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Cincinnati Homeowners Insurance Review 2024
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.
Assistant 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 on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. 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.
Cincinnati Insurance
4.5
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
- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
- No online quotes.
Cincinnati Insurance
4.5
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
- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Has special coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Cons
- No online quotes.
About Cincinnati home insurance
4.5
NerdWallet ratingCincinnati homeowners insurance earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for overall performance. Cincinnati Insurance sells homeowners insurance policies through local independent agents. Despite the company’s name, Cincinnati homeowners insurance is available in most U.S. states. The insurer offers customizable policies for standard homes plus more comprehensive coverage packages for higher-value homes.
Our star ratings are based on consumer complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners; financial strength grades from AM Best; coverage and discounts available; and the overall consumer experience. See our criteria for evaluating home insurance companies.
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines that ensure fairness and accuracy in order to help you choose the financial products that work best for you. Here is a list of our partners and here’s how we make money.
Where Cincinnati home insurance stands out
Customer service. The company’s ultra-low volume of consumer complaints suggests that it treats its policyholders well.
Options for high-value homes. Cincinnati’s policies for expensive houses come with high coverage limits and lots of perks.
Where Cincinnati home insurance falls short
No online quotes. Cincinnati homeowners policies are available only through agents.
State availability
Cincinnati Insurance sells homeowners insurance policies in all states except Alaska, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
Cincinnati home insurance 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?
Beyond the standard types of coverage above, Cincinnati Insurance also offers a service to help protect your home from wildfires in select Western states.
You may be able to add the following options to your policy:
Identity theft coverage, which pays up to $25,000 toward expenses related to regaining your identity.
Personal cyber coverage, which pays to restore lost data, respond to extortion demands or recover from online fraud.
Water damage coverage, which pays for damage from backed-up drains or a malfunctioning sump pump.
For policyholders with higher-value homes, Cincinnati Insurance offers more comprehensive policies with higher limits and a wide range of optional add-ons.
For example, Cincinnati offers an Executive Select policy for homes with a dwelling coverage limit of $750,000 or above. This policy includes extended replacement cost coverage, which pays up to double your dwelling coverage limit to rebuild your home after a disaster in case it costs more than expected.
Cincinnati’s Executive Capstone policy for houses that would cost $1 million or more to rebuild includes guaranteed replacement cost for your home in most states. With this coverage, the company will pay whatever it takes to rebuild your home after a covered disaster, even if it’s above your dwelling coverage limit.
Optional add-ons include equipment breakdown coverage, which can pay to repair or replace major home appliances, and service line coverage for power and other utility lines.
Discounts
Depending on where you live, you may be able to save money on your homeowners policy by:
Bundling home and car insurance with Cincinnati.
Having a newer house.
Installing protective devices such as sprinkler or central burglar alarm systems.
Consumer complaints
Cincinnati Insurance drew far fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for home insurance, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Consumer experience
Website: The Cincinnati Insurance website offers an agent search feature plus basic information on homeowners and other types of insurance. Create an online account to make payments, view policy documents and report claims.
App: Cincinnati’s app offers policy information, bill payments, claims reporting and agent contact details. It’s available for both iOS and Android.
Claims: You can report a homeowners claim through your online account, on the mobile app or by phone at 877-242-2544. You can also call your agent. Once you’ve filed your claim, you can check its status on the website or app. For advice, see how to file a home insurance claim.
Customer service: You can get help with your policy by contacting your independent agent or calling the company directly at 888-242-8811. You can also email [email protected]. Customer service is available every day but Sunday.
Cincinnati homeowners insurance: The bottom line
Cincinnati Insurance may be a good fit for you if you want to discuss your coverage options with an independent agent before buying. If you’re looking for quick online quotes, you may want to look elsewhere.
Cincinnati Insurance may also suit you if you have a high-value home that needs comprehensive coverage.
Other home insurance companies to consider
Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:
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. 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 | 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 |
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. Far 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 | 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 |
Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About average | Coverage Ratings are based on the types of coverage a company offers in comparison to other insurers. About 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. 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 | Discounts Ratings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers. Great set of discounts |
Bottom line Sells homeowners policies through local independent agents across the U.S. | Bottom line Widely available across the U.S. with lots of ways to customize your policy, but receives more complaints than expected. | Bottom line Those seeking policy add-ons like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers. |
Cincinnati Insurance sells auto, umbrella, watercraft, renters, life and business insurance, among other products.
Cincinnati Insurance has been in business since 1950, and it's earned high financial strength ratings from agencies such as AM Best and Fitch. It also draws significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cincinnati Insurance sells its policies through independent agents. You can search for one near you on the company’s website.
Cincinnati Insurance sells auto, umbrella, watercraft, renters, life and business insurance, among other products.
Cincinnati Insurance has been in business since 1950, and it's earned high financial strength ratings from agencies such as AM Best and Fitch. It also draws significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Cincinnati Insurance sells its policies through independent agents. You can search for one near you on the company’s website.
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 2021-2023. 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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