get it. The homebuying process can be a whirlwind and getting a homeowners policy may feel like one more item to check off a seemingly endless to-do list. But it’s still worth understanding the basics to make sure you’re financially protected.

For a quick primer, check out the essential terms to understand in your homeowners policy . Then, consider setting a calendar reminder to call your insurer six months after closing. By that point, you’ll be settled in and have a bit more time to double-check that you’ve got all the coverage you need.

» MORE: Homeowners insurance for first-time home buyers

You live in a high-risk area

Is your region prone to hurricanes, wildfires , earthquakes or other disasters? If so, you might want to spend a little extra time researching your coverage options.

For example, most homeowners policies don't cover damage from floods and earthquakes, so you may need to purchase additional insurance. If you live along the coast, you may have a separate windstorm or hurricane deductible that’s higher than your standard deductible for other disasters. A local agent can help you assess your risks and make sure you’re fully covered.

» MORE: Complete guide to hurricane insurance

You have a dog

If your furry pal bites a visitor or attacks someone at the dog park, the liability section of your home insurance policy may be able to help with resulting legal or medical expenses. But don’t just assume you’re covered.

Some insurance companies exclude certain breeds such as pit bulls or Rottweilers, while others won’t cover animal liability claims unless you add extra coverage to your policy. Check with your insurance company or agent to make sure your canine companion is properly covered.

» MORE: Why your dog needs liability insurance even if she’s perfect

You own valuable items

If you have expensive belongings, such as an antique diamond ring or a high-end guitar, check whether your homeowners policy offers enough coverage for them. Many valuable items are insured for theft only up to certain sublimits, such as $1,500.

If that’s not enough, you can typically buy extra coverage for individual items or collections. You may need to have a professional appraisal of each item.

» MORE: Jewelry insurance: Everything you need to know

You own an older home

Say the wiring in your century-old Victorian isn’t up to modern safety standards, or the house has unique architectural features that would be expensive to rebuild. These and other factors could make it tough to find affordable insurance for an older home. You might even need to make upgrades before you’re approved for coverage.

An experienced agent can help you weigh your options. For instance, you may want to add ordinance or law coverage to your policy to pay expenses associated with bringing your house up to current building codes during repairs.

How to compare home insurance companies

1. Decide how much coverage you need. Finding the best homeowners insurance company for you starts with making sure you’re shopping for the right coverage. A standard policy covers your house and other structures, but the amount of coverage you need depends on how much it would cost to rebuild your home.

You’ll also have several options to consider, including the amount of your homeowners insurance deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket in the event of a claim) and whether you need extra insurance for valuable items. You might also want policy upgrades to cover earthquake damage or to ensure you can replace old belongings with new ones after a loss, rather than being paid for their depreciated value. Check out How Much Home Insurance Do You Need? to learn more.

By figuring out what you need before you compare home insurance companies, you can be sure each policy you’re considering provides the same level of coverage. You can also eliminate companies that don’t offer the options you want.

» MORE: What does homeowners insurance cover?

2. Compare home insurance quotes. After you outline your coverage needs, you can start shopping for homeowners insurance. You’ll want to compare home insurance quotes from at least three companies to be sure you’re getting the cheapest policy you can.

Homeowners insurance costs an average of about $149 a month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. But rates can vary dramatically because no two houses are the same and each insurer uses its own formula to calculate premiums and discounts.

You can shop for quotes online or by phone, or you can work with an insurance agent or broker. Whichever route you choose, make sure to compare policies with similar coverage and deductibles.

Also, be aware that a homeowners insurance quote is only an estimate. Your price may change if an insurance company inspects your house and determines you need a different amount of coverage.

Hundreds of insurers compete for your business, often selling very similar products, so it’s smart to compare home insurance quotes from a few before making a decision.

3. Research home insurance discounts. Most companies offer savings for things like:

Having multiple policies with the same insurer.

Installing safety, security or smart-home devices .

Avoiding claims for consecutive years.

Beyond those, you may see differences in both the number and type of home insurance discounts available. An agent can help you get all the savings you’re eligible for.

» MORE: 9 ways to lower homeowners insurance costs

4. Check customer satisfaction and complaints. If you choose a home insurance company that’s known for making its customers happy, you can feel more confident that you'll have a good experience.

To see whether previous customers have been satisfied, you can look at studies on homeowners insurance and property claims satisfaction from J.D. Power, which surveys thousands of homeowners annually.

The NAIC website is another source of information about how insurance companies have performed. You can find out how many complaints were filed against an insurer with state regulators, the reasons for the complaints, and whether there were more complaints than expected for a company of its size.

» MORE: See all NerdWallet homeowners insurance reviews

5. Consider financial strength. You’ll want to buy homeowners insurance from a stable company with enough money to pay claims. Financial strength is one way to evaluate whether an insurer meets that standard. You can check financial strength through a rating firm such as AM Best .

NerdWallet typically recommends considering insurers with ratings of A- or higher. Any company with an AM Best rating of B+ or higher has a “good” ability to meet its obligations in AM Best’s opinion. Companies with ratings below that may not be quite as safe a bet and often have higher rates of complaints relative to their size.

Why is homeowners insurance so expensive?

If the cost of your homeowners insurance seems a lot higher than it used to, it’s not your imagination. Premiums have been on the rise for the past several years, thanks to a combination of inflation and natural disasters.

Because labor and building materials have gotten more expensive, it now costs more to rebuild or repair homes. And catastrophes like hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms have cost insurance companies billions of dollars in claim payouts. Insurers have passed their increasing costs along to their policyholders.

The map below shows the average cost of homeowners insurance in each state. The darker the shade of green, the higher the cost of home insurance in that state.

For more details and the best home insurance options in your area, click on your state below.

NerdWallet’s editorial team considered coverage options, discounts, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, financial strength grades and more to determine the best home insurance companies.

Our rating system rewards companies with many coverage options and discounts, a low number of consumer complaints and a strong financial rating. Within the consumer experience category, we looked at features such as online quotes and claim reporting. To calculate each insurer’s rating, we adjusted the scores to a curved 5-point scale.

Here are the categories and weights we used to come up with our list of best home insurance companies:

These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you.

Frequently asked questions

What is homeowners insurance.

A homeowners policy is insurance that protects you financially if a fire damages your home, someone steals your belongings or another catastrophe strikes. Mortgage lenders generally require you to buy homeowners insurance as a condition of your loan.

