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June 7, 2026
A carrier-by-carrier guide to the best home insurance companies of 2026, based on Dragon Insurance's quoting experience across PA, TX, VA, MD, OH, TN, and KY. Covers the Safeco to Liberty Mutual rebrand, replacement cost vs. ACV, 2026 state average costs, and a matching guide for which carrier fits each homeowner situation.
Your home is almost certainly your largest asset. Most homeowners pick their insurance carrier based on price alone, which is understandable but often a mistake. The two decisions that matter far more than the carrier name on your declarations page are: whether your policy uses replacement cost or actual cash value at a total loss, and whether the carrier actually pays claims fairly and promptly when your home is damaged. A policy that costs $200 per year less but settles a roof claim for $18,000 less than replacement cost is not a bargain.
Dragon Insurance writes home coverage through Safeco (transitioning to Liberty Mutual as of 2026), Openly, Foremost, Plymouth Rock, and Westfield. We shop all five in one call for homeowners across PA, TX, VA, MD, OH, TN, and KY. This guide covers what each carrier does well, 2026 average costs by state, and the five coverage decisions that matter more than which carrier you pick.
Key Takeaways
Quick Answer
What makes a home insurance company "the best"?
The best home insurance carrier for any given homeowner combines replacement cost coverage (not ACV), strong financial strength ratings, responsive claims handling, a discount stack that applies to your specific profile, and availability in your state at a price that makes sense when compared to similar carriers. No single carrier wins for every homeowner in every state, which is why comparing five at once matters more than picking a national advertiser.
Below is a side-by-side comparison of Dragon's five home carriers based on our quoting experience across PA, TX, VA, MD, OH, TN, and KY in 2025-2026. All five are on our active panel, meaning we can quote and bind any of them for you today.
| Carrier | AM Best | Standout | Best For | Approx. Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeco / Liberty Mutual | A (Excellent) | Bundle discounts, replacement cost, strong digital tools | Bundlers with auto; new homeowners | $1,200 to $3,600/yr |
| Openly | A+ (via Berkshire Hathaway) | High-value homes, broad coverage, agent-only distribution | Homes $500K+; renovation and custom homes | $1,800 to $5,500/yr |
| Foremost | A (Excellent) | Specialty risks, older homes, seasonal homes, manufactured housing | Older homes, rural properties, seasonal/vacation homes | $1,100 to $4,000/yr |
| Plymouth Rock | A- (Excellent) | PA/NJ/MA-focused, strong claims, competitive bundling | PA homeowners bundling with Plymouth Rock auto | $1,000 to $2,800/yr |
| Westfield | A (Excellent) | Midwest and PA strong, farm properties, strong claims reputation | OH, PA, and KY homeowners; farm and rural properties | $1,000 to $3,200/yr |
Cost ranges reflect 2026 rate data from Bankrate, NerdWallet, and Dragon's quoting experience. Actual premiums vary by home value, construction type, location, roof age, claims history, and coverage selections.
Safeco (transitioning to Liberty Mutual in 2026)
Safeco is the carrier Dragon most often leads with for homeowners who are also bundling auto insurance, because the multi-policy discount on a combined home and auto package frequently makes Safeco the price leader even when its standalone home rate is not the lowest. The Safeco brand is transitioning to the Liberty Mutual umbrella as of April 2026. If you have been searching for Safeco home insurance and finding confusing messaging, that is why. The underlying underwriting, claims teams, and coverage terms are unchanged. New policies are being issued under the Liberty Mutual brand.
Openly
Openly is an agent-only carrier backed by Berkshire Hathaway, designed specifically for higher-value homes. It does not sell direct; you can only access Openly through a licensed independent agency like Dragon. Openly's coverage breadth is exceptional: extended replacement cost (paying above the policy limit if construction costs spike after a disaster), service line coverage, water backup, and broad personal property coverage are often included as standard rather than as expensive add-ons. For homes valued at $500,000 or more, or for custom and renovation properties, Openly is frequently the best combination of coverage and price we find.
Foremost
Foremost's strength is underwriting risks that standard carriers struggle with: older homes with knob-and-tube wiring, homes with galvanized plumbing, seasonal and vacation properties, rural homes without hydrant access, and properties with unusual construction. If your home has been declined or heavily surcharged by standard carriers because of its age or construction type, Foremost is often the carrier that says yes at a reasonable rate.
