If you’re buying a home, insurance costs are still climbing — but the pace of those increases is finally starting to slow. Here’s what that means for your budget as you shop for a home in St. Johns County, St. Augustine, and Nocatee.
Between mortgage rates and home prices, there’s already a lot to track when you’re house hunting. Homeowners insurance can easily get pushed to the back burner — but it’s a cost that deserves a seat at the table early in your search, especially here in Northeast Florida where coastal proximity plays a real role in premiums.
Home Insurance Costs Have Gone Up
You’ve probably heard friends or family talk about their premiums climbing, and the data backs that up. Pew Research Center reports that 71% of homeowners say their insurance costs have increased over the past few years.
Here’s how that typically shows up in your homebuying timeline:
- Your first insurance payment is usually rolled into your closing costs
- After that, it becomes part of your regular monthly housing expense
- Getting a quote early helps you budget with fewer surprises down the road
Premiums Are Rising, But the Pace Is Easing
The headlines tend to focus on rising costs, and that part is accurate. What often gets missed is this: premiums are still going up, just not as quickly as they were.
According to the latest report from Rate Insurance, 2025 marked the first slowdown in annual premium increases since 2019.
That doesn’t mean prices are dropping — it means the sharp jumps of recent years may be starting to level off, which is a welcome shift for buyers trying to plan ahead.
Where You Buy Makes a Difference
Insurance costs vary by location because some areas see more claims than others, and Florida’s coastal exposure is part of that equation. Your premium will ultimately depend on where you buy, the home itself, and the coverage you choose. Forbes data offers a helpful state-by-state comparison if you want a general sense of typical costs before narrowing in on local numbers.
Ways to Lower Your Costs
While you can’t control every factor, you can control how prepared you are. Insurify and NerdWallet point to a few strategies that tend to make the biggest difference:
- Shop around — compare quotes from multiple insurance companies
- Bundle policies — pairing home and auto coverage can lower your rate
- Ask about discounts — you may qualify for savings you’re not aware of
- Highlight upgrades — a new roof or storm windows can reduce your premium
- Improve your credit — a stronger score often means a better rate
One of the smartest moves you can make is getting an insurance quote before you submit an offer. That way, you’ll have a clear picture of your full monthly housing cost before you commit — and a local insurance professional can help you find coverage that fits both your needs and your budget.
FAQs
Is homeowners insurance included in my closing costs? Your first insurance payment is typically included at closing, and after that it becomes part of your ongoing monthly housing expense.
Why is home insurance so much more expensive in Florida? Coastal areas like Northeast Florida tend to see more weather-related claims, and that risk is reflected in local premiums alongside factors like the home’s age, features, and chosen coverage.
When should I get a homeowners insurance quote? It’s best to get a quote before you make an offer, so you know your full expected housing cost and can budget with confidence.
Bottom Line
Homeowners insurance has become a bigger part of the homebuying conversation, but it doesn’t have to become a bigger source of stress. Get a quote early, build it into your budget, and lean on trusted local professionals to help you make the most informed decision.
If you are considering buying or selling in Northeast Florida, contact Danielle Fraser, P.A.
Call or text 904-907-4559 , email danielle@