What does homeowners insurance cover?

Homeowners insurance typically covers your house and everything in it from damage due to fire, wind, heavy snow and other disasters known as “perils.” The loss of use section of your policy reimburses you for hotel stays or other expenses if you need to move out of your home during covered repairs. And your policy’s personal liability insurance will pay if you injure someone else or damage their property.

To learn more, see our story on homeowners insurance coverage .

What does home insurance not cover?

Standard homeowners policies don’t cover damage due to flooding, earthquakes, landslides or infestations. Nor will they cover everyday wear and tear or problems caused by neglect.

You may be able to buy extra insurance to cover some of these problems. For example, flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program and private providers.

How much does homeowners insurance cost?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. is $1,915 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. However, this cost varies based on where you live, the size of your house and how much coverage you need.

Homeowners insurance star ratings methodology

NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews.

Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:

Consumer complaints (30%).

Financial strength (30%).

Coverage (20%).

Consumer experience (10%).

Discounts (10%).

Read our full ratings methodology for home insurance.

Insurer complaints methodology

NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.

Homeowners insurance rates methodology

NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the U.S. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.

Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:

$300,000 in dwelling coverage.

$30,000 in other structures coverage.

$150,000 in personal property coverage.

$60,000 in loss of use coverage.

$300,000 in liability coverage.

$1,000 in medical payments coverage.

We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.

These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.

On a similar note...

• Search Search Please fill out this field.
• What a Homeowners Policy Provides
• Different Types of Coverage
• What Isn't Covered?
• How Are Rates Determined?

Cost-Cutting Insurance Tips

• How to Compare Insurers
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)f

The Bottom Line

• Home Insurance

Homeowners Insurance Guide: A Beginner's Overview

Homeowners insurance (also known as home insurance ) isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. That's not just because it protects your home and possessions against damage or theft. In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of homeowners insurance policies.

Most mortgage companies require borrowers to have insurance coverage for the replacement cost of a property, which is the cost to rebuild it if it is completely destroyed. Your insurer will likely pay your settlement to both you and your lender if that happens.

You don't even have to be a homeowner to need insurance. Many landlords require their tenants to maintain renters insurance  coverage. Whether it's required or not, it's smart to have this kind of protection.

Key Takeaways

• Homeowners insurance policies generally cover destruction and damage to a residence's interior and exterior, the loss or theft of possessions, and personal liability for harm to others.
• Three basic levels of coverage exist: actual cash value, replacement cost, and extended replacement cost/value.
• Policy rates are largely determined by the insurer's risk that you'll file a claim; they assess this risk based on past claim history associated with the home, the neighborhood, and the home's condition.
• In shopping for a policy, get quotes from at least five companies, and definitely check with any insurer you already work with—current clients often get better deals.

What a Homeowners Policy Provides

Although they are infinitely customizable, a homeowners insurance policy has certain standard elements that provide what costs the insurer will cover. Each of the main coverage areas are discussed below.

Damage to the Interior or Exterior of Your House

In the event of damage due to fire, hurricanes, lightning, vandalism, or other covered disasters, your insurer will compensate you so your house can be repaired or even completely rebuilt. Destruction or mutilation from floods, earthquakes, and poor home maintenance is generally not covered, and you may require separate riders if you want that type of protection. Freestanding garages, sheds or other structures on the property may also need to be covered separately using the same guidelines as for the main house.

Clothing, furniture, appliances, and most of the other contents of your home are covered if they're destroyed in an insured disaster. You can even get "off-premises" coverage, so you could file a claim for lost jewelry, say, no matter where in the world you lost it. There may be a limit on the amount your insurer will reimburse you, however. According to the Insurance Information Institute, most insurance companies will provide coverage for 50% to 70% of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your home. For example, if your house is insured for $200,000, there would be up to about $140,000 worth of coverage for your possessions.

If you own a lot of high-priced possessions (fine art or antiques, fine jewelry, designer clothes), you might want to pay extra to put them on an itemized schedule, purchase a rider to cover them, or even buy a separate policy.

Personal Liability for Damage or Injuries

Liability coverage protects you from lawsuits filed by others. This clause even includes your pets! So, if your dog bites your neighbor, Doris, no matter if the bite occurs at your place or hers, your insurer will pay her medical expenses. Alternatively, if your kid breaks her Ming vase, you can file a claim to reimburse her. If Doris slips on the broken vase pieces and successfully sues for pain and suffering or lost wages, you'll likely be covered for that, too, just as if someone had been injured on your property.

Off-premises liability coverage often doesn't apply for those with renters insurance.

While policies can offer as little as $100,000 of coverage, experts recommend having at least $300,000 worth of coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. For extra protection, a few hundred dollars more in premiums can buy you an extra $1 million or more through an umbrella policy.

Hotel or House Rental While Your Home Is Being Rebuilt or Repaired

It's unlikely, but if you do find yourself forced out of your home for a time, this will undoubtedly be the best coverage you ever purchased. This part of insurance coverage, known as additional living expenses , reimburses you for rent, hotel stays, restaurant meals, and other incidental costs you incur while waiting for your home to become habitable again. Before you book a suite at the Ritz-Carlton and order caviar from room service, however, keep in mind that policies impose strict daily and total limits. Of course, you can expand those daily limits if you're willing to pay more in coverage. 

Different Types of Homeowners Coverage

All insurance is definitely not created equal. The least costly homeowners insurance will likely give you the least amount of coverage, and vice versa.

In the U.S. there are several forms of homeowners insurance that have become standardized in the industry; they are designated  HO-1 through HO-8 and offer various levels of protection depending on the needs of the homeowner and the type of residence being covered .

There are essentially three levels of coverage.

Actual Cash Value

Actual cash value (ACV) covers the cost of the house plus the value of your belongings after deducting depreciation (i.e., how much the items are currently worth, not how much you paid for them). Some policies may contain a recoverable depreciation clause , which allows the owners to claim the value of the depreciation along with the ACV.

Replacement Cost

Replacement value policies cover the actual cash value of your home and possessions without the deduction for depreciation, so you would be able to repair or rebuild your home up to the original value.

Guaranteed (or Extended) Replacement Cost/Value

The most comprehensive, this inflation-buffer policy pays for whatever it costs to repair or rebuild your home—even if it's more than your policy limit. Certain insurers offer an extended replacement, meaning it offers more coverage than you purchased, but there is a ceiling; typically, it is 20% to 25% higher than the limit.

