As the largest city in Nebraska, Omaha has several factors that affect home insurance costs, from severe weather to the age of homes. The national average cost of home insurance is $1,428 per year, but in Omaha, the average cost is about $1,735 per year. This elevated premium is influenced by local weather risks such as tornadoes, storms, and winter conditions.
Local Factors Impacting Home Insurance Costs in Omaha
Tornado Risk: Omaha is located in Tornado Alley, where tornadoes and severe storms can cause significant property damage, contributing to higher premiums.
Severe Weather: Heavy thunderstorms, hailstorms, and icy winters increase the risk of claims for property damage.
Home Age: Many homes in Omaha are older, and older homes tend to have higher insurance premiums due to their increased repair costs.
Home Insurance Rates by Home Age in Omaha
The age of your home is a key factor in determining insurance premiums. Older homes often have outdated electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems, which can increase insurance costs.
Home Age
Average Annual Premium
0-10 years
$1,620
11-25 years
$1,700
26-50 years
$1,800
51+ years
$1,950
Home Insurance Rates by Credit Tier in Omaha
Your credit score significantly impacts your home insurance rate in Omaha. Here’s how your credit tier can affect your premium:
Excellent Credit (750+): $1,625 per year
Good Credit (700-749): $1,750 per year
Fair Credit (650-699): $1,875 per year
Poor Credit (Below 650): $2,200 per year
Cheapest Home Insurance Providers in Omaha
Despite higher average costs in Omaha, some providers offer competitive rates. Below are the most affordable home insurance options available in the city:
Provider
Average Annual Premium
State Farm
$1,680
Allstate
$1,750
Liberty Mutual
$1,725
Farmers
$1,700
Home Insurance Rates by Deductible Amount in Omaha
Choosing a higher deductible can help lower your premiums. However, this means paying more out-of-pocket if you need to file a claim. Here’s a breakdown of how deductibles affect your home insurance premiums:
$500 deductible: $1,850 per year
$1,000 deductible: $1,735 per year
$2,500 deductible: $1,590 per year
Types of Homeowners Insurance in Omaha
HO-3: This is the most common type of home insurance policy, covering the home’s structure, personal property, and liability.
HO-5: Provides broader protection for both the structure and personal property, often used for higher-value homes.
HO-4: Renters insurance, which covers personal property and liability for renters living in Omaha.
Additional Coverage Options
Flood Insurance: While Omaha is not typically prone to flooding, homes near rivers or in low-lying areas may benefit from flood insurance.
Windstorm Insurance: Omaha’s location in Tornado Alley makes windstorm coverage essential for protecting homes from tornadoes and strong winds.
Sewer Backup Insurance: Important for older homes with outdated plumbing systems, this coverage protects against water damage from sewer backups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Home Insurance in Omaha
How does tornado risk affect home insurance in Omaha? Tornadoes and severe storms increase the likelihood of claims for property damage, which leads to higher premiums.
Is flood insurance required in Omaha? Flood insurance is not required unless you live in a designated flood zone, but it’s recommended for homes near rivers or low-lying areas.
Autumn Cafiero Giusti is a licensed life and health insurance broker and award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of experience. She writes extensively about flood, Medicare, home, and life insurance for publications like U.S. News and CBS News.