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is primarily active in the Northeast, with strong presence in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. For PA homeowners bundling home with Plymouth Rock auto, the combination often produces a highly competitive total premium. Plymouth Rock has a notably strong claims reputation in the markets where it is active.
Westfield
Westfield is a regional carrier with a particularly strong presence in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. For homeowners in those states, Westfield frequently competes favorably on price and is consistently recognized for above-average claims handling. Farm properties and rural homes with outbuildings are a Westfield specialty. If you are in OH, PA, or KY and have a property that includes a barn, pole building, or significant acreage, Westfield should be on your shortlist.
| Coverage | Safeco/Liberty | Openly | Foremost | Plymouth Rock | Westfield |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement cost dwelling | Yes | Yes (extended) | Optional | Yes | Yes |
| Personal property (RC vs ACV) | Optional RC | RC included | Optional RC | Optional RC | Optional RC |
| Liability ($300K+) | Optional | Yes | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Water backup / sewer | Optional | Included | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Bundle discount (with auto) | Up to 15% | Varies | Varies | Up to 12% | Up to 10% |
Home insurance costs vary significantly by state and are driven by local storm exposure, construction costs, claims frequency, and regulatory environment. The 2026 rate increases in Kentucky and Virginia reflect severe weather losses and rising reinsurance costs that carriers are passing through to policyholders. Below are 2026 averages for Dragon's seven states.
| State | Annual Average | Monthly Average | vs. National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $1,886/yr | $157/mo | Below average |
| Texas | $3,844/yr | $320/mo | 51% above average |
| Virginia | $2,135/yr | $178/mo | Near average (+37% increase in 2026) |
| Maryland | $1,950/yr est. | $163/mo est. | Below average |
| Ohio | $2,144/yr | $179/mo | Near average |
| Tennessee | $3,045/yr | $254/mo | 20% above average |
| Kentucky | $2,800/yr est. | $233/mo est. | +33% increase in 2026 |
National average: $2,543 per year ($212 per month). State averages sourced from Bankrate, NerdWallet, insurance.com, and MoneyGeek 2026 homeowners insurance reports. MD and KY figures are estimates pending full-year 2026 data. Actual premiums depend on home value, construction, roof age, location, and coverage selections.
| Homeowner Situation | Best Carrier | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bundling home with auto in any state | Safeco / Liberty Mutual | Multi-policy discount frequently makes Safeco the price leader in bundled scenarios. |
| High-value home ($500K+) or custom construction | Openly | Extended replacement cost and broad coverage forms designed for premium homes. |
| Older home or specialty risk (rural, seasonal) | Foremost | Broadest appetite for homes that standard carriers surcharge or decline. |
| PA homeowner with Plymouth Rock auto | Plymouth Rock | Bundle discount and strong claims handling in PA; excellent for northeastern homeowners. |
| Ohio, PA, or KY homeowner, rural or farm property | Westfield | Regional strength, farm property expertise, strong claims reputation in these states. |
| New homeowner, first U.S. policy, thin credit history | Multiple (Dragon quotes all) | Carriers weight thin U.S. credit differently; quoting multiple finds the most flexible underwriter. |
The right coverage matters more than the brand name
Get all 5 home carriers quoted in one call.
Tell us your home value, state, construction type, and whether you want to bundle auto. We run Safeco/Liberty Mutual, Openly, Foremost, Plymouth Rock, and Westfield side by side with identical limits.
First-time homeowners in the Nepali and Bhutanese community: what to know
Buying your first home in the U.S. is a major milestone, and understanding homeowners insurance is part of making that transition successfully. One challenge specific to immigrant families is that thin U.S. credit history affects home insurance premiums in most states. Carriers that use credit-based insurance scores will surcharge applicants with limited U.S. credit, even if those applicants have no claims history and excellent financial habits.
Dragon helps by shopping across all five carriers to find the one that weights thin credit most favorably for your profile. We also explain coverage in plain English and, when you are ready, in Nepali. If you are a new homeowner comparing your first policy, start with our homeowners insurance guide for a full explanation of what you are buying.
हामी नेपाली बोल्छौं. We speak Nepali.
What is the best home insurance company in 2026?