Some advisors feel all homeowners should buy guaranteed replacement value policies because you don't need just enough insurance to cover the value of your home, you need enough insurance to rebuild your home, preferably at current prices (which probably will have risen since you purchased or built). Guaranteed replacement value policies will absorb the increased replacement costs and provide the homeowner with a cushion if construction prices increase. 

What Isn't Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies typically include coverage for a wide range of perils and events that can cause damage to your property or belongings. However, there are also several common exclusions, which are situations or events that are not covered by the standard policy. If you want coverage for many of these specific items, you'll likely need to buy separate or private coverage.

There are several natural disaster occurrences that are not covered by standard coverage. Standard homeowners insurance usually doesn't cover damage caused by floods. Earthquake damage is typically excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. While some policies include limited coverage for sudden and accidental sinkhole damage, extensive or gradual sinkhole damage is often excluded as well.

There are some home repair and maintenance costs that are not covered. Many standard policies exclude damage from sewer or drain backups. Repairs or replacements due to the normal course of use are also generally not covered. Damage caused by termites, rodents, other pests, mold, and mildew may also be excluded, especially if prevention methods are not taken.

Last, there are many acts that do not constitute coverage. Damage caused by acts of war, terrorism, or civil unrest is usually not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies, nor is damage from nuclear accidents or radiation. If you intentionally cause damage to your own property, it is unlikely to be covered by your insurance policy. In addition, if you need to rebuild or repair your home to comply with updated building codes or laws after a covered loss, the additional costs might not be fully covered by a standard policy.

How Are Homeowners Insurance Rates Determined?

So what's the driving force behind rates? In general, rates are set based on the likelihood a homeowner will file a claim—the insurer's perceived "risk." To determine risk, home insurance companies give significant consideration to past home insurance claims submitted by the homeowner as well as claims related to that property and the homeowner’s credit.

While insurers are there to pay claims, they're also in it to make money. Insuring a home that has had multiple claims in the past three to seven years, even if a previous owner filed the claim, can bump your home insurance premium into a higher pricing tier. You may not even be eligible for home insurance based on the number of recent past claims filed, says Noah J. Bank, a vice president and insurance advisor at HUB International,

Neighborhood, crime rate, and building material availability will all play a part in determining rates, too. And, of course, coverage options such as deductibles or added riders for art, wine, jewelry, etc.—and the coverage amount desired—also factor into the size of an annual premium.

What else affects your rates? Generally speaking, almost anything that impacts potential risk may impact your rate. For instance, a home that is not well-maintained may increase the necessity for major damages. Another example is a home with a specific breed of dog that may be more susceptible to damage. At a high level, rates are set based on the likelihood of the insurer paying out damages. The more variables that contribute to that risk, the higher your rates.

Investopedia / Alison Czinkota

While it never pays to play it cheap with coverage, there are ways to cut down on insurance premiums.

Maintain a Security System

A burglar alarm monitored by a central station or tied directly to a local police station will help lower the homeowner's annual premiums, perhaps by 5% or more. In order to obtain the discount, the homeowner must typically provide proof of central monitoring in the form of a bill or a contract to the insurance company.

Smoke alarms are another biggie. While standard in most modern houses, installing them in older homes can save the homeowner 10% or more in annual premiums. Carbon monoxide detectors, dead-bolt locks, sprinkler systems, and in some cases even weatherproofing can also help.

Raise Your Deductible

Like health insurance or car insurance, the higher the deductible the homeowner chooses, the lower the annual premiums. However, the problem with selecting a high deductible is that claims/problems that typically cost only a few hundred dollars to fix—such as broken windows or damaged sheetrock from a leaky pipe—will most likely be absorbed by the homeowner. And these can add up. Some insurance providers offer a buyback deductible adder to a policy that will reduce the deductible associated with an event. However, these provisions will cost you a higher premium.

Look for Multiple Policy Discounts

Many insurance companies give a discount of 10% or more to customers who maintain other insurance contracts under the same roof (such as auto or health insurance). Consider obtaining a quote for other types of insurance from the same company that provides your homeowners insurance. You may end up saving on two premiums.

Plan Ahead for Renovation

If you plan to build an addition or adjacent structure to your home, consider the materials that will be used. Typically, wood-framed structures will cost more to insure because they are highly flammable. Conversely, cement- or steel-framed structures will cost less because these are less likely to succumb to fire or adverse weather conditions.

Another thing most homeowners should, but often don't, consider are the insurance costs associated with building a swimming pool. In fact, items such as pools and/or other potentially injurious devices (like trampolines) can drive annual insurance costs up by 10% or more.

Pay Off Mortgage

Obviously this is easier said than done, but homeowners who own their residences outright will most likely see their premiums drop. Why? The insurance company figures if a place is 100% yours, you'll take better care of it.

Regularly Compare Policies and Coverage

No matter what initial price you're quoted, you'll want to do a little comparison shopping, including checking for group coverage options through credit or trade unions, employers, or association memberships. And even after purchasing a policy, investors should, at least once per year, compare the costs of other insurance policies to their own. In addition, they should review their existing policy and make note of any changes that might have occurred that could lower their premiums.

For example, perhaps you have disassembled the trampoline, paid off the mortgage, or installed a sophisticated sprinkler system. If this is the case, simply notifying the insurance company of the change(s) and providing proof in the form of pictures and/or receipts could significantly lower your insurance premiums.

Loyalty often pays. The longer you stay with some insurers, the lower your premium can become, or the lower your deductible will be.

To know if you have enough coverage to replace your possessions, make periodic assessments of your most valuable items, too. According to John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada. a home maintenance app, “Many consumers are underinsured with the contents portion of their policy because they have not done a home inventory and added the total value to compare with what the policy is covering.”

Look for changes in the neighborhood that could reduce rates, as well. For example, the installation of a fire hydrant within 100 feet of the home, or the erection of a fire substation within close proximity to the property, may lower premiums.

How to Compare Home Insurance Companies

When looking for an insurance carrier, here's a checklist of search and shopping tips.

1. Compare Statewide Costs and Insurers

When it comes to insurance, you want to make sure you are going with a provider that is legitimate and creditworthy. Your first step should be to visit your state’s Department of Insurance website to learn the rating for each home insurance company licensed to conduct business in your state, as well as any consumer complaints lodged against the insurance company. The site should also provide a typical average cost of home insurance in different counties and cities.

