Homeowners insurance can become a significant expense, especially when premiums increase unexpectedly or household income drops. If you are having trouble keeping your policy active, there may be ways to manage the cost or find assistance.
Direct government programs that simply pay everyone's homeowners insurance are not generally available. However, certain state and local programs may provide help with housing-related expenses, and some Homeowner Assistance Fund programs can cover homeowners insurance for eligible households. Your mortgage servicer, insurance company, state housing agency, or local assistance programs may also have options depending on your circumstances.
Who May Qualify
Eligibility depends on the program, but assistance may be available to homeowners who:
- Have experienced a significant financial hardship
- Have a low or moderate household income
- Are struggling with increased housing costs
- Have fallen behind on housing-related expenses
- Experienced financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Live in an area with a state or local homeowner assistance program
- Are experiencing hardship after a disaster
- Have a mortgage with an escrow account that includes homeowners insurance
Some Homeowner Assistance Fund programs consider household income and financial hardship when determining eligibility. Programs are administered by individual states, territories, and participating tribal entities, so requirements differ.
Check What You May Qualify For
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Programs vary based on your eligibility, location, household circumstances, and what's available in your area.
Ways Homeowners May Get Help Paying Home Insurance
Depending on your circumstances, you may find help through:
- The federal Homeowner Assistance Fund, which some states use to cover homeowners insurance
- Mortgage escrow accounts that pay insurance as part of your monthly payment
- State and local housing assistance for homeowners facing hardship
- Insurance company payment plans or alternative billing schedules
- Disaster-related assistance for federally declared disaster areas
What If Your Home Insurance Premium Increased?
- Review your renewal notice and policy to understand what changed.
- Ask your insurer why the premium changed and compare quotes from other licensed insurers.
- Ask whether you qualify for available discounts, and review your deductible and coverage with a licensed insurance professional.
- If insurance is paid through escrow, check whether the increase changed your mortgage payment.
- Ask your mortgage servicer whether your escrow account has a shortage before making any changes to coverage.
Do not cancel required homeowners insurance without understanding the consequences, particularly if you have a mortgage.