Providence, the largest city in Rhode Island, experiences home insurance costs that are influenced by coastal risks, local weather, and property crime rates. The national average cost for home insurance is $1,428 per year, but homeowners in Providence typically pay an average of $1,380 per year. While this is slightly below the national average, certain risks such as hurricanes, flooding, and older homes can impact premiums.
Local Factors Impacting Home Insurance Costs in Providence
Coastal Risk: As a coastal city, Providence is at risk from hurricanes and tropical storms, which can raise premiums, particularly for homes near the waterfront.
Flooding: Homes located near rivers and low-lying areas face the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall or storm surges.
Older Housing Stock: Providence has a large number of older homes, which can increase insurance costs due to the higher likelihood of repairs and the use of outdated construction materials.
Crime Rates: Certain areas of Providence have higher property crime rates, which can increase home insurance costs in those neighborhoods.
Home Insurance Rates by Home Age in Providence
The age of your home plays a significant role in determining home insurance premiums. Older homes often have outdated systems, leading to higher insurance costs.
Home Age
Average Annual Premium
0-10 years
$1,320
11-25 years
$1,360
26-50 years
$1,420
51+ years
$1,500
Home Insurance Rates by Credit Tier in Providence
Your credit score is a key factor in determining home insurance premiums. Below is a breakdown of home insurance costs in Providence by credit tier:
Excellent Credit (750+): $1,320 per year
Good Credit (700-749): $1,380 per year
Fair Credit (650-699): $1,475 per year
Poor Credit (Below 650): $1,600 per year
Cheapest Home Insurance Providers in Providence
Despite the risks posed by coastal storms and older homes, several insurance providers offer competitive rates in Providence. Here are some of the cheapest home insurance options:
Provider
Average Annual Premium
State Farm
$1,330
Allstate
$1,360
Liberty Mutual
$1,370
Farmers
$1,380
Home Insurance Rates by Deductible Amount in Providence
Choosing a higher deductible can help lower your premium, though it means more out-of-pocket expenses when you file a claim. Here’s how deductibles affect home insurance premiums in Providence:
$500 deductible: $1,480 per year
$1,000 deductible: $1,380 per year
$2,500 deductible: $1,250 per year
Types of Homeowners Insurance in Providence
HO-3: The standard homeowners insurance policy that covers the structure, personal property, and liability.
HO-5: A more comprehensive insurance policy that provides broader protection for high-value homes and personal belongings.
HO-6: Condo insurance, covering the interior of the unit and personal property.
Additional Coverage Options
Flood Insurance: Recommended for homes near rivers or in flood-prone areas, as standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.
Hurricane Insurance: With Providence’s coastal location, hurricane insurance is important to protect homes from wind and water damage.
Sewer Backup Insurance: Particularly useful for older homes with outdated plumbing systems, this covers water damage from sewer or drainage backups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Home Insurance in Providence
How does Providence’s coastal location affect home insurance premiums? The risk of hurricanes, storm surges, and flooding increases insurance premiums for homes near the coast or low-lying areas.
Is flood insurance necessary in Providence? Yes, homes near rivers or in low-lying areas are at a higher risk of flooding, making flood insurance highly recommended.
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.