When you own a home, one of the most important things you need is home insurance. This insurance helps protect your house and your belongings if something bad happens, like a fire or a storm. But sometimes, getting home insurance isn’t easy, especially if your home is considered “high risk.” Understanding what makes a home high risk and what you can do about it is important if you want to protect your home and keep your insurance costs under control.

What Does “High-Risk” Mean for Home Insurance?

When an insurance company says your home is “high risk,” it means they believe there’s a higher chance that they will have to pay out a lot of money on a claim. This could be because of where your home is located, how it’s built, or even your history with other insurance claims. Here are some common reasons a home might be considered high risk:

1. Location: The place where your home is located plays a big role in how risky it is. For example, if you live in an area that gets a lot of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes, your home is at a higher risk of damage. Homes in high-crime areas might also be considered high risk because they are more likely to be broken into or vandalized.
2. Age and Condition of the Home: Older homes, or homes that haven’t been well-maintained, are often seen as higher risk by insurance companies. This is because older homes might have problems like outdated electrical wiring, plumbing issues, or a roof that needs replacing. All of these things can increase the chances of something going wrong, which might lead to an insurance claim.
3. Claims History: If you’ve made a lot of insurance claims in the past, or if you’ve had a big claim recently, insurance companies might see you as more likely to make another claim in the future. This can make your home high risk, even if there’s nothing wrong with the house itself.
4. Previous Insurance Issues: If you’ve had trouble keeping your home insurance in the past—maybe because you missed payments or because your policy was canceled—this can also make you seem like a high-risk customer to insurance companies.

Why Does Being High Risk Matter?

Being labeled as high risk can make it harder to get home insurance. Some insurance companies might charge you a lot more money for your insurance, or they might refuse to insure your home altogether. This can leave you in a tough spot because having home insurance is important for protecting your home and your financial security.

When insurance is expensive or hard to get, it can be stressful. You might worry about what would happen if your home was damaged and you didn’t have enough insurance to cover the costs. Understanding why your home is considered high risk and what you can do about it can help you find better insurance options.

What Can You Do If Your Home Is High Risk?

If your home is considered high risk, don’t panic. There are things you can do to improve your situation and possibly lower your insurance costs:

1. Improve Your Home’s Condition: One of the best ways to lower your home’s risk is by fixing any issues that make it more likely to have problems. For example, if your home has an old roof, replacing it can reduce the chance of leaks or damage during a storm. Updating old electrical wiring can make your home safer and less likely to catch fire. If your home is in good shape, it’s less risky to insure.
2. Add Safety Features: Adding features that make your home safer can also help lower your insurance risk. Installing smoke detectors, a security system, or storm shutters can make your home safer and reduce the chance of damage or theft. Some insurance companies offer discounts for these kinds of safety improvements.
3. Shop Around for Insurance: If your current insurance company considers your home high risk and charges you a lot of money, it’s worth shopping around to see if you can find a better deal. Not all insurance companies look at risk the same way, and some might be willing to offer you a lower rate.
4. Consider a Higher Deductible: The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance will start to pay for a claim. If you choose a higher deductible, your insurance company might lower your monthly payments because they won’t have to pay as much if you make a claim. Just be sure you can afford the higher deductible if something does happen.
5. Look into Government Programs: In some places, the government offers special insurance programs for people who can’t get coverage from regular insurance companies. For example, in some states, there’s a program called the FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements), which helps people get basic home insurance even if they’re considered high risk. These programs can be more expensive and might not cover everything, but they’re better than having no insurance at all.

Common High-Risk Factors and How to Address Them

Let’s take a closer look at some common high-risk factors and what you can do about them:

1. Flood Zones: If your home is in a flood zone, insurance companies might see it as high risk because floods can cause a lot of damage. One way to lower this risk is by adding flood-proofing features to your home. This might include installing flood barriers, raising your home’s foundation, or making sure the landscaping around your home directs water away from the house. You might also need to buy separate flood insurance, as regular home insurance usually doesn’t cover flood damage.

2. Wildfire Areas: Homes in areas prone to wildfires are at higher risk, but there are things you can do to protect your home. Creating a defensible space around your home by clearing away flammable materials like dry leaves and branches can help reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home. Using fire-resistant materials for your roof and siding can also make your home safer.

3. Earthquake Zones: If you live in an area where earthquakes are common, your home might be at risk of damage from shaking. Strengthening your home’s foundation and securing heavy furniture and appliances can help protect your home during an earthquake. Like with floods, you might need to get a separate earthquake insurance policy since most home insurance doesn’t cover earthquakes.

4. High-Crime Areas: If your home is in an area with a lot of crime, insurance companies might consider it high risk for theft or vandalism. Installing a good security system, using strong locks, and joining a neighborhood watch program can help lower this risk. Some insurance companies offer discounts for homes with these kinds of security measures.

How to Find the Right Insurance for High-Risk Homes

If your home is high risk, finding the right insurance can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Here are some tips for getting the coverage you need:

1. Work with an Experienced Agent: Insurance agents who specialize in high-risk homes can help you find the best coverage for your situation. They know which companies are more likely to offer insurance to high-risk homeowners and can help you compare different options.

2. Be Honest About Your Situation: It’s important to be upfront about any issues with your home when you’re shopping for insurance. If you hide problems or don’t tell the truth, the insurance company might refuse to pay a claim later on.

3. Consider Surplus Lines Insurance: If you can’t find regular insurance, you might need to look into surplus lines insurance. These are policies offered by companies that specialize in covering unusual or high-risk situations. They can be more expensive, but they might be the only option if you can’t get standard coverage.

4. Bundle Your Insurance Policies: Some insurance companies offer discounts if you buy more than one type of insurance from them, like home and auto insurance. This can help lower your costs, even if your home is high risk.

5. Review Your Policy Regularly: Your insurance needs might change over time, especially if you make improvements to your home or if the risk factors in your area change. Make sure to review your policy every year to see if there are ways to save money or get better coverage.

The Bottom Line: Protecting Your High-Risk Home

Owning a home is a big responsibility, and protecting it with the right insurance is crucial. If your home is considered high risk, it might take a little more effort to find the right coverage, but it’s worth it to keep your home and belongings safe. By understanding what makes a home high risk, taking steps to reduce that risk, and working with the right insurance providers, you can find the protection you need at a price you can afford.

Remember, the key is to stay informed and proactive. Don’t wait until something bad happens to think about your insurance. Start exploring your options today so that you’re prepared for whatever comes your way. Whether it’s improving your home’s safety, shopping around for better insurance, or considering special programs like the FAIR Plan, there are steps you can take to protect your home and your financial future.