The Home Insurance Move That Could Save You $440 a Year

When you’re planning a move, every monthly cost counts. That’s why it can be frustrating to see home insurance keep creeping up. According to Intercontinental Exchange, it now makes up 9.6% of the average monthly mortgage payment. 

But the latest numbers show some progress on that front – as the increases start to slow down. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do about it.

Home Insurance Premiums Are Rising More Slowly

A look at the past two years shows how much things have cooled down. In mid-2024, home insurance premiums rose 4.3% in a single quarter. By the second quarter of 2026, that was down to 1.8%. That’s the smallest quarterly growth in almost 3 years – and that’s a good thing (see graph below):

As Andy Walden, Head of Mortgage and Housing Market Research at Intercontinental Exchange, explains:

 

“Property insurance has been a fast-growing component of the monthly mortgage payment, but this quarter’s data shows the pace of increase is finally slowing.”

 

While insurance premiums may continue to increase, the slower national growth rate is an encouraging sign. Individual costs will still vary by property, location, coverage, and insurer. 

How Comparing Home Insurance Quotes Could Save You Money

Here’s where you have some say in what you pay. Let’s take current homeowners as an example. Intercontinental Exchange found that when homeowners shopped around and switched insurance companies, their premiums went down 6.6% on average. Those who stayed with their current company saw an increase of 10.4% (see graph below):

Think about that. That’s a big difference and it goes to show that looking for a new provider can literally pay off. 

According to Intercontinental Exchange's September 2026 Mortgage Monitor, homeowners who switched private insurance carriers had approximately $440 lower annual insurance costs, on average, compared with those who stayed with their existing provider. In the study, homeowners who switched carriers also saw average deductibles decrease by 1.4% and coverage limits increase by 7.3%.

While this example is current homeowners, the same general idea applies for first-time buyers too. Shop around and get multiple quotes before you pick your insurance provider. Then, once you’re settled in, review your policy each year when it comes up for renewal. You’re not locked into the first price you get.

How Your Home Choice Can Affect Insurance Costs

The home itself plays a role as well. According to John Burns Research and Consulting, homes built in 2020 or later cost approximately 10% to 15% less to insure per square foot nationally than homes built between 1980 and 2010.

While a newly built home won't be the right fit for every buyer, it may be worth exploring if you're comparing potential insurance costs. Actual premiums will depend on the property, location, coverage, and insurance provider.

Bottom Line

Home insurance is a bigger part of monthly housing costs than it used to be, and that can feel like one more expense to manage when buying or selling a home in North County San Diego. The good news is that comparing insurance quotes may help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Whether you're planning to buy a home in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, or another North County San Diego community, comparing insurance providers before purchasing a home and reviewing your policy each year can help you make more informed financial decisions.

If you're planning your next move, explore these helpful real estate resources:

Find Out What Your Home Is Worth — Get an estimate of your home's value before selling.

Search Homes for Sale in North County San Diego — Explore available properties in your preferred communities.

Explore the North County San Diego Housing Market — Review local housing market trends and conditions.

Estimate Your Monthly Mortgage Payment — Use our mortgage calculator to help plan your homebuying budget.

Contact Our North County San Diego Real Estate Team — Connect with us to discuss your buying or selling goals.

Understanding your housing costs, exploring local market conditions, and working with trusted professionals can help you make informed decisions about your next move.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homeowners Insurance in North County San Diego

Can Switching Homeowners Insurance Companies Save You Money?

Switching homeowners insurance providers may help you save money. According to Intercontinental Exchange's September 2026 Mortgage Monitor, homeowners who switched private insurance carriers had approximately $440 lower annual insurance costs, on average, compared with those who stayed with their existing provider.

These findings reflect national data, and individual savings will vary depending on the property, insurance provider, coverage, and other factors. Comparing multiple quotes can help you evaluate your options.

Are Homeowners Insurance Costs Increasing in San Diego?

According to Intercontinental Exchange's September 2026 Mortgage Monitor, San Diego was among the markets experiencing some of the largest annual property insurance cost increases, at approximately 12%.

This is a market-level finding, not a separate measurement for North County San Diego or a prediction of individual premium increases. Actual insurance costs vary depending on the property's location, characteristics, coverage, and provider.

When Should You Shop for Homeowners Insurance When Buying a Home in North County San Diego?

It's a good idea to start comparing homeowners insurance quotes early in the homebuying process, ideally before finalizing your purchase.

For buyers in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and surrounding communities, getting quotes early can help you understand potential insurance costs, compare coverage options, and avoid last-minute surprises before closing.

About Patricia Villanueva | North County San Diego Real Estate Agent

Patricia Villanueva is a local real estate agent serving homebuyers and sellers throughout North County San Diego, including Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and surrounding communities.

Whether you're looking to buy a home in North County San Diego, search for homes for sale, sell your current property, find out what your home is worth, or relocate to the area, Patricia Villanueva provides personalized real estate guidance to help you navigate the process.

From exploring local housing market trends and finding available homes to preparing a property for sale and evaluating offers, Patricia Villanueva helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions based on their individual goals.

Looking for a local real estate agent in North County San Diego? Contact Patricia Villanueva to discuss your homebuying or selling goals in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, or nearby communities.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, mortgage, or insurance advice. Real estate market conditions and information may change, and individual circumstances vary. While information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, accuracy is not guaranteed. Consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.