Insurance Market Risk Checker
Evaluate the health of your local homeowners insurance market using FIO data. Enter your ZIP code on our ZIP lookup to see premium trends, loss ratios, and nonrenewal rates, then use this guide to interpret what the numbers mean for you.
How to Assess Your Area's Risk
1. Check Premium Trend: Look up your ZIP code and compare the average premium to your state average. Premium growth above 25% over the 2018-2022 period signals a market under pressure.
2. Evaluate Loss Ratio: A loss ratio consistently above 70% means insurers are paying out a high proportion of premiums as claims. Above 100% means they are losing money, premium increases are virtually guaranteed.
3. Monitor Nonrenewal Rate: Nonrenewal rates above your state average indicate insurers are actively reducing exposure in your area. This is the strongest early warning of a deteriorating market.
4. Consider Claim Frequency: High claim frequency relative to other ZIP codes in your state suggests elevated local risk factors, weather, crime, aging housing stock, or other drivers.
Risk Signal Reference
| Metric | Healthy | Caution | Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loss Ratio | Below 50% | 50-80% | Above 80% |
| 5yr Premium Growth | Below 15% | 15-30% | Above 30% |
| Nonrenewal Rate | Below state avg | At state avg | Above state avg |
What to Do Based on Your Results
All Healthy: Your area's insurance market is stable. Focus on maintaining adequate coverage and reviewing your policy annually. Consider raising your deductible to reduce premiums if your financial situation allows.
Mixed Signals: Some metrics show stress. Begin shopping for alternatives proactively, do not wait until renewal. Investigate resilience improvements that might qualify for discounts.
Multiple Concerns: Your area's market is under significant pressure. Shop aggressively, consider state-backed plans as a backup, and invest in mitigation if economically justified. Budget for continued premium increases.
Disclaimer: This tool provides general guidance based on FIO aggregate data. Your individual insurance situation depends on property-specific factors, coverage levels, and insurer. Consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized advice.
Every figure on PlainInsure is rendered directly from U.S. Treasury Federal Insurance Office data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on U.S. Treasury FIO data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.