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Kin Home Insurance Review 2024
![Sarah Schlichter](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sarah-Schlichter-headshot-square-160x160.jpg)
Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
![Caitlin Constantine](https://www.nerdwallet.com/assets/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Caitlin-Constantine-160x160.jpeg)
Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
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Kin
3.0
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Offers private flood insurance you can add to your homeowners policy in some states.
- Easy online quotes.
- Lots of useful insurance information on its website.
Cons
- Limited state availability.
- Pet liability coverage costs extra.
- No bundling discount.
Kin
3.0
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Pros
- Offers private flood insurance you can add to your homeowners policy in some states.
- Easy online quotes.
- Lots of useful insurance information on its website.
Cons
- Limited state availability.
- Pet liability coverage costs extra.
- No bundling discount.
Kin home insurance review
3.0
NerdWallet ratingKin homeowners insurance earned 3 out of 5 stars for overall performance. Founded in 2016, Kin Insurance seeks to lower costs for high-risk homes by relying on technology and selling directly to consumers instead of through agents.
Kin stands out for its user-friendly website. You can get quotes, file claims and find information without having to work with an agent, though personalized assistance is available as well. The company also offers private flood insurance with more generous coverage limits and shorter waiting periods than policies from the federal government.
The company's limited reach is the biggest drawback, as most Americans don't live in a state where they can buy a Kin policy. It’s also not ideal if you’re looking to bundle all your policies together — Kin doesn’t offer auto, boat or many other types of insurance.
What's new with Kin?
In 2024, Kin expanded its coverage area to Texas. The company now offers homeowners and mobile home insurance in the Lone Star State.
State availability
Kin currently offers new homeowners policies in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
Coverage
You can customize your homeowners policy with numerous add-ons, but below are the types of coverage that generally come standard:
Type of coverage | What it does |
---|---|
Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home. | |
Covers damage to unattached structures such as sheds or fences. | |
Pays to repair or replace personal belongings such as furniture or clothing. | |
Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs. | |
Covers legal expenses and damages if you're responsible for injuries to other people or their property. | |
Covers injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault. |
For more details, see What Does Homeowners Insurance Cover?
In addition to the basic coverage above, Kin may also offer:
Replacement cost coverage for personal property. Many insurance companies cover your belongings on an “actual cash value” basis unless you choose otherwise. For example, if a fire destroys your 15-year-old sofa and you have actual cash value coverage, your insurer will pay out only enough to buy another 15-year-old sofa. With replacement cost coverage, you’d receive enough money to buy a brand-new sofa.
Ordinance or law coverage. This pays expenses associated with rebuilding your home to comply with the latest building codes.
Extended dwelling coverage. If you select this option, Kin will pay more than your dwelling coverage limit if rebuilding your home after a disaster costs more than expected.
Identity fraud insurance. This coverage pays for fees and lost income associated with recovering your identity.
Animal liability coverage. If your dog bites someone outside your household, many insurance companies would pay for ensuing medical or legal expenses as part of their standard personal liability coverage. But with Kin, you may have to add this coverage to your policy as an endorsement if you need it.
The average dog bite claim costs tens of thousands of dollars, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Water backup coverage. This type of insurance pays for damage due to backed-up drains or sump pump failures.
Hurricane screen enclosure coverage. This endorsement provides coverage for the frame of a swimming pool’s screen enclosure.
Personal injury liability coverage. This endorsement expands your liability coverage to include scenarios such as libel or slander.
What’s not covered
Like most home insurers, Kin doesn’t cover damage due to earthquakes, neglect or general wear and tear. If you’re running a business from your home, it won’t cover any liability claims related to your work either. (Learn more about business liability insurance.)
While Kin’s homeowners insurance policies don’t cover flood damage either, the company offers flood insurance you may be able to buy separately.
A note for homeowners with pets
The fact that Kin doesn’t always include animal liability coverage in its homeowners policies is somewhat unusual in the industry. If you have a pet, especially a dog that might bite or injure someone else, you’ll want to check your policy and buy the extra coverage if it’s not included. Breed restrictions may apply.
Discounts
Discounts vary by state, but you may be able to save on your Kin premium by:
Having security or fire alarms.
Taking wind mitigation measures.
Having a new or hip-shaped roof.
Going without a claim for a set amount of time.
Opting to get your insurance documents electronically.
Having a water detection device.
Agreeing not to turn over your claims benefits to contractors.
Living in a neighborhood with a security guard.
Being a new homebuyer.
Living in an area with a private fire company.
Having a newly constructed home.
Being a senior or retiree.
Another way to lower your premium is to raise your homeowners insurance deductible, the amount that will be subtracted from your payout if you ever file a claim. Just be sure to choose an amount you’d feel comfortable covering out of your own pocket.
» MORE: The cheapest home insurance
Consumer complaints
Kin received more home insurance complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size, according to NerdWallet's analysis of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (NAIC home insurance complaints also cover other home policy types, including mobile home, renters and condo insurance.)