There is no single best home insurance company for all homeowners. Safeco and Liberty Mutual are best for bundlers. Openly is best for high-value homes and custom construction. Foremost is best for older homes and specialty risks. Plymouth Rock is best for PA homeowners bundling auto. Westfield is best for OH, PA, and KY homeowners, especially with farm or rural properties. Dragon quotes all five and shows you the side-by-side comparison with your actual home details.
How much does home insurance cost per month in 2026?
The national average is approximately $212 per month ($2,543 per year) in 2026. In Dragon's seven states, costs range from about $157 per month in Pennsylvania (most affordable) to $320 per month in Texas (most expensive, driven by storm exposure). Virginia and Kentucky saw significant rate increases in 2026 (approximately 37 percent and 33 percent respectively). Your actual premium depends on your home's value, construction, roof age, claims history, and the coverage limits you select.
What does home insurance cover?
Standard homeowners insurance covers: dwelling (the structure of your home), other structures (fences, garage, shed), personal property (your belongings), liability (if someone is injured on your property), and additional living expenses (hotel and meals if your home is uninhabitable after a covered loss). It typically does NOT cover floods (separate NFIP or private flood policy required), earthquakes (separate rider), or water backup from sewers (requires an endorsement).
Which home insurance company has the best claims service?
Among Dragon's panel carriers, Openly and Westfield consistently receive strong claims satisfaction scores in independent surveys. Plymouth Rock has a strong claims reputation specifically in the Pennsylvania market. Safeco and Liberty Mutual have solid overall claims processes backed by the resources of a large carrier. Claims experience varies by state, loss type, and adjuster. The best approach is to choose a carrier with a strong financial strength rating (A or better from AM Best) and a low NAIC complaint index relative to its size.
Should I bundle home and auto insurance?
Usually yes, but not always. Bundling home and auto with the same carrier typically saves 10 to 15 percent on both policies. However, if one carrier has a significantly stronger auto rate for your driving profile and another has a stronger home rate, the bundling discount may not overcome the gap. Dragon quotes bundled and unbundled scenarios side by side so you can see the actual dollar comparison before deciding.
What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?
Replacement cost coverage pays what it actually costs to rebuild or replace your home or belongings at current prices, with no depreciation deducted. Actual cash value (ACV) subtracts depreciation based on age and condition. If a fire destroys your 15-year-old roof, replacement cost pays for a new roof; ACV pays what a 15-year-old roof is currently worth, which may be a fraction of the replacement cost. For dwelling coverage, almost always choose replacement cost. For personal property, replacement cost is worth the modest premium increase on most policies.
How can I lower my home insurance premium?
The most reliable ways to lower your home insurance premium: raise your deductible (from $1,000 to $2,500 typically saves 10 to 15 percent), bundle with auto at the same carrier (saves 10 to 15 percent), install a monitored home security system (saves 5 to 10 percent), update your roof with impact-resistant shingles (saves up to 20 percent in hail-prone areas), and shop the market every two to three years. New construction discounts, new-buyer discounts, and no-claims discounts also apply at many carriers.
What is the best home insurance company in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, the carriers Dragon most often finds winning on combined coverage and price are Safeco and Liberty Mutual (especially for bundlers), Plymouth Rock (strong claims reputation and competitive PA pricing), Westfield (strong for rural PA properties), and Openly (for high-value homes). The best carrier for your PA home depends on your home's value, age, construction, and whether you are bundling auto. Dragon quotes all five in one call.
Have your home details ready: year built, square footage, construction type, roof age, and the coverage limits you are considering. We quote Safeco and Liberty Mutual, Openly, Foremost, Plymouth Rock, and Westfield with identical limits and deductibles so you see the real difference, including replacement cost vs. ACV, water backup, and bundle discount impact. Quotes typically ready within one business day.
Visit us: 1525 Cedar Cliff Dr STE 202, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Serving PA, TX, VA, MD, OH, TN, and KY. English, Nepali, and Hindi spoken.
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Dragon Insurance Services LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency. Cost figures in this article reflect 2026 third-party rate data and our agency's quoting experience across PA, TX, VA, MD, OH, TN, and KY; they are estimates, not guaranteed rates. Actual premiums vary by carrier, home value, construction type, roof age, claims history, and coverage selections, and are subject to underwriting approval. The Safeco to Liberty Mutual brand transition reflects publicly announced rebrand activity; coverage terms are subject to the actual policy forms issued. Contact us for a personalized quote.
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