Home rebuild cost coverage check
Compare your dwelling coverage with an estimate of what it would cost to rebuild your home, and see whether you might fall short.
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Insure for the cost to rebuild, not the price you paid
Dwelling coverage (often called Coverage A) should be enough to rebuild your home at today’s labor and material costs. That’s different from your home’s market value or purchase price, which include the land and depend on the housing market.
For the best estimate, ask your insurer or agent for their replacement cost estimate, or ask a local builder for a cost per square foot. This tool doesn’t supply construction costs, because they vary widely by location and home.
Your coverage check
- Estimated cost to rebuild
- 80% of that estimate
- Your limit is
Your limit is below 80% of the estimated rebuild cost (; ).
Many homeowners policies pay full replacement cost for damage to your home only if your dwelling limit is at least 80% of the cost to rebuild. Below that, the policy may pay less than the cost of repairs, even for a partial loss. Ask your insurer or agent to review your limit.
Your limit may not cover a total loss (; ).
If your home were destroyed, you could pay the difference yourself. Ask whether raising your limit or adding extended replacement cost coverage makes sense.
Based on your estimate, your limit covers the cost to rebuild. Recheck it every year and after renovations, because construction costs change.
Add your dwelling coverage limit to compare it with the estimate.
Enter square feet and a cost per square foot, or a full rebuild estimate, to see results.
Before you change your limit
- Your policy decides how claims are paid. Check the loss settlement section for replacement cost or actual cash value, and for any minimum coverage requirement.
- Extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage can pay above your limit, up to a set percentage or amount, if rebuilding costs more than expected.
- Ordinance or law coverage helps pay to bring a damaged home up to current building codes, which a basic policy may limit.
- Flood and earthquake damage usually aren’t covered by a standard homeowners policy.
About this estimate
This calculator is general education, not insurance, financial, or legal advice. It uses simple math on the numbers you enter and can’t account for everything about your situation. Your policy, your insurer’s rules, and your state’s requirements control what is covered and what it costs.
For advice about your own coverage, talk with a licensed insurance agent. Questions about an insurer or agent can go to your state insurance department.
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