Why Did My Homeowners Insurance Increase?
Homeowners insurance is rising across Washington because claims and rebuilding costs have climbed. Rates at the state's largest insurers rose 21.7% in a single year. Washington law lets you ask your insurer to explain your increase in writing.
The renewal notice shows up, the premium is up by a few hundred dollars, and nothing about your house has changed. You did not file a claim. So what happened?
Mostly, it is not about you. It is about what happened to everyone's claims at once.
How much rates have risen
The Washington State Standard reported figures from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner: homeowner rates among Washington's top 20 insurers rose 21.7% year over year as of December 1, 2024.
Claims are the reason. The same report says homeowner claim costs in Washington went from about $941 million in 2018 to nearly $2 billion in 2023.
Washington homeowner insurance claim costs
2023: Nearly $2 billion
2018: About $941 million
Source: Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner figures, as reported by the Washington State Standard.
When claims double in five years, premiums follow. Insurify projects another 4.4% increase for Washington in 2026.
The five usual causes
- Rebuilding costs. Lumber, labor, and materials cost more than they did a few years ago. Your premium is tied to the cost of rebuilding your home, so it rises even if nothing else changes.
- Bigger and more frequent losses. Wildfire, windstorms, and heavy rain have insurers rethinking risk across the region.
- Your coverage amount went up. Many policies raise the dwelling limit automatically each year to keep up with construction costs. A higher limit means a higher premium.
- Something about your home. An aging roof, a claim, or a change in how the insurer rates your area.
- Something about you. In Washington, insurers can use factors such as credit history. A change there can move your rate.
You can ask why
This is the part most people do not know. Since June 1, 2024, Washington requires insurers to tell you on your renewal notice or bill that you can request details about a premium increase. If you ask, the insurer has to give a reasonable explanation within 20 days, including the main factors behind the change. FOX 13 Seattle covered the rule when it took effect.
A second phase starts June 1, 2027. From then on, when a premium rises 10% or more, the insurer has to send that explanation automatically at least 20 days before renewal.
So ask. The answer tells you whether you are dealing with a statewide rate increase or something specific you can fix.
What you can do
| Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Request the explanation | You find out which factor moved |
| Check your dwelling limit | You may be insured for more than it would cost to rebuild |
| Raise your deductible | Lower premium, if you have savings to cover a loss |
| Report improvements | A new roof or updated wiring can lower the rate |
| Bundle policies | Home and auto together often earn a discount |
| Shop it | An independent agent can quote several companies |
If you believe an insurer is treating you unfairly, the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner handles consumer complaints.
Watch the mortgage payment
If you pay insurance through an escrow account, a premium increase raises your mortgage payment at the next escrow review. Often it comes with a catch-up for the months your account was short. I explain how that works in my post on why a mortgage payment goes up.
What not to do
Do not drop coverage to save money. Your lender requires it, and a lapse lets the lender buy a policy for you at a much higher price. Do not underinsure the house to shave the premium either. After a fire is a bad time to learn the limit was too low.
When the roof is the problem
On older Puyallup homes, the roof is often what an insurer flags. If a company tells you it will not renew because of the roof, get that in writing and get a roofer's assessment. Sometimes cleaning and repairs are enough. Sometimes it is time to replace it. If you are a few years from selling, that decision affects your sale too.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my homeowners insurance go up when I did not file a claim?
Most increases reflect statewide costs. Washington homeowner claim costs roughly doubled between 2018 and 2023, and rates at the state's top 20 insurers rose 21.7% in the year ending December 1, 2024.
Can I make my insurance company explain a rate increase in Washington?
Yes. Since June 1, 2024, you can request an explanation and the insurer must respond within 20 days with the main factors behind the increase.
How can I lower my homeowners insurance premium?
Shop with other companies, raise your deductible, bundle with auto, report improvements such as a new roof, and confirm your dwelling limit matches the real cost to rebuild.
Will a higher insurance premium raise my mortgage payment?
Yes, if you pay insurance through escrow. The servicer adjusts your payment at the next escrow review.
Related reading
- Homeowners Insurance in Puyallup: Costs and Coverage Gaps
- Why Is My Mortgage Payment Going Up?
- Why Did My Puyallup Property Taxes Go Up?
- Flood Insurance Cost in Puyallup
Is your housing payment getting out of hand? Reach out.
Insurance and taxes are pushing monthly costs up for a lot of Puyallup owners. If you are wondering whether to stay, refinance, or move, call, text, or email me and we will look at the numbers.
Austin Robertson
Real Estate Broker, Robertson & Co.
253.225.2395 | austin@robertsonand.co
For people building something worth keeping.
Equal Housing Opportunity. Austin Robertson, License # 21036843, Austin Robertson and Allena Robertson Real Estate Brokers, regulated by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL). This article is general information only. It is not legal, tax, insurance, lending, or construction advice, and it is not an appraisal of any property. Costs, rates, and rules change. Confirm the details with the sources linked above before you act.
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