Home Insurance Coverage Calculator — Replacement Cost Estimate
The #1 home insurance mistake is insuring the market price instead of the rebuild cost. Land doesn't burn; construction costs are what matter. Estimate your dwelling coverage from square footage and local build costs.
US average ~$150–200; coastal metros and custom builds run higher.
- Personal property (50–70% of A)
- $210,000.00
- Loss of use (20% of A)
- $70,000.00
How this calculator works
- Dwelling coverage = square footage × local per-square-foot construction cost × quality factor. Standard policies then derive personal property (50–70%), loss of use (~20%), and other structures (~10%) from that number.
- Ask your insurer about 'extended replacement cost' (adds 25–50% cushion) — after regional disasters, construction costs spike exactly when everyone rebuilds at once.
Frequently asked questions
Why not insure the purchase price?
Market value includes land (often 20–50% of the price), which no disaster destroys — while a hot construction market can push rebuild costs above the home's market value. The two numbers are simply different things.
What liability limit should I carry?
At least $300k, and $500k if you have meaningful assets — plus an umbrella policy above that. Liability is the cheapest part of the premium to increase.
Is flood or earthquake covered?
No — standard homeowners policies exclude both. Flood requires separate NFIP or private coverage; earthquake needs its own policy or endorsement. Check your actual hazard exposure, not just the mortgage requirement.
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Disclaimer: Results are estimates for educational purposes only and are not tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax rules are simplified (credits, phase-outs, and local taxes may not be modeled). Verify important decisions with the IRS, your state tax authority, or a licensed professional.