2. Do a Company Health Check

Investigate home insurance companies you’re considering via their scores on the websites of the top credit agencies (such as AM Best, Moody's, J.D. Power, Standard & Poor's) and those of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners  and Weiss Research. These sites track consumer complaints against the companies as well as general customer feedback, the processing of claims, and other data. In some instances, these websites also rate a home insurance company's financial health to determine whether the company is able to pay out claims.

3. Look at Claim Responses

Following a large loss, the burden of paying out-of-pocket to repair your home and waiting for reimbursement from your insurer could place your family in a difficult financial position. A number of insurers are outsourcing core functions, including the handling of claims. Before purchasing a policy, find out whether licensed adjusters or third-party call centers will be receiving and handling your claims calls.

4. Browse Current Policyholder Satisfaction

Every company will say it has good claims service. However, cut through the clutter by asking your agent or a company representative the insurer’s retention rate—that is, what percentage of policyholders renew each year. Many companies report retention rates between 80% and 90%. You can also find satisfaction information in annual reports, online reviews, and good old-fashioned testimonials from people you trust.

5. Get Multiple Quotes

How many quotes should you get? Five or so will give you a good sense of what people are offering and leverage in negotiations. Before collecting quotes from other companies, request a price from insurers you already have a relationship with. As previously mentioned, in many instances, a carrier you’re already doing business with (for your auto, boat, etc.) may offer better rates because you're an existing customer.

Some companies provide a special discount for seniors or for people who work from home. The rationale is both these groups tend to be on-premises more often—leaving the house less prone to burglary.

6. Look Beyond Price

The annual premium is often what drives the choice to purchase a home insurance policy, but don't look solely at price. “No two insurers use the same policy forms and endorsements, and policy wording can be very different,” says Bank. “Even when you think you're comparing apples to apples, there's usually more to it, so you need to compare coverages and limits.”

7. Talk to a Real Person

 Eric Stauffer, former president of ExpertInsuranceReviews.com, feels the best way to get quotes is to go directly to the insurance companies or speak to an independent agent who deals with multiple companies, as opposed to a traditional “captive" insurance agent or financial planner who works for just one home insurance company. Bear in mind, though, “a broker licensed to sell for multiple companies often attaches their own fees to policies and policy renewals. This could cost hundreds extra a year,” he notes.

Bank urges consumers to ask questions that give them a detailed sense of their options: “You want to consider different deductible scenarios to best weigh if it makes sense to opt for a higher deductible and self-insure ,” he says.

What Are the Different Types of Homeowners Insurance Policies?

The most common types are HO-1 (basic coverage), HO-2 (broad coverage), HO-3 (special form coverage), and HO-5 (comprehensive coverage). Additionally, there are specialized policies like condo insurance (HO-6) and renters insurance (HO-4), among others.

How Do I File a Homeowners Insurance Claim?

To file a claim, contact your insurance company's claims department and provide details about the incident. They will guide you through the process, assign a claims adjuster, and assess the damage. The claims process involves reporting the incident, assessment by a claims adjuster, reviewing policy coverage, estimating the loss, discussing the settlement, and ultimately receiving payment for repairs or replacements.

Is Personal Liability Coverage Included in Homeowners Insurance?

Yes, personal liability coverage is a standard part of homeowners insurance. It covers legal expenses if you're sued for injuries or property damage that occurred on your property.

What's the Importance of Creating a Home Inventory for Insurance Purposes?

Creating a home inventory helps catalog your belongings, simplifies the claims process, ensures accurate valuation of your possessions, and helps you receive fair compensation in case of covered losses.

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection against damage to your home and belongings caused by covered events like fires, theft, and storms. It includes liability coverage for injuries or property damage to others. Policy types vary, each offering different levels of coverage. Having homeowners insurance helps safeguard your investment, cover unexpected expenses, and provide peace of mind in case of unforeseen incidents.

Correction—April 2, 2024: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the amount of home insurance that mortgage lenders require. It has been corrected to say lenders usually require the replacement value of the home.

Insurance Information Institute. " Homeowners Insurance Basics ."

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Key takeaways

• Homeowners insurance is property insurance coverage you can purchase to help cover costs if your home is damaged or destroyed by a covered event.
• Different policy forms offer varying coverage levels for property.
• On average, homeowners insurance in the U.S. costs $1,687 a year, or $141 per month. However, premiums vary widely based on your home’s characteristics, along with your location, coverage needs and more.

Purchasing homeowners insurance is a way to share the financial risk of owning a home. The insurance policy is a contract where the homeowner and insurance company agree that in exchange for a premium payment, the insurance company will provide compensation for the repairs or replacement of the home if it is damaged from a covered peril. The policy contract states the limits of various coverage types, the deductible amount, policy exclusions and other pertinent information. Understanding how home insurance works and what you are financially responsible for before a loss occurs can help you feel more confident when you need to file a claim.

What is homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance is financial protection that you purchase from an insurance provider. Insurance can help pay to repair or replace your home if it is damaged by a covered peril , and it can help pay for damage to your personal property. Home insurance is not required by law; however, your mortgage lender may require it as a term of your loan.

What a standard home insurance policy covers depends on the type of coverage a policyholder selects, but generally, it covers the following:

• Home’s structure and belongings: Home insurance offers financial protection for the structure of a home, as well as attached and detached structures and any belongings in the home in the case of a covered event.
• Additional living expenses: Homeowners insurance generally covers additional living expenses you incur while repairs are being done up to a certain period of time or coverage limit. That means, should you need to stay in a hotel or pay to have your clothes laundered, your policy might help cover it.
• Liability protection: A standard homeowners insurance policy comes with liability protection, as well. If someone gets hurt while on your property or your negligence causes bodily harm or damage to someone else’s property, your liability coverage could help pay their expenses.

There are many  types of homeowners insurance . An  HO-3 policy is the most common. Typically, coverage includes:

• Dwelling coverage
• Other structures coverage
• Personal property coverage
• Personal liability coverage
• Medical payments
• Additional living expenses

Each policy type comes with different coverage levels based on a percentage of the dwelling coverage. These percentages vary slightly between carriers, and policyholders can usually purchase additional coverage if needed. Understanding what perils — such as fire, water damage and burglary — your policy is designed to cover is an important step in your financial planning. Policies that offer more robust coverage will generally cost more but will also provide you with financial protection from a greater number of circumstances.

