📍 Homeowners Insurance Rules by State

Homeowners insurance is regulated state by state — there is no federal policy form. What changes across state lines is not the idea of coverage but the rules around it: how wind and hail deductibles are calculated, whether roofs are settled at replacement cost or actual cash value, which wildfire and flood disclosures apply at closing, what a carrier must tell you before non-renewal, and how long you have to file a claim.

What actually differs between states

• Wind and hurricane deductibles. Coastal states from Texas to Maine allow percentage deductibles — typically 1% to 5% of the dwelling limit — that apply separately from your standard deductible.
• Roof settlement rules. A growing number of states permit actual cash value settlements on roofs past a set age, which can cut a payout by half.
• Claim deadlines. Proof-of-loss and suit-limitation windows range from 60 days to two years depending on the state.
• Residual markets. Florida, California and Louisiana run state-backed insurers of last resort (Citizens, the FAIR Plan) when private carriers pull back.
• Disclosure duties. Wildfire zone, flood zone and prior-claim disclosures are state-specific and usually attach at the point of sale.

State rule reference

Reference summary for editorial use — always confirm against the filed policy form and your state department of insurance.

How to use this

Start with the state you live in, note whether a wind or hail deductible applies, then read the roof rules before you shop. Those two lines decide more of your premium than any discount a carrier advertises. Full state-by-state premium benchmarks live in the cost by state hub.