Homeowners Insurance is Screwing You (And Here’s Why)

Let’s talk about how insurance companies are quietly picking your pocket while pretending they’re the good guys. You’ve probably noticed your homeowners insurance bill creeping up faster than your property value—because yeah, it’s not just in your head.

Your Premiums Are Skyrocketing (Because of Course They Are)

Since 2019, the average U.S. homeowner has been slapped with a 35-40% increase in premiums. And in 2023 alone? A cool 12-19% jump—because why not?

Why? Oh, let’s count the ways:

Climate change is wrecking everything. Hurricanes, wildfires, floods—pick your disaster. There were 28 billion-dollar weather disasters in 2023, and guess who’s footing the bill? (Spoiler: You.)
Inflation hit construction costs like a freight train. Lumber, labor, and basically everything else costs 30% more than pre-pandemic.
Insurers are panicking. Some big names (looking at you, State Farm and Allstate) have straight-up ditched high-risk states (CA, FL, LA) because they don’t want to pay out claims. Less competition = higher prices for you.

State-by-State Pain Rankings (2024 Edition)

Here’s what you’re likely coughing up this year for a $300K house with a $1K deductible (because apparently, that’s the American dream now):

Illinois: ~$1,900 (Chicago winters AND insurance hikes? Brutal.)
Indiana: ~$1,800 (At least you have corn?)
Iowa: ~$2,100 (Tornado tax, baby.)
Kentucky: ~$1,900 (Horses won’t save you.)
North Carolina: ~$1,800 (Hurricanes say hello.)
South Carolina: ~$2,100 (Coastal “luxury” comes at a price.)

2025 Prediction: It Gets Worse

Buckle up, because next year’s premiums are expected to climb another 5-10%. That $1,900 policy in Illinois? Say hello to $2,100 for the same coverage.

How to Fight Back (Because You Have No Choice)

Stop blindly renewing. Loyalty gets you nothing—shop around. Premiums can vary by 300% between companies.
Harden your home. Storm shutters, fire-resistant roofing, or even just a new roof might shave a few bucks off.
Raise your deductible. If you can stomach the risk, a higher deductible = lower premiums. (Just hope you never actually need to use it.)
Complain loudly. Okay, this won’t lower your bill, but it’s therapeutic.

Final Thought: You’re Not Imagining It

Insurance companies aren’t your friends. They’re businesses, and right now, they’re making sure you pay for climate chaos, inflation, and their own cold feet in risky markets.

So shop smart, beef up your home, and maybe start a side hustle—because your insurance bill isn’t going down anytime soon.

(Sources: III, NAIC, NOAA, FRED, Policygenius, Bankrate, Swiss Re—because unlike insurers, I cite my stuff.)

The Inner Monologue