What is the difference between homeowners insurance and mortgage insurance?

Homeowners who put down less than 20 percent on a home at the time of purchase may have to purchase home and mortgage insurance . Just like home insurance protects your financial interest, mortgage insurance protects the financial interest of the mortgage company. The type of loan you have can dictate the kind of mortgage insurance that is required. Additionally, the cost of mortgage insurance will depend on factors like the loan amount, your credit history and the loan term.

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How does homeowners insurance work.

Your homeowners insurance journey can be broken down into several steps, each with its own specific set of considerations. Understanding each step could help you understand how your policy works.

Obtaining home insurance quotes

Homeowners insurance is typically not difficult to obtain; however, it can be challenging in certain circumstances. If you have a home that needs severe renovations or live in an area prone to  extreme weather , securing home coverage might be more difficult. Here are some things you should know as you evaluate companies.

First, you may want to research several  homeowners insurance companies to determine which carriers best fit your needs. As you evaluate each provider, you may want to think about how the company’s discounts and coverage fits with your situation. To review customer service, you can look to  J.D. Power’s numerous studies, and  AM Best can help you evaluate an insurance provider’s financial strength. Once you have chosen several companies that could fit your needs, you can contact each for a quote. You can often do this online, by phone or by visiting a local agency.

During the  quoting process , ask about each company’s discounts. Taking advantage of  home insurance discounts — which often include savings for installing home alarm systems, bundling policies and remaining claim-free — is one of the easiest ways to lower your premium.

Learn more:   Affordable home insurance companies

Purchasing a home insurance policy

Once you have chosen the company you feel is best for you, your family and your home, you can  purchase your policy . You may need to sign an application and make a payment before it is set in place.

Most providers offer different payment options, such as paying annually or quarterly. If you have a mortgage on your home, you may not need to make a payment. Your premium might be included in your monthly mortgage payment, held in your  escrow account and disbursed to your insurance company at each renewal.

If you are buying a house, most times, your homeowners insurance policy has to be in effect by the date of your closing. Often, your first year’s premium will be included in your closing costs, and your escrow will pay your insurance premium each time your homeowners insurance policy renews. If you have a current policy and are switching to a new company, you should let your mortgage servicer know about the change. Your new insurance company will likely send documentation to the mortgage company, but advising your loan servicer about the change ahead of time allows them to note your file and prepare for receiving documents and an invoice from a new insurance company.

Maintaining a home insurance policy

Once you have a policy in place, maintaining it is relatively simple. You will need to make premium payments, or if your coverage is paid from your escrow account, make sure that the premium gets paid by your mortgage company. If you make any changes to your home or lifestyle — like updating your roof, renovating a room or  getting a dog — you should notify your insurance carrier to make sure that your policy still properly covers you.

Filing a home insurance claim

If the unexpected happens and your home sustains damage, you may need to  file a claim . You can typically file claims online, through a mobile app or with an agent in person or over the phone. You can expect questions regarding some general information like where the damage is, what kind of damage you have and when it occurred. Before sending any payout, your insurer may request that you submit pictures of your home’s damaged portions or allow a claims adjuster to inspect the damage. Once you initiate the claims process, your insurance provider will determine the next steps.

Is homeowners insurance required?

Home insurance is not legally required in any state . However, it is generally a good idea to have coverage in place to protect against the risk of financial loss. And, if you have a mortgage on your home, the lender will require you to have insurance to cover the amount of the loan until it is paid off. This protects your lender from the possibility that you are unable to pay off your loan if your home is destroyed.

Without home insurance, you could be faced with the costly task of repairing or replacing your home and belongings on your own should the unthinkable happen. What that means is that homeowners insurance is typically a good idea, even if you do not have a mortgage.

How much does a home insurance policy cost?

The  average cost of homeowners insurance in the United States is $1,687 per year for $250,000 in dwelling coverage. However, there are multiple  variables that influence the cost of homeowners insurance, which means that your premium could differ from the national average. Some of these factors include:

• Your state and ZIP code: One of the biggest factors when it comes to how much you pay for home insurance is where you live. Each state, and possibly ZIP code, has a unique profile regarding the likelihood of certain claims, which can impact your premium.
• Construction of home: How your house is constructed can affect your premium in a few ways. Some construction types are more resistant to certain types of damage, like wind or fire, which can lower your premium. However, some types of building materials are more expensive to repair, which could increase your premium.
• Age of home: Newer homes are generally less likely to experience damage from a variety of causes, such as weather or plumbing issues. Additionally, the building materials used in older homes may not conform to modern building standards, meaning additional work may be needed to repair or replace them. Expenses to update materials could drive costs up.
• Distance to nearest fire station: The closer you are to a  fire station , the faster authorities are likely to get you in an emergency. This means that the emergency responders are likely to be able to put a fire out faster than if you live farther away, which could minimize damage.
• Deductible: Your  deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket if you file a claim. Choosing a higher deductible means the insurance company will pay less if you file a claim (because you agree to pay more), so your premium is generally lowered accordingly.
• Coverage options levels: In general, the higher your coverage levels, the more you will pay for insurance. Similarly, the more optional coverages you add to your policy, the more you will likely pay.
• Credit history: In many states, your credit affects your home insurance premium, as  homeowners with lower credit are statistically more likely to file a claim than homeowners with higher credit scores. However, not all states allow credit to be used as a rating factor.
• Claim history: If you have filed a homeowners claim within the last three to five years, on average, your premiums may be higher. Even if you change insurance companies, your new carrier can  see your past claims and may charge you accordingly.

Another factor that influences the cost of homeowners insurance is which company you choose. Insurance companies weigh each pricing variable differently. One company may weigh your claim history more heavily than another, for example. Shopping around and getting quotes from several carriers might help you find the coverage you need at a competitive price.

Read more: Is homeowners insurance tax deductible?

Frequently asked questions

How much homeowners insurance do i need, how fast do insurance companies process claims, what will homeowners insurance not cover, what is the difference between home insurance and renters insurance, can the lender buy home insurance for me.

