, you should get a policy that covers floods and water damage, as well as wildfires and other major hazards. It only takes comparing quotes from a few different companies to find the best homeowners insurance for you.

The process of buying a home may be both thrilling and stressful. You'll want to protect your new investment as much as possible, and homeowners insurance is the best way to do it.

Before you buy a new policy, make sure you understand what your current policy covers and how you can save money on this critical investment.

Jerry

, the

home and car insurance

super app, has

all you need to know about Arizona

homeowners insurance

What is homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance, at its most fundamental, protects your house and its contents. The loss of your house, personal liability, and property damage are all covered by a conventional homeowners insurance policy.

In the United States, the

average cost of homeowners insurance is $1,387 per year

$115 per month

Basic components of homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance usually consists of the following:

Coverage A (Structure):

Covers the cost of repairing or replacing the structure of the house.

Coverage B (Additional structures):

Covers the cost of repairing or replacing other structures on the property, such as fences, pools, and sheds.

Coverage C

(Personal property):

Financial insurance against the loss or destruction of specific personal items (like electronics, furniture, jewelry, etc.).

Coverage D (Other expenses):

Also known as "loss of use." Pays for temporary living expenses (such as a hotel or rent) incurred as a result of losing your home partially or in its entirety.

Coverage E

(Personal liability):

Pays for legal fees if someone is injured on your property (or by a pet or family member).

You can pick between a policy that covers the

actual cash value (ACV)

of your property at the time of loss

one that covers the replacement cost—that is, the cost of replacing the property regardless of its actual worth. Insurers often require homeowners to buy a policy that covers

at least 80% of the replacement cost

MORE

Home insurance terms you need to know

Named perils

There is no standard comprehensive coverage for homeowners insurance unless you have a special policy. Only

named perils

and unique situations outlined in your agreement will be covered by your insurance. Typical examples include:

Fire/lightning

Riots

Windstorms

Water overflow or discharge (plumbing, air conditioning, and other appliances)

Power surge damage

Damage caused by vehicles

Vandalism

Theft

Falling objects

Explosions

Check your insurance policy before you sign to be sure you understand what is and isn't covered!

Is homeowners insurance required in Arizona?

In Arizona, homeowners insurance isn't required by law, although it may be necessary if you bought your property with a mortgage.

Because they have an investment in your property, a mortgage lender wants to make sure it is sufficiently insured in the case of damage or a catastrophic loss.

How to get homeowners insurance

If you've recently acquired a home or need a new homeowners policy,

start by comparing quotes

from a few different companies—the

Jerry

app makes this easy! You might be missing out on discounts if you just take the first referral that comes your way.

Always

ask your car insurance company for a quote. Even if the initial cost is higher, bundling your

home and auto

plans might save you money in the long term. Bundling can save you anywhere from

15% or more

, so it's worth looking into what you might be eligible for!

Recommended home insurance coverage in Arizona

For homeowners in Arizona,

flooding, water damage,

and

wildfires

are among the main perils to protect against with insurance. Arizona is at a particularly high risk for flash floods, so you should make sure you’re covered against severe storms and floods.

Here are three strategies to help you protect your home from flood damage:

Flood insurance

safeguards your home from flooding caused by a natural disaster. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (FLIP) or another referral are both possible options to explore.

In the event of a burst or backed-up pipe,

water backup insurance

can help cover the costs of water cleanup and repairs.

Unless it is specifically indicated as an exclusion in your policy, an

HO-5

open perils coverage

covers any risk.

MORE

How to choose the right kind of home insurance for you

What impacts homeowners insurance in Arizona?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Arizona is slightly less expensive than the national cost of

$1,387 per year

. Home insurance prices are influenced by a variety of factors that vary from person to person, such as

employment

status

and

credit

history

. There are, however, some special factors that can have an impact on homeowners insurance in Arizona.

Flash flooding and storms

Heavy rains can trigger

flash floods

, allowing rain to enter your home via your roof, siding, or windows and cause serious damage. Because of Arizona's typically dry climate, it is vulnerable to flash floods and severe rains.

Wildfires

The destruction caused by

wildfires

can be absolutely destructive to a home and property. Wildfires are fairly common in Arizona, and there has been an increase in the number of destructive fires in recent years.

Homeowners insurance discounts in Arizona

Insurance providers frequently provide different discounts for different types of consumers and actions. Examples of

common homeowner insurance discounts

include:

Discount	How to get it
Bundling	Bundling home and auto insurance could earn you a steep discount on both policies.
First-time homeowner	If you're buying your first home, most insurance providers will give you a discount.
Claims-free	You may be eligible for a discount if you go a certain amount of time (typically a few years) without filing a claim on your insurance.
Storm proofing	Various flood-safety improvements, such as watertight shields and sealants, may qualify you for a discount on your homeowner's insurance.
Security system	If you have a security system to prevent theft, your insurance company may give you a discount on your homeowner's insurance.
Upgraded fire alarm	Set your fire alarm to call the fire department directly; your insurance carrier may offer a discount for a faster fire response time.