Nebraska (NE) home insurance
Learn which policy gives you the best value for your money.
Nebraska has plenty of natural beauty. From Chimney Rock to Indian Cave State Park, the prairies, sandhills and rock formations create breathtaking vistas. For those who call Nebraska home, though, the state's beauty comes with weather hazards that make Nebraska home insurance a costly investment.
Nebraskans pay a higher price than many other states’ residents for home insurance. The average policy for $200,000 in dwelling coverage is $3,780 annually or $320 monthly. Compared to other states, Nebraska ranks among the top 5 in the nation for high rates. The average monthly cost of home insurance in the U.S. is $230.
Because home insurance is pricey in Nebraska, homeowners can benefit from searching for the best rates. VIU by HUB has an online tool that shows rates from various insurance companies, allowing consumers to choose the right policy for their needs.
Nebraska residents have a risk of destructive weather patterns that cause homeowners to file insurance claims. Spring and summer bring thunderstorms, hail and tornadoes. Nebraska ranks fifth in the nation for the highest annual number of tornadoes. Fall and winter bring freezing temperatures, snowstorms and blizzards to the state. There are chances of snow on the ground from October through April.
Spring and summer are the regular seasons for severe thunderstorms, although they can happen anytime the weather is warm enough. These weather patterns bring the threat of heavy rain, high straight-line winds and hail. Houses are at risk of roof and structure damage and flooding.
These severe and sometimes deadly products of severe weather can cause devastating damage to homes. Nebraska is one of the states that comprise Tornado Alley, a Midwestern corridor where tornadoes happen frequently. Nebraska has an average of 57 tornadoes annually.
Nebraska has experienced major flooding events, one of the most recent in 2019. Record snowfall and continual cold temperatures produced river ice growth with no melting. Subsequent warm temperatures brought rainfall and melting snow runoff that caused significant flooding to area structures.
While not always so dramatic, flooding can happen after heavy rain or melting snow, damaging homes.
Nebraska may experience freezing temperatures between September and May, an average of 151 annual below freezing days. Very cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to flooding and water damage.
Snow often falls quietly, but an accumulation of snow can damage homes. Heavy snow can cause roofs to leak or collapse. It can clog gutters with ice; when the ice melts, it can cause mold and rot. Snow-laden tree branches can snap and fall onto homes.
Rates can vary widely from place to place in Nebraska which is why it is important to recognize the factors that contribute to a homeowners insurance premium.
Many factors go into a home insurance rate. A home's location is one of the primary considerations. Insurance companies look at elements such as:
• Where the dwelling is located.
• Type of roof.
• Construction type.
• Proximity to police and fire stations.
• Crime rates.
• The average number of claims in the area.
Insurance companies regard other factors when setting home insurance premiums.
If you have made previous home insurance claims, companies may consider you a more significant risk and charge higher premiums.
People with low credit scores are statistically more likely to file claims. Therefore, insurance companies may set higher premiums to balance risk.
A well-maintained or newer home may have lower premiums than a poorly maintained one. Insurers view a new or well-kept structure as less of a risk.
Insurers can consider your age as a factor when setting premiums. A retired person, for example, may spend more time at home, making it less of a risk for burglary.
Because so many variables go into determining your premiums, it is a good idea to compare different insurance companies. VIU by HUB has online tools that enable you to see what insurance companies charge for Nebraska policies.
A standard home insurance policy includes coverage to replace or repair damaged items in your home after incidents such as weather events, vandalism, burglary or fire. A standard policy will cover living expenses, such as hotel bills if you leave your home temporarily for repairs.
You will likely have coverage for the Contents of your house under a home insurance policy. Your clothing, furniture, appliances, heating and cooling systems and other possessions fall under this protection. Other Structures on your property, such as walls, fences, detached garages, swing sets and outdoor furniture, are part of a standard Nebraska home insurance policy.
Most home insurance policies provide Liability protection. If someone who does not live in your home sustains an injury while on your property, your insurance protects you from legal fees and medical bills.
Most policies do not include Flood Insurance as part of standard coverage. While they typically cover water damage from a broken dishwasher or burst pipe, you need a separate policy for weather-related flooding, backup from a broken sump pump or damage from a clogged drain. Flood Insurance is available in a separate policy from an insurance company or from the National Flood Insurance Program.
If you own high-value collectibles, such as fine art, furs or jewelry, you should check with your VIU by HUB Advisor to see if you have enough coverage. Most standard policies have a limit for these items, and you may want additional insurance.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