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Testimony wraps up in Chad Daybell murder trial; closing arguments Wednesday

By emily ashcraft, ksl.com | updated - may 28, 2024 at 12:43 p.m. | posted - may 28, 2024 at 8:40 a.m., cameras show four angles of the ada county courtroom in boise on tuesday during chad daybell's murder trial. jurors were excused after only a few hours of rebuttal witnesses, and closing arguments are expected to begin wednesday. (judge steven w. boyce via youtube.).

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

BOISE — Jurors were excused after only a few hours of rebuttal witnesses Tuesday, and closing arguments are scheduled for Wednesday in the triple murder trial for Chad Daybell.

The three witnesses on Tuesday were called to contest testimony raised by defense witnesses last week.

Retired Rexburg police detective David Stubbs testified that email records from [email protected] show a search on Jan. 3, 2019, for "how to turn off the location services" on an iPhone. Stubbs said he did not know if Daybell had an iPhone, but knew he did have an Android. He also said he knew Lori Vallow Daybell had an iPhone.

Stubbs said it is possible to have locations stop being traced and to have previous GPS data deleted — and Chad Daybell's Gmail account showed he had requested to have his data deleted. He testified that documents investigators received from a request on Daybell's Google account showed no location data at any time.

Throughout the trial, defense attorney John Prior has consistently pointed out that location data does not put Chad Daybell at his home around the time of any of the three killings. However, this testimony shows location data for him was limited.

KSL.com is streaming the trial each day.

Autopsy dispute

Dr. Erik Christensen , who was the chief medical examiner in Utah when he performed an autopsy on Tammy Daybell, Chad Daybell's wife, testified Tuesday that as a medical examiner, he tries to find as much information as possible to help figure out why someone died, including reviewing medical records.

He said Dr. Kathy Raven, a defense witness who testified Tammy Daybell's cause of death should be classified as "undetermined," did not have the medical records he reviewed before deciding the woman's cause of death. Christensen said it is possible he would have reached the same conclusion without the medical records.

"When you are dealing with multiple possible causes of death, you're looking for information that will help you either increase or decrease the likelihood of any one of those possibilities," Christensen said, referring to the purpose for requesting the medical records.

When Prior questioned Christensen, he pointed out that Christensen looked at information from law enforcement and medical records but had not talked to anyone in the Daybell family.

Response to Emma Murray's testimony

While she was testifying, Chad and Tammy Daybell's daughter, Emma Murray, said Rexburg police detective Ray Hermosillo had watched her at the gym and often drove past her home. Hermosillo testified Tuesday that he had seen Murray at the gym once but did not approach her or talk to her there.

He also said there were multiple reasons for him to drive past her home, which was kitty-corner from Chad Daybell's property, which was part of a "very active investigation." He said he also has family that lives north of the Daybell property and he owns a dry cleaning business a quarter-mile from the property.

Hermosillo said he drove by the Daybell property before and after the children's bodies were found — and said all three bodies involved in the trial were found at Chad Daybell's residence.

Boyce ruled that Tammy Daybell's former co-worker Janice Olsen, who has previously testified, would not be allowed to return to the stand Tuesday to say she had heard Tammy Daybell say that her husband wanted her to increase her life insurance before she retired.

Rocky Wixom, deputy Fremont County prosecutor, said in preparing her to testify prior to Tuesday she had added that the conversation was not just between her and Tammy Daybell but was with a group of people in a lunchroom.

The judge also determined this testimony could not be brought in during the prosecutor's main case, ruling at the time that it was hearsay. Murray's testimony about similar conversations could have led to this being ultimately admitted, but Boyce ruled not to allow it. He said Prior did not have a chance to question others present during that conversation because they did not know there was a group.

Daybell is charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Lori Daybell's children — 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan — and the death of his former wife. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder of each of the victims, grand theft and two counts of insurance fraud.

Boyce and the attorneys in the case will be reviewing jury instructions Tuesday afternoon. Some of these discussions will be held in the public courtroom.

This story may be updated.

Thursday's testimony:

Chad Daybell says he will not testify in murder trial

Most recent daybell case stories, how much an idaho attorney has to pay after filing a 'frivolous pleading' in daybell case, defense 'prepared to rest' in chad daybell murder trial; 3 rebuttal witnesses expected, related topics.

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Whales Have an Alphabet

Until the 1960s, it was uncertain whether whales made any sounds at all..

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

Today, ever since the discovery that whales produce songs, scientists have been trying to find a way to decipher their lyrics. After 60 years, they may have finally done it. My colleague, Carl Zimmer, explains.

It’s Friday, May 24.

I have to say, after many years of working with you on everything from the pandemic to —

— CRISPR DNA technology, that it turns out your interests are even more varied than I had thought, and they include whales.

They do indeed.

And why? What is it about the whale that captures your imagination?

I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody who is not fascinated by whales. I mean, these are mammals like us, and they’re swimming around in the water. They have brains that are much bigger than ours. They can live maybe 200 years. These are incredible animals, and animals that we still don’t really understand.

Right. Well, it is this majestic creature that brings us together today, Carl, because you have been reporting on a big breakthrough in our understanding of how it is that whales communicate. But I think in order for that breakthrough to make sense, I think we’re going to have to start with what we have known up until now about how whales interact. So tell us about that.

Well, people knew that whales and dolphins traveled together in groups, but up until the 1960s, we didn’t really know that whales actually made any sounds at all. It was actually sort of an accident that we came across it. The American military was developing sophisticated microphones to put underwater. They wanted to listen for Russian submarines.

As one does. But there was an engineer in Bermuda, and he started hearing some weird stuff.

[WHALE SOUNDS]

And he wondered maybe if he was actually listening to whales.

What made him wonder if it was whales, of all things?

Well, this sound did not sound like something geological.

It didn’t sound like some underwater landslide or something like that. This sounded like a living animal making some kind of call. It has these incredible deep tones that rise up into these strange, almost falsetto type notes.

It was incredibly loud. And so it would have to be some really big animal. And so with humpback whales swimming around Bermuda, this engineer thought, well, maybe these are humpback whales.

And so he gets in touch with a husband and wife team of whale biologists, Roger and Katy Payne, and plays these recordings to them. And they’re pretty convinced that they’re hearing whales, too. And then they go on to go out and confirm that by putting microphones in the water, chasing after groups of whales and confirming, yes, indeed, that these sounds are coming from these humpback whales.

So once these scientists confirm in their minds that these are the sounds of a whale, what happens with this discovery?

