Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin, has home insurance rates that are influenced by several local factors, including proximity to Lake Michigan, the risk of winter storms, and the age of homes. The national average cost for home insurance is $1,428 per year, while homeowners in Milwaukee pay an average of $1,200 per year. Although Milwaukee’s premiums are below the national average, risks like severe winter weather and flooding can drive costs higher in certain areas.
Local Factors Impacting Home Insurance Costs in Milwaukee
Lake Michigan Proximity: Homes near Lake Michigan can experience higher insurance premiums due to the increased risk of flooding and lake-effect snowstorms.
Winter Weather: Milwaukee faces harsh winters with heavy snowfall, ice storms, and freezing temperatures, increasing the risk of property damage.
Older Homes: Milwaukee has many older homes, which can lead to higher premiums due to outdated construction materials and repair needs.
Urban Crime Rates: Higher property crime rates in certain Milwaukee neighborhoods may result in elevated insurance premiums for homes in those areas.
Home Insurance Rates by Home Age in Milwaukee
The age of your home significantly impacts your insurance premium. Older homes tend to have higher premiums due to maintenance and repair needs, while newer homes benefit from modern building standards.
Home Age
Average Annual Premium
0-10 years
$1,150
11-25 years
$1,200
26-50 years
$1,260
51+ years
$1,340
Home Insurance Rates by Credit Tier in Milwaukee
Your credit score plays a major role in determining home insurance rates in Milwaukee. Homeowners with better credit scores typically receive lower premiums.
Excellent Credit (750+): $1,150 per year
Good Credit (700-749): $1,200 per year
Fair Credit (650-699): $1,300 per year
Poor Credit (Below 650): $1,450 per year
Cheapest Home Insurance Providers in Milwaukee
Several home insurance providers offer competitive rates for Milwaukee homeowners. Below are the cheapest options:
Provider
Average Annual Premium
State Farm
$1,180
Allstate
$1,200
Liberty Mutual
$1,220
Farmers
$1,210
Home Insurance Rates by Deductible Amount in Milwaukee
Increasing your deductible can help lower your premium, but it will also raise your out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim. Here’s how different deductibles affect home insurance premiums in Milwaukee:
$500 deductible: $1,330 per year
$1,000 deductible: $1,200 per year
$2,500 deductible: $1,070 per year
Types of Homeowners Insurance in Milwaukee
HO-3: The most common homeowners insurance policy covering the home’s structure, personal belongings, and liability protection.
HO-5: A more comprehensive homeowners insurance policy offering higher limits and broader coverage for high-value homes and personal property.
HO-4: Renters insurance that covers personal property and liability for tenants.
Additional Coverage Options
Flood Insurance: Homes near Lake Michigan or in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance, as standard policies do not cover flood-related damage.
Winter Storm Insurance: Protects against damage caused by snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, essential in Milwaukee’s cold climate.
Water Backup Insurance: Covers water damage caused by backed-up drains or sewers, particularly useful for older homes with outdated plumbing systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Home Insurance in Milwaukee
How do Milwaukee’s winters affect home insurance premiums? Severe winter weather, including heavy snow and freezing temperatures, increases the risk of property damage, leading to higher insurance premiums.
Is flood insurance necessary in Milwaukee? Homes near Lake Michigan or in flood-prone areas should consider adding flood insurance for protection against water damage not covered by standard policies.
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.