Free calculator
How much home insurance do I need?
Estimate your dwelling replacement cost from square footage and a rebuild cost per square foot you control, then see suggested contents and liability starting points.
Estimates only, not a quote. This tool gives a rough starting point based on the numbers you enter. It is not an offer of insurance, a premium quote or advice for your situation. Actual coverage, limits and pricing depend on the insurance company, underwriting and the options you choose.
Estimate your home coverage
| Dwelling (Coverage A) replacement cost | $440,000 |
|---|---|
| Other structures (Coverage B, ~10%) | $44,000 |
| Personal property / contents (Coverage C) | $220,000 |
| Suggested personal liability (Coverage E) | $300,000 personal liability (many advisors treat $100,000 as too low) |
Replacement cost is what it would take to rebuild, not your home’s market value or purchase price. Land is not included.
How this home insurance calculator works
Your dwelling limit (Coverage A) should be high enough to rebuild your house from the foundation up after a total loss. The calculator multiplies your finished square footage by a rebuild cost per square foot, then adds anything you enter for features that square footage doesn’t capture, like a finished basement or a premium kitchen.
From that dwelling figure it estimates other structures (Coverage B, commonly about 10% of the dwelling) for a detached garage, fence or shed, and contents (Coverage C) using the percentage you choose. Liability suggestions scale with the net worth you want to protect.
Why rebuild costs matter in North Carolina
Labor and material costs move over time, and an older Raleigh home with plaster walls or a custom build in Wake Forest can cost more to replace than a newer production home of the same size. Ask about extended or guaranteed replacement cost and building ordinance coverage, which help when rebuilding has to meet current code. Remember that standard homeowners policies exclude flood; see our flood insurance page.
Ready to compare policies? Visit our home insurance page or bundle home and auto.
Want real numbers?
Send us a quick quote request and a Shadow Lake advisor will compare options from the insurance companies we represent.
FAQ
Calculator FAQ
Is my home’s replacement cost the same as its market value?
No. Market value includes the land and reflects what buyers will pay. Replacement cost is what it would take to rebuild the structure with similar materials and quality after a total loss. In the Triangle the two numbers can be far apart in either direction.
What cost per square foot should I use?
There is no single right number. Builder-grade construction costs less to rebuild than custom work with hardwood, stone, tall ceilings or detailed trim. Insurance companies use their own replacement cost estimators, so treat this calculator as a sanity check and adjust the per-square-foot figure until it reflects your finishes.
How much contents (personal property) coverage do I need?
Many homeowners policies set contents at a percentage of the dwelling limit, often 50% to 70%. A room-by-room inventory is the best way to check whether that is enough, and jewelry, art or collections may need separate scheduled coverage.
How much personal liability coverage should I carry on my home policy?
Liability limits should reflect what you could lose in a lawsuit. Many households choose $300,000 or $500,000, and those with more savings or a pool, trampoline or dog often add an umbrella policy for $1 million or more.
Is this calculator a quote?
No. It is an estimate only and not an offer of insurance. Actual dwelling limits are set using the insurance company’s replacement cost tools, and pricing depends on underwriting.