When you're buying a home in Parker, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, or anywhere in the Denver area, it's important to look beyond the purchase price and mortgage payment. Homeowners insurance is one of those expenses that can make a real difference in your monthly budget. And if you've owned a home in Colorado for a while, you already know insurance costs have been a challenge.
Here's some encouraging news: recent national research shows that premium increases are slowing. Even better, shopping around for coverage may help you save money.
Home Insurance Premiums Are Still Rising, But More Slowly
According to Intercontinental Exchange's September 2026 Mortgage Monitor, property insurance accounts for about 9.6% of the average monthly mortgage payment nationally. Premiums rose 4.3% in a single quarter in mid-2024, compared with 1.8% in the second quarter of 2026.
That's not the same as saying insurance is getting cheaper. But it does suggest the pace of increases has eased, which is welcome news for homeowners and buyers alike.
One Simple Step Could Save Hundreds of Dollars
Here's the number that caught my attention. ICE found that homeowners who switched insurance companies saw their premiums decline by an average of 6.6%, while those who stayed with their existing insurer experienced an average increase of 10.4%. For those who switched, the average savings worked out to roughly $440 per year.
That's a national average, not a guarantee of what you'll save here in Parker. Still, it makes a compelling case for getting a few competitive quotes rather than automatically renewing the same policy every year.
And price isn't everything. Compare the coverage limits, replacement-cost provisions, exclusions, and deductibles carefully. A cheaper policy isn't a bargain if it leaves you underinsured.
Why Colorado Homeowners Need To Pay Special Attention
Having lived and worked in the Parker area for decades, we've seen how important it is to understand the details of a home before making a purchase. That includes insurance.
In Parker, Castle Rock, Franktown, Elizabeth, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and Aurora, hail and severe storms can be especially important considerations. A home's roof age, roofing materials, prior damage, and the insurer's wind-and-hail deductible can all affect the cost and value of a policy.
One detail I encourage buyers to ask about is whether the wind-and-hail deductible is a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the home's insured value. That difference can be substantial when you have a claim.
If you're purchasing a home, don't wait until the week before closing to investigate insurance. Get quotes early, especially if the home has an older roof or a history of storm damage.
Could a Newer Home Cost Less To Insure?
National research cited by John Burns Research and Consulting suggests newer homes can cost about 10% to 15% less to insure than older homes. That doesn't mean every newly built home in Colorado will be cheaper to insure, but newer roofing systems and building materials can sometimes make a difference.
Whether you're considering new construction or an established Parker neighborhood, ask for an insurance estimate on the actual property before making your final decision.
My Suggestions for Buyers and Current Homeowners
- Get multiple quotes. Compare at least three carriers or ask an independent insurance agent to help.
- Review your policy every year. Don't assume your renewal is the best available rate.
- Check hail and roof coverage. Understand deductibles, exclusions, and whether roof claims are settled on replacement cost or actual cash value.
- Ask about discounts. Bundling home and auto, qualifying roofing materials, and safety features may help.
- Compare equal coverage. Make sure lower premiums aren't simply the result of higher deductibles or reduced protection.
Bottom Line
Whether you're buying your first home, moving to Parker, or have lived here for years, homeowners insurance deserves a little extra attention. Shopping around could save you money, and understanding the coverage could save you from an unpleasant surprise later.
Bob and Cheryl Bustin at Parker Colorado Home Center, RE/MAX Alliance, are always happy to help you think through the many details involved in buying or selling a home in Parker and the surrounding communities. Explore Parker Colorado Home Center and reach out whenever we can help.
Sources: ICE Mortgage Monitor, September 2026; John Burns Research and Consulting figures cited by Green Builder Media. National averages may not reflect individual Colorado premiums.