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If buying a home in the Charlotte real estate market is on your radar, you’re probably watching mortgage rates, home prices, and monthly payments. But there’s another expense that deserves a spot in your homebuying budget: homeowners insurance. As a local real estate professional, I encourage buyers to look at the entire cost of homeownership before falling in love with a property.
Homeowners Insurance Costs Have Increased
If you’ve heard friends or family talking about rising insurance premiums, they’re not alone. According to Pew Research Center data, 71% of homeowners say their insurance costs have increased in recent years.
Your initial homeowners insurance payment is typically factored into closing costs, and insurance may then become part of your ongoing monthly housing expenses, especially if your lender collects it through an escrow account.
That’s why I recommend getting an insurance estimate early. The last thing you want is to find the perfect Charlotte-area home only to discover the monthly cost is higher than expected.
Insurance Premiums Are Still Rising, But There’s Encouraging News
Here’s something that may get lost in the headlines. Homeowners insurance premiums are still increasing, but recent data indicates the pace of those increases has started to slow.
According to Rate Insurance, 2025 marked the first slowdown in annual premium increases since 2019.
Does that mean homeowners insurance is suddenly getting cheaper? Unfortunately, no. But slower increases may provide a little breathing room for buyers already navigating mortgage rates, home prices, property taxes, and other homeownership expenses.
Your Charlotte Home Insurance Rate May Be Different
Here’s something that may get lost in the headlines. Homeowners insurance premiums are still increasing, but recent data indicates the pace of those increases has started to slow.
According to Rate Insurance, 2025 marked the first slowdown in annual premium increases since 2019.
Does that mean homeowners insurance is suddenly getting cheaper? Unfortunately, no. But slower increases may provide a little breathing room for buyers already navigating mortgage rates, home prices, property taxes, and other homeownership expenses.
5 Ways Homebuyers Can Potentially Lower Insurance Costs
There are several strategies worth exploring when shopping for homeowners insurance:
Compare multiple quotes. Prices can vary between insurance companies.
Consider bundling. Combining home and auto insurance may qualify you for savings.
Ask about discounts. You may qualify for discounts you didn’t know existed.
Mention property upgrades. A newer roof, updated systems, or certain safety features may affect your premium.
Pay attention to your credit. Where permitted, credit-based insurance information may influence pricing.
Get an Insurance Quote Before Making an Offer
One of my favorite tips for Charlotte homebuyers is simple: start researching insurance before you’re deep into the transaction.
Knowing the estimated insurance cost can help you calculate a more realistic monthly housing budget before committing to a home. An experienced insurance professional can also explain coverage options, deductibles, exclusions, and potential savings.
