Our Take
Homesite was founded in 1997 and was one of the first insurance companies to offer customers the ability to purchase home insurance online in a single visit. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Homesite offers casualty and property insurance.
- Pros & Cons
- Key Takeaways
- Company Overview
Coverage offered in most states
Straightforward application process
No app available
- Coverage widely available.
- Simple, no-brainer process to obtain a quote.
- No mobile app available.
- Year Founded 1997
- Official Website https://go.homesite.com/
- Insurance Offered Condo, renters, auto, life, commercial and more
- Customer Service Phone: 800-466-3748
Pros Explained
- Simple application process: The process to obtain a quote is an easy, straightforward one. You can do so online. After entering a series of questions, you'll be given a quote. Quotes and coverage can vary depending on a number of factors, so you'll want to look over the policy with a fine-toothed comb.
Coverage widely available: Should you need to uproot to a different state, Homesite's homeowners' insurance policies are offered in all but three U.S. states.
Cons Explained
- No mobile app: Currently, there’s no mobile app available for customers. While many insurers offer this feature, Homesite does not. You’ll have to reach out to customer service, file a claim, and check your policy through other methods.
Homesite Standard Home Insurance Coverage Plan
You can expect Homesite’s standard homeowners insurance policy to include:
Dwelling Coverage
This will pay for damage or loss due to your home caused by a covered peril. The coverage amount is based on the cost to rebuild your home to its original condition.
Personal Possessions
This pays for the replacement or repair of any damaged or stolen belongings stemming from a natural disaster, an act of vandalism, or burglary. Standard coverage of personal possessions doesn’t cover coveted valuables—think antiques, family heirlooms, art, or jewelry.
Loss of Use
Should you need to uproot temporarily due to damage to your home, loss of use coverage will pay for stays in hotels or an Airbnb and any additional food expenses.
Medical Payments
This covers medical bills should someone get injured while on your property. Even if you, your family member, or pet might not have been at fault, this no-fault insurance can foot the bill. To figure out the cost of your premiums, during the underwriting process, an insurance carrier usually factors in:
- Location
- Deductible
- Size, age of home
- Condition of the roof
- How close you are to a fire station
- Installation of security devices and home maintenance systems
- If there’s a wood-burning stove, swimming pool, or hot tub on your property
- Cost of replacement
- Dog bite incidents
- Credit history
- Previous claims
Homesite Home Insurance Discounts
There are several discounts for which you may be eligible that include:
- Welcome Home and Moving In discounts: You could be eligible for a discount when you purchase a new home or switch from Homesite renters or condo insurance to a Homesite homeowners policy.
- New Construction discount: Homesite offers a discount based on the age of your home, acknowledging that newer homes with advanced technology have fewer claims.
- Home Safety discount: A monitored home alarm system, fire alarm, deadbolts, or indoor sprinkler system can all qualify you for a reduced rate on your coverage.
- Retired Occupant discount: If you are above a certain age or retired, you may qualify for a discount if it's available in your area.
Other Homesite Home Insurance Policies
Depending on where you live, you can opt for the following add-ons or riders to a standard homeowners insurance policy:
- Identity theft protection: Should you be a victim of identity theft, this can cover up to $15,000 of related expenses.
- Personal injury protection: Protects you against claims of invasion of privacy, libel, and slander.
- Coverage for valuables: Can pay for the cost of repair or replacement of art, jewelry, fancy coats, or your coveted Star Wars memorabilia.
- Extended coverage on your home: Ups your dwelling coverage by 25% to 50% if the amount to replace your abode is higher than the coverage outlined in your policy.
- Customized coverage: Based on your situation, Homesite can whip up a customized quote tailored to your needs or preferences.
Homesite Home Insurance Availability
Policies are available in 47 states and Washington, D.C. Depending on which licensed agent you work with, they might be licensed to help you set up coverage in one state but not in another.
Homesite Customer Service
You can speak with a Homesite customer service rep either by phone, mail, or by sending correspondence in the mail. While it’s industry standard to have the ability to connect with customer service through online chat or app, this isn’t part of Homesite’s offerings.
Homesite has, in past years, enjoyed a strong customer service rating. However, the most recent data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) reveals increased customer complaints. According to the NAIC Index, Homesite had lower-than-average complaint volume in 2019, with 38 complaints and a complaint ratio of 1.93. That number increased to 48 in 2020 when its complaint ratio jumped to 3.01, and then 1.98 in 2021 with 64 complaints, indicating that the company had almost two times more complaints than other insurers in its market.
How to Make a Home Insurance Claim With Homesite
Policyholders can file a claim with Homesite either by phone or online. After you report a claim, it’s a good idea to:
- Take measures to protect your home from further damage.
- Take photographs and inventory of structural damage and also of any personal belongings that need repair or replacement.
- Hold on to receipts of expenses incurred because of damages.
- Should the claim involve injuries or damage to someone else’s personal property, provide their names and contact information.
If you purchase HO-3 insurance, you’re subject to “named” and “open” perils. Named perils are explicitly listed in your home insurance policy. Open means that if it’s not excluded in your policy, then it’s covered.
Besides home insurance, Homesite also offers the following policies:
- Condo
- Renters
- Auto
- Life
- Commercial
- Flood
Homesite Home Insurance Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your policy anytime and receive a refund of any unearned premiums.
Get a Homesite Homeowners' Insurance Quote
You can get a Homesite homeowners insurance quote online. If you have the required information on hand, the process typically takes a few minutes. Besides your personal information, other details you'll be asked to provide include whether it's a new home purchase and when you'd like to start your policy.
Other details you'll need to provide include details about the structure, interior, and exterior of your home. For instance, when it was built, roof type, and square footage of the living area.
Homesite’s online application process is straightforward and seems relatively easy. For tech-savvy homeowners, the non-existence of an app might deter one from purchasing a policy. Overall, the company has all the policy coverages a homeowner needs to be properly protected.
Compare Other Home Insurance Reviews
An insurance provider that is a good fit for one person might not be a good fit for another's situation and needs. It's important to do your homework and get quotes from several insurers before making a decision. Comb over the policies and ask plenty of questions.
How We Review Homeowners Insurance Providers
Investopedia is dedicated to providing consumers with unbiased, comprehensive reviews of homeowners insurance providers. We reviewed each insurance provider's coverage options, discounts available, and customer service and satisfaction to ensure that our content helps users make the right insurance decision for their needs.