Well, Roger and Katy Payne and their colleagues are astonished that this species of whale is swimming around singing all the time for hours on end. And it’s so inspirational to them that they actually help to produce a record that they release “The Song of the Humpback Whale” in 1970.

And so this is being sold in record stores, you know, along with Jimi Hendrix and Rolling Stones. And it is a huge hit.

Yeah, it sells like two million copies.

Well, at the time, it was a huge cultural event. This record, this became almost like an anthem of the environmental movement. And it led, for whales in particular, to a lot of protections for them because now people could appreciate that whales were a lot more marvelous and mysterious than they maybe had appreciated before.

And so you have legislation, like the Marine Mammal Act. The United States just agrees just to stop killing whales. It stops its whaling industry. And so you could argue that the discovery of these whale songs in Bermuda led to at least some species of whales escaping extinction.

Well, beyond the cultural impact of this discovery, which is quite meaningful, I wonder whether scientists and marine biologists are figuring out what these whale songs are actually communicating.

So the Paynes create a whole branch of science, the study of whale songs. It turns out that pretty much every species of whale that we know of sings in some way or another. And it turns out that within a species, different groups of whales in different parts of the world may sing with a different dialect. But the big question of what these whales are singing, what do these songs mean, that remains elusive into the 21st century. And things don’t really change until scientists decide to take a new look at the problem in a new way.

And what is that new way?

So in 2020, a group of whale biologists, including Roger Payne, come together with computer scientists from MIT. Instead of humpback whales, which were the whales where whale songs are first discovered, these scientists decide to study sperm whales in the Caribbean. And humpback whales and sperm whales have very, very different songs. So if you’re used to humpback whales with their crazy high and low singing voices —

Right, those best-selling sounds.

— those are rockin’ tunes of the humpback whales, that’s not what sperm whales do. Sperm whales have a totally different way of communicating with each other. And I actually have some recordings that were provided by the scientists who have been doing this research. And so we can take a listen to some of them.

Wow, It’s like a rhythmic clicking.

These are a group of sperm whales swimming together, communicating.

So whale biologists knew already that there was some structure to this sound. Those clicks that you hear, they come in little pulses. And each of those pulses is known as a coda. And whale biologists had given names to these different codas. So, for example, they call one coda, one plus one plus three —

— which is basically click, click, click, click, click, or four plus three, where you have four clicks in a row and a pause and then three clicks in a row.

Right. And the question would seem to be, is this decipherable communication, or is this just whale gibberish?

Well, this is where the computer scientists were able to come in and to help out. The whale biologists who were listening to the codas from the sperm whales in the Caribbean, they had identified about 21 types. And then that would seem to be about it.

But then, an MIT computer science graduate student named Prajusha Sharma was given the job of listening to them again.

And what does she hear?

In a way, it’s not so much what she heard, but what she saw.

Because when scientists record whale songs, you can look at it kind of like if you’re looking at an audio of a recording of your podcast, you will see the little squiggles of your voice.

And so whale biologists would just look at that ticker of whale songs going across the screen and try to compare them. And Sharma said, I don’t like this. I just — this is not how I look at data. And so what she decided to do is she decided to kind of just visualize the data differently. And essentially, she just kind of flipped these images on their side and saw something totally new.

And what she saw was that sperm whales were singing a whole bunch of things that nobody had actually been hearing.

One thing that she discovered was that you could have a whale that was producing a coda over and over and over again, but it was actually playing with it. It was actually stretching out the coda,

[CLICKING] So to get a little bit longer and a little bit longer, a little bit longer.

And then get shorter and shorter and shorter again. They could play with their codas in a way that nobody knew before. And she also started to see that a whale might throw in an extra click at the end of a coda. So it would be repeating a coda over and over again and then boom, add an extra one right at the end. What they would call an ornamentation. So now, you have yet another signal that these whales are using.

And if we just look at what the sperm whales are capable of producing in terms of different codas, we go from just 21 types that they had found in the Caribbean before to 156. So what the scientists are saying is that what we might be looking at is what they call a sperm whale phonetic alphabet.

Yeah, that’s a pretty big deal because the only species that we know of for sure that has a phonetic alphabet —

— is us, exactly. So the reason that we can use language is because we can make a huge range of sounds by just doing little things with our mouths. A little change in our lips can change a bah to a dah. And so we are able to produce a set of phonetic sounds. And we put those sounds together to make words.

So now, we have sperm whales, which have at least 150 of these different versions of sounds that they make just by making little adjustments to the existing way that they make sounds. And so you can make a chart of their phonetic alphabet, just like you make a chart of the human phonetic alphabet.

So then, that raises the question, do they combine their phonetic alphabet into words? Do they combine their words into sentences? In other words, do sperm whales have a language of their own?

Right. Are they talking to each other, really talking to each other?

If we could really show that whales had language on par with humans, that would be like finding intelligent life on another planet.

We’ll be right back.

So, Carl, how should we think about this phonetic alphabet and whether sperm whales are actually using it to talk to each other?

The scientists on this project are really careful to say that these results do not definitively prove what these sperm whale sounds are. There are a handful of possibilities here in terms of what this study could mean. And one of them is that the whales really are using full-blown language.

What they might be talking about, we don’t know. I mean, perhaps they like to talk about their travels over hundreds and thousands of miles. Maybe they’re talking about, you know, the giant squid that they caught last night. Maybe they’re gossiping about each other.

And you have to remember, sperm whales are incredibly social animals. They have relationships that last for decades. And they live in groups that are in clans of thousands of whales. I mean, imagine the opportunities for gossip.

These are all at least imaginable now. But it’s also possible that they are communicating with each other, but in a way that isn’t language as we know it. You know, maybe these sounds that they’re producing don’t add up to sentences. There’s no verb there. There’s no noun. There’s no structure to it in terms of how we think of language.

But maybe they’re still conveying information to each other. Maybe they’re somehow giving out who they are and what group they belong to. But it’s not in the form of language that we think of.

Right. Maybe it’s more kind of caveman like as in whale to whale, look, there, food.

It’s possible. But, you know, other species have evolved in other directions. And so you have to put yourself in the place of a sperm whale. You know, so think about this. They are communicating in the water. And actually, like sending sounds through water is a completely different experience than through the air like we do.

So a sperm whale might be communicating to the whale right next to it a few yards away, but it might be communicating with whales miles away, hundreds of miles away. They’re in the dark a lot of the time, so they don’t even see the whales right next to them. So it’s just this constant sound that they’re making because they’re in this dark water.

