should protect against tornadoes, winter storms, and flooding, amongst other hazards. You can find the best coverage for you and your house by comparing quotes from several insurers.

Purchasing a home may be an exciting and stressful period in your life. You'll want to secure your new investment to the greatest extent possible, and obtaining homeowners insurance is the most effective way to do so.

It's important to know what you're getting into before signing on the dotted line for homeowners insurance.

Jerry

, the licensed broker app for home and

car insurance

, is breaking down everything you need to know about Kentucky

homeowners insurance

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

What is homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance protects your house, your belongings, and other structures like barns and sheds. A typical homeowners insurance policy protects you against damage to your home, personal liability, and the complete loss of your house.

In the United States, the average cost of homeowners insurance is $1,387 per year or $115 per month.

Basic components of homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance usually comes with the following types of coverage:

Coverage A (Structure): Covers the cost of repairing or replacing the house's structure.

Coverage B (Additional structures): Covers the expense of repairing or rebuilding structures such as fences, pools, and sheds.

Coverage C (Personal property): Covers damages in the event of specific personal belongings (like electronics, furniture, jewelry, etc.) being lost or destroyed.

Coverage D (Additional expenses): Also known as "loss of use." Pays for temporary living expenditures (hotel or rent) incurred due to the loss of your house in whole or in part.

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

You can get a policy that covers the ACV (actual cash value) or the replacement cost (cost of replacing the property regardless of its actual value). Most homeowners must purchase a policy that covers at least 80% of the replacement cost.

MORE: Home insurance terms you need to know

Named perils

There is no baseline comprehensive coverage for home insurance unless you get a tailored policy. Only the named perils and unique situations mentioned in your contract will be covered by your insurance. The following are some of the perils you may see:

Fire

Smoke

Windstorms and hail

Weight of ice, snow, and/or sleet

Water overflow or discharge (plumbing, leaks, etc.)

Vandalism

Theft

Falling objects

Go over your insurance policy before signing to ensure that you understand what is and is not covered.

Is homeowners insurance required in Kentucky?

In Kentucky, homeowners insurance is not required by law. If you have a mortgage, though, you will almost certainly be asked to carry it. Since they have an interest in your home, a mortgage lender wants to ensure that it is adequately insured in the event of damage or a catastrophic loss.

How to get homeowners insurance

If you recently bought a home or are looking for a new policy, start by getting quotes from a few different companies—which is easier than ever thanks to

Jerry

. Accepting the first recommendation you get could cost you money, so don't be afraid to do some research.

You should always begin by requesting an estimate from your car insurance company. Combining your house and auto insurance policy may save you money in the long term, even if the initial cost is higher. Bundling can save you anywhere from 5% to 15% or more, so it's worth looking into what's available to you.

Recommended home insurance coverage in Kentucky

For homeowners in Kentucky, the main perils you’ll want to protect against are severe winter weather, tornadoes, and floods. Most homeowners insurance will cover the first two, but you should make sure you're protected against floods while living in Kentucky.

There are several options for protecting your home from external flood damage:

Flood insurance protects your home from flood-related water damage. FEMA's

National Flood Insurance Program (FLIP)

is one of several options for this coverage.

Water backup insurance, in the event of a burst or backed-up pipe, can cover the cost of water removal and repairs.

Unless specifically indicated as an exclusion in your policy, an HO-5 or open perils policy covers any risk.

MORE: How to choose the right kind of home insurance for you

Why is homeowners insurance in Kentucky so expensive?

If you live in Kentucky, you'll have to pay more for homeowners insurance than the national average of $1,387 per year. Marital status and credit history could affect how much home insurance costs, but there are other factors in Kentucky that could also play a role.

Severe winter weather

Snowstorms, freezing temperatures, and ice storms are all common occurrences in Kentucky throughout the winter months. All of these factors might cause damage to your pipes, leading them to freeze and burst, resulting in the destruction of your possessions and your home.

Tornadoes

Kentucky ranks amongst the top states in the nation with the most natural disasters. The strong winds caused by tornadoes and summer thunderstorms can shatter windows, damage roofs, and tear siding away from your home, causing extensive damage both inside and outside the building itself.

Homeowners insurance discounts in Kentucky

Insurance companies often offer a wide range of discounts to customers based on their personal circumstances. The table below shows some examples of typical home insurance discounts:

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.
Upgraded fire alarm	Set your fire alarm to call the fire department directly; your insurance company may offer a discount for a faster fire response time.
Security system	Your insurance company may give you a discount on your homeowners insurance if you have a security system to prevent theft.
Claims-free	If you go a particular amount of time (usually a few years) without filing a claim on your insurance, you can be eligible for a discount.
Multi-property	If you own many properties and cover them all with the same house insurance company, you may be eligible for a discount.

How to save on home and auto insurance

It can be a time-consuming and difficult procedure to purchase

homeowners insurance

, especially if it is your first time doing so—but thanks to the

Jerry

app, it’s simpler than ever.

Jerry gathers your information from your past insurer, so you're not responsible for any long forms or phone calls. Jerry can also bundle home and

car insurance

policies to save even more money! You get all of the savings and coverage, with none of the hassles.

The best part? The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on their insurance.

“It’s my first time buying insurance.
Jerry
? Amazing. It’s easy to sign up and even easier to save money.” —Christina A.

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

Is tornado insurance required in Kentucky?

“Tornado insurance” isn't usually offered, however, the losses caused by tornadoes should be covered by your homeowners insurance. Most homeowners insurance policies cover falling objects and wind damage, which are two of the most typical concerns with tornadoes.

What is the average cost of homeowners insurance in Kentucky?

Kentucky homeowners insurance costs vary depending on where you reside, your home's size, and other elements, but it normally ranges between $1,500 and $2,000 per year.

Save an average of 18% by bundling your home and auto insurance

Bundle your home and auto insurance with Jerry and save!

Try Jerry