How to file a claim
You can file a Kin homeowners claim online or by phone. If you choose the online option, you can upload damage photos and other documentation. Kin says an adjuster will typically contact you within 24 hours.
You can check the status of your claim by logging into your online account. If your claim is approved, Kin can reimburse you via direct deposit or check.
Learn more about how to file a home insurance claim.
Digital experience
Kin’s website is easy to use and offers a wealth of information about homeowners insurance. It takes only a couple of minutes to get a quote on the Kin website. You can also make payments, file claims and view policy information.
Kin doesn't currently have a mobile app.
How to contact customer service
You can get help from Kin's support staff by submitting an email form on the website, calling 855-216-7674 or using the site's chat feature. Customer service is available every day but Sunday.
The bottom line
If you live in Kin's coverage area and are looking for an insurer with a strong online presence, Kin may be a good choice. However, it may not be a good fit if you’re looking to buy multiple insurance policies from the same place, such as auto, home and umbrella.
Current Product
NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 3.0 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.5 /5 | NerdWallet rating NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more. 4.0 /5 |
Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Fewer than expected | Complaints to NAIC Ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company's size, according to three years' worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. More than expected |
Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Below average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. More than average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average |
Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Average set of discounts | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line Provides homeowners insurance in high-risk states. | Bottom line Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options. | Bottom line Widely available across the U.S. with lots of ways to customize your policy, but receives more complaints than expected. |
Other home insurance companies to consider
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:
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Yes, Kin sells flood insurance as an add-on to its homeowners policies. Most flood insurance policies in the U.S. are underwritten by the National Flood Insurance Program, but Kin offers its own private flood insurance. Unlike NFIP coverage, which generally requires a 30-day waiting period, Kin’s flood insurance takes effect as soon as you purchase it.
Kin sells mobile home, landlord and second home policies in both Florida and Louisiana. It also offers condo insurance in Florida. In Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi, your policy can cover a primary home, a vacation home or a property you rent out to others. In Arizona and Virginia, your policy can cover a primary home or one you rent out.
The roof surface payment schedule endorsement could help you save money on your Kin homeowners insurance policy — if you’re willing to take a little risk. (An endorsement is an addition to a policy that changes its original terms.)
Say a hailstorm destroys your roof. Without the roof surface payment schedule endorsement, Kin would pay enough for you to buy a brand-new roof made of similar materials to the old one. But if you’ve chosen the endorsement, your home’s roof will be covered only for its actual cash value — which, on an older roof, could be significantly less than what it would cost to replace it. The endorsement applies only to hail and wind damage.
Adding a roof surface payment schedule endorsement to your policy could lower your premium or even help you get coverage when you might otherwise be denied for having too old a roof. But you’ll want to weigh the chance of not having enough coverage for your roof after a disaster.
Kin may deny or restrict coverage for homeowners with any of the following dog breeds:
Akita, American Staffordshire terrier, Beauceron, Belgian Malinois, bull mastiff, Caucasian mountain dog, chow, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, great Dane, keeshond, pit bull, Rottweiler, Staffordshire bull terrier and any wolf hybrid.
Learn more about dog liability insurance.
Yes, Kin sells flood insurance as an add-on to its homeowners policies. Most flood insurance policies in the U.S. are underwritten by the
National Flood Insurance Program
, but Kin offers its own private flood insurance. Unlike NFIP coverage, which generally requires a 30-day waiting period, Kin’s flood insurance takes effect as soon as you purchase it.
Kin sells mobile home, landlord and second home policies in both Florida and Louisiana. It also offers condo insurance in Florida. In Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi, your policy can cover a primary home, a vacation home or a property you rent out to others. In Arizona and Virginia, your policy can cover a primary home or one you rent out.
The roof surface payment schedule endorsement could help you save money on your Kin homeowners insurance policy — if you’re willing to take a little risk. (An endorsement is an addition to a policy that changes its original terms.)
Say a hailstorm destroys your roof. Without the roof surface payment schedule endorsement, Kin would pay enough for you to buy a brand-new roof made of similar materials to the old one. But if you’ve chosen the endorsement, your home’s roof will be covered only for its actual cash value — which, on an older roof, could be significantly less than what it would cost to replace it. The endorsement applies only to hail and wind damage.
Adding a roof surface payment schedule endorsement to your policy could lower your premium or even help you get coverage when you might otherwise be denied for having too old a roof. But you’ll want to weigh the chance of not having enough coverage for your roof after a disaster.
Kin may deny or restrict coverage for homeowners with any of the following dog breeds:
Akita, American Staffordshire terrier, Beauceron, Belgian Malinois, bull mastiff, Caucasian mountain dog, chow, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, great Dane, keeshond, pit bull, Rottweiler, Staffordshire bull terrier and any wolf hybrid.
Learn more about
dog liability insurance
.
Methodology
Homeowners insurance star ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverage, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full ratings methodology for home insurance.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2020-2022. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
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