So we might want to imagine that such a species would talk the way we do, but there are just so many reasons to expect that whatever they’re communicating might be just profoundly different, so different that it’s actually hard for us to imagine. And so we need to really, you know, let ourselves be open to lots of possibilities.

And one possibility that some scientists have raised is that maybe language is just the wrong model to think about. Maybe we need to think about music. You know, maybe this strange typewriter, clickety clack is actually not like a Morse code message, but is actually a real song. It’s a kind of music that doesn’t necessarily convey information the way conversation does, but it brings the whales together.

In humans, like, when we humans sing together in choruses, it can be a very emotional experience. It’s a socially bonding experience, but it’s not really like the specific words that we’re singing that bring us together when we’re singing. It’s sharing the music together.

But at a certain point, we stop singing in the chorus, and we start asking each other questions like, hey, what are you doing for dinner? How are you going to get home? There’s a lot of traffic on the BQE. So we are really drawn to the possibility that whales are communicating in that same kind of a mode.

We’re exchanging information. We’re seeking out each other’s well-being and emotional state. And we’re building something together.

And I think that happens because, I mean, language is so fundamental to us as human beings. I mean, it’s like every moment of our waking life depends on language. We are talking to ourselves if we’re not talking to other people.

In our sleep, we dream, and there are words in our dreams. And we’re just stewing in language. And so it’s really, really hard for us to understand how other species might have a really complex communication system with hundreds of different little units of sound that they can use and they can deploy. And to think anything other than, well, they must be talking about traffic on the BQE. Like —

— we’re very human-centric. And we have to resist that.

So what we end up having here is a genuine breakthrough in our understanding of how whales interact. And that seems worth celebrating in and of itself. But it really kind of doubles as a lesson in humility for us humans when it comes to appreciating the idea that there are lots of non-human ways in which language can exist.

That’s right. Humility is always a good idea when we’re thinking about other animals.

So what now happens in this realm of research? And how is it that these scientists, these marine biologists and these computer scientists are going to try to figure out what exactly this alphabet amounts to and how it’s being used?

So what’s going to happen now is a real sea change in gathering data from whales.

So to speak.

So these scientists are now deploying a new generation of undersea microphones. They’re using drones to follow these whales. And what they want to do is they want to be recording sounds from the ocean where these whales live 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And so the hope is that instead of getting, say, a few 100 codas each year on recording, these scientists want to get several hundred million every year, maybe billions of codas every year.

And once you get that much data from whales, then you can start to do some really amazing stuff with artificial intelligence. So these scientists hope that they can use the same kind of artificial intelligence that is behind things like ChatGPT or these artificial intelligence systems that are able to take recordings of people talking and transcribing them into text. They want to use that on the whale communication.

They want to just grind through vast amounts of data, and maybe they will discover more phonetic letters in this alphabet. Who knows? Maybe they will actually find bigger structures, structures that could correspond to language.

If you go really far down this route of possibilities, the hope is that you would understand what sperm whales are saying to each other so well that you could actually create artificial sperm whale communication, and you could play it underwater. You could talk to the sperm whales. And they would talk back. They would react somehow in a way that you had predicted. If that happens, then maybe, indeed, sperm whales have something like language as we understand it.

And the only way we’re going to figure that out is if we figure out not just how they talk to themselves, but how we can perhaps talk to them, which, given everything we’ve been talking about here, Carl, is a little bit ironic because it’s pretty human-centric.

That’s right. This experiment could fail. It’s possible that sperm whales don’t do anything like language as we know it. Maybe they’re doing something that we can’t even imagine yet. But if sperm whales really are using codas in something like language, we are going to have to enter the conversation to really understand it.

Well, Carl, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Thank you. Sorry. Can I say that again? My voice got really high all of a sudden.

A little bit like a whale’s. Ooh.

Yeah, exactly. Woot. Woot.

Thank yoooo. No. Thank you.

Here’s what else you need to know today.

We allege that Live Nation has illegally monopolized markets across the live concert industry in the United States for far too long. It is time to break it up.

On Thursday, the Justice Department sued the concert giant Live Nation Entertainment, which owns Ticketmaster, for violating federal antitrust laws and sought to break up the $23 billion conglomerate. During a news conference, Attorney General Merrick Garland said that Live Nation’s monopolistic tactics had hurt the entire industry of live events.

The result is that fans pay more in fees, artists have fewer opportunities to play concerts, smaller promoters get squeezed out, and venues have fewer real choices.

In a statement, Live Nation called the lawsuit baseless and vowed to fight it in court.

A reminder — tomorrow, we’ll be sharing the latest episode of our colleagues’ new show, “The Interview.” This week on “The Interview,” Lulu Garcia-Navarro talks with Ted Sarandos, the CEO of Netflix, about his plans to make the world’s largest streaming service even bigger.

I don’t agree with the premise that quantity and quality are somehow in conflict with each other. I think our content and our movie programming has been great, but it’s just not all for you.

Today’s episode was produced by Alex Stern, Stella Tan, Sydney Harper, and Nina Feldman. It was edited by MJ Davis, contains original music by Pat McCusker, Dan Powell, Elisheba Ittoop, Marion Lozano, and Sophia Lanman, and was engineered by Alyssa Moxley. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

Special thanks to Project SETI for sharing their whale recordings.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you on Tuesday after the holiday.

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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Carl Zimmer

Produced by Alex Stern ,  Stella Tan ,  Sydney Harper and Nina Feldman

Edited by MJ Davis Lin

Original music by Elisheba Ittoop ,  Dan Powell ,  Marion Lozano ,  Sophia Lanman and Pat McCusker

Engineered by Alyssa Moxley

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube

Ever since the discovery of whale songs almost 60 years ago, scientists have been trying to decipher the lyrics.

But sperm whales don’t produce the eerie melodies sung by humpback whales, sounds that became a sensation in the 1960s. Instead, sperm whales rattle off clicks that sound like a cross between Morse code and a creaking door. Carl Zimmer, a science reporter, explains why it’s possible that the whales are communicating in a complex language.

On today’s episode

Carl Zimmer , a science reporter for The New York Times who also writes the Origins column .

Background reading

Scientists find an “alphabet” in whale songs.

These whales still use their vocal cords. But how?

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Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Carl Zimmer covers news about science for The Times and writes the Origins column . More about Carl Zimmer

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