North Dakota does not require homeowners to purchase homeowners insurance, but your mortgage lender may require it. You’ll want to create a policy that includes protection against snow and winter storms, among other things.

Buying a new house is an exciting and at times daunting process. Equally important as finding the right house is finding the best insurance to protect your investment from natural disasters, theft, and other costly situations.

Here to help you understand everything you need to know about homeowners insurance in North Dakota is

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What is homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance is an insurance policy that covers your house and your possessions from situations like damage and theft and provides personal liability coverage in case someone is injured in your home.

Even if your state or lender doesn’t require you to purchase this insurance, taking out a policy is a financially smart thing to do.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in the US is $1,387 per year (which works out to around $115 per month).

Basic components of homeowners insurance

Most standard homeowners insurance policies cover the following:

Structure (Coverage A): This covers damage or destruction to the house itself.

Additional Structures (Coverage B): This covers any other structures you have on your property such as sheds, decks, and pools.

Personal Property (Coverage C): This protects against damage, loss, or theft of your possessions. Think of electronics, furniture, glassware, and even jewelry.

Additional Expenses (Coverage D): Sometimes called ‘loss of use,’ this covers you for unexpected living expenses like a hotel if you lose part of your home or have to temporarily leave.

Personal Liability (Coverage E): This provides financial protection against legal liabilities if someone is injured on your property or bit by your pet.

There are two main types of homeowners policies: replacement cost and actual cash value (ACV) policies.

Replacement cost policies entitle you to the full amount it would take to replace your property, regardless of how much your items have depreciated.

ACV

policies, on the other hand, only pay the actual value of the property at the time of the damage or loss.

Most lenders require homeowners to purchase a policy that covers at least 80% of the home’s replacement cost.

Named perils

Every home insurance policy is unique, though you can expect some general similarities. One of the most important aspects of your policy is the list of named perils, which outline the specific events your home is insured against. Typical named perils include:

Fire and smoke damage

Wind

Lightning

Hail

Damage from vehicles

Theft or vandalism

Riots

Explosions

Burst pipes

Make sure to read your policy documents carefully so you know what your policy does and does not cover.

Does North Dakota require homeowners insurance?

No, North Dakota does not require homeowners insurance. However, most mortgage lenders do require homeowners insurance as a condition of your loan. Be sure to ask your lender what policy type and coverages they require before signing.

How to get homeowners insurance

Begin shopping for homeowners insurance by comparing quotes. A licensed broker that offers end-to-end support, the

Jerry

app gathers affordable quotes and can help you pick the right coverage for any situation.

Remember that homeowners can save by

bundling their home and auto insurance

. Bundling enables you to save 5-15% or higher on both policies!

MORE:

North Dakota car insurance laws

Recommended home insurance coverage in North Dakota

While a typical homeowners insurance policy covers many perils, homeowners in North Dakota can often face windstorms, floods, and extreme weather, which may not be covered under all policies.

Here are three things to think about before purchasing a policy that can help protect you and your home in the long run:

Consider an HO-5 or open perils policy, which covers every peril except those specifically excluded by the policy.

Water damage from an external source is not covered by homeowners insurance. Separate flood insurance can protect your home from water damage in the most extreme circumstances. You can get it through FEMA’s

National Flood Insurance Program (FLIP)

or a referral.

Some policies do not cover all types of personal property. Make sure to ask about any valuables you want protection in the case of damage, loss, or theft.

Is homeowners insurance in North Dakota expensive?

The price of every insurance premium is based on several factors, including the individual’s credit history, marital status, and specific details of the covered home.

In general, homeowners in North Dakota tend to have more expensive insurance premiums than the national average. Here are some reasons why the typical owner may have to pay high monthly premiums:

Tornadoes

Tornadoes can cause serious damage to homes and properties, which prompts some insurers to exclude wind damage and the loss of personal property from their policies. These windstorms cause millions of dollars in damage in the United States each year.

Due to the higher likelihood of homeowners in North Dakota suffering loss due to tornadoes than in other states, they may face higher insurance premiums.

Snow and winter storms

North Dakota often faces severe weather in the winter months, which can result in damage due to roofs collapsing and falling objects. The more likely your home is to be damaged by a severe winter event, the higher your premiums will be.

Discounts for homeowners insurance in North Dakota

Many insurance providers offer a number of discounts to their customers. Check out the table below for examples of common homeowners insurance discounts:

Discount	How to get it
First-time homeowners	Many insurers offer special discounts for those buying their first home. Be sure to ask if you’re eligible for a reduced rate.
Bundling	If you own a car and are looking to save even more, consider bundling home and auto insurance
Claims-free	You may be eligible for a lower rate if you go several years without any claims on your record.
Roof rating	Installing a new or upgraded roof might offer you savings on your homeowners policy.
Protective devices	Smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, and burglar alarms may qualify you for a lower premium.
Smart home	Smart home technology can help you avoid theft and loss of property. Talk to your insurance company to see if they offer any discounts for certain systems you may already have inside your home!

MORE: North Dakota electric vehicle incentives

How to save on home and auto insurance

Whether you’re shopping for insurance as a first-time homebuyer or just searching for a lower rate, finding your next

homeowners insurance

policy can be as simple as sending a text.

Jerry

is a personal insurance broker that lives in your pocket. But don’t worry about buying tiny office furniture—Jerry is an app!

Once you download Jerry, just answer a handful of questions that will take you roughly 45 seconds to complete and you’ll get a variety of insurance quotes for coverage similar to your current plan.

Have a question about your coverage? Jerry’s friendly agents are here to answer your questions and provide advice on the best coverage options. As your life changes, your insurance changes, and Jerry is ready to make those adjustments for you.

“
Jerry
had a super simple app that was easy to navigate. And their terrific customer service made everything even easier. Plus I saved $700 in a single year.” —Lucia M.

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FAQs

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in North Dakota?

While prices range due to various factors including demographics and your individual requirements, most homeowners in North Dakota can expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,100 a year.

Does North Dakota require severe weather insurance?

North Dakota does not require severe weather insurance, although some lenders may require it as part of their policy. Even if not required for you, this extra coverage may be a smart addition to your policy.

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