Cleveland, OH Homeowners Insurance
Find the right homeowners insurance policy for you.
Written by
Ann Herro has been writing about insurance and employee benefits for over 15 years. She has covered topics as easy as insuring a car, and as difficult as transparency in healthcare costs.
Cleveland, Ohio is located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, near the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. It is the second-largest city in Ohio, with a population of over 380,000 residents. If you own a home in Cleveland, your homeowners insurance helps you pay for damage and repairs when disaster strikes, or even when you have a small kitchen fire, a break-in, or minor wind damage. An independent insurance agent in the area can help you compare quotes and find the best coverage and price for your needs.
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How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost in Cleveland, OH?
Ohio is the 43rd most expensive state for home insurance in the US, and the cost of coverage in Cleveland is even lower than the state average.
- National average yearly premium: $1,173
- Ohio average yearly premium: $819
- Cleveland average yearly premium: $613
Homeowners insurance rates are definitely not one-size-fits-all. Insurance companies determine your rates by looking at your individual home, the risk factors for your neighborhood, and your specific coverage needs. If you live in a ZIP code that has a high crime rate or is highly susceptible to natural disasters, you can expect to pay more than someone living in a safer area. Shopping around for the best rate for a Cleveland homeowners insurance policy is easy with the help of an independent insurance agent. Independent agents aren’t tied down to one carrier, so they can obtain multiple quotes and help you make an informed choice.
Homeowners Insurance Covers Your Property
Your Cleveland homeowners insurance policy is designed to protect you when fires, severe weather, or other disasters strike. It contains dwelling coverage, which pays for repairing the physical structure of your home. It also contains contents coverage, which pays for repairing or replacing lost or damaged personal property after a covered event.
- Number of declared disasters in Ohio: 57
- Most common reasons for disasters in the state: Severe Storms and Floods
- Average number of tornadoes per year in Ohio: 19.2
- Average amount of property damage per year in Ohio: $1,105,456,000
- 1 in 15 insured US homes has a claim each year
Cleveland’s climate is similar to much of the Great Lakes region, with warm summers and long, snowy winters. Snowfall in parts of Cleveland is enhanced by the presence of Lake Erie. Neighborhoods on the east side of the city frequently experience over 100 inches of snow in a single year, while areas west of the city may see far less snow during the same period. With a reliable homeowners insurance policy, you can be sure you have financial backup when your home is damaged by heavy snow, freezing pipes, or any number of other winter hazards you may face in your Cleveland home.
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Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
The Importance of Liability Insurance for Cleveland Homeowners
Homeowners may face claims of negligence at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property or your child or pet causes an injury or property damage, you may need to pay for the injured party’s property repairs or medical bills. What’s more, you could be sued and face extensive legal costs to defend yourself or settle the issue. Your home liability insurance covers the costs of these kinds of lawsuits. It pays for court costs, attorney fees, and even any settlements or judgments that you are required to pay. It covers situations like:
- A guest getting injured on your property
- Your pet biting a passerby
- Your child damaging a neighbor’s home
- Accusations of slander or libel (e.g., you are accused of slander for something you posted online)
Some homeowners might want more liability coverage than their homeowners insurance allows. In these cases, a personal umbrella insurance policy offers supplemental liability coverage beyond the limits of your home insurance and car insurance. A local independent insurance agent can help you review your options and compare costs.
Does Cleveland Homeowners Insurance Offer Coverage for Burglaries?
Cleveland has a very high home burglary rate compared to the state and national averages. This might contribute to higher-than-average home insurance rates in certain neighborhoods where property crimes are more prevalent.
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in the US: 4.69
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Ohio: 5.76
- Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Cleveland: 17.87
It’s important for all Cleveland residents to protect their homes from burglaries, break-ins, and vandalism. Be sure to install security lights and cameras, use deadbolt locks, and leave your house lights on when you’re away from home. A home security system is one of the best ways to prevent break-ins. It can keep burglars away, alert you when break-ins are attempted, and may even help you get a discount on your home insurance.
If you are the victim of a break-in or burglary, your homeowners insurance can help you make repairs and replace your stolen or damaged belongings. And your independent insurance agent will be there to relieve some of the burden by helping you through the claims process.
Insurance Coverage for Second Homes and Vacation Homes
Second homes can be tricky when it comes to homeowners insurance. A house that is not your primary residence has additional risk factors. Your insurance company may require you to purchase different amounts and types of coverage than you would for your year-round home. Vacation homes are periodically unoccupied. Any home that is vacant for long periods is more susceptible to break-ins, vandalism, and water or ice damage. What’s more, you might not notice the damage for a while, causing it to worsen. Many vacation homes need vacant home insurance in order to be properly protected when something goes wrong.
Owners of rental properties have a greater chance of being sued by tenants as well as additional liability risks. If you own a rental property, you might require increased liability coverage but less coverage for the contents of the property. Landlord insurance can help you properly cover your rental property. Your local independent insurance agent can help you obtain multiple quotes for your additional residential properties. You can choose the coverage that best fits your needs.
Save on Home Insurance
Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Cleveland?
Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping for homeowners insurance easy. Independent agents work with several different insurance companies, so they can help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget.
Contact an agent in or near Cleveland for customized quotes now.
http://www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf
https://www.census.gov
http://www.city-data.com