If you're shopping for home insurance in Jacksonville, North Carolina, here's what you need to know upfront: this isn't an easy market. Between hurricane risk, flood zones along the New River, and ongoing rate hikes hitting coastal communities, Jacksonville homeowners are facing some of the highest insurance costs in the state. The average policy here runs about $6,330 per year—more than four times the national average—and that number is climbing.
But here's the good news: understanding why rates are high and what you can do about it puts you in control. Whether you're stationed at Camp Lejeune, own rental properties for military families, or you're a long-time resident of Onslow County, this guide will walk you through the unique insurance challenges in Jacksonville and show you how to get the coverage you need without overpaying.
Why Jacksonville Home Insurance Costs Are So High
Jacksonville sits in a particularly vulnerable spot. Onslow County has experienced 12 FEMA natural disaster declarations between 2015 and 2025—tied with Wilmington for the most in North Carolina. That track record doesn't go unnoticed by insurance companies. Every time a hurricane like Florence or Dorian tears through the area, insurers pay out millions in claims. They respond by raising rates for everyone in the risk zone.
The rate hikes are real and recent. North Carolina's insurance commissioner approved a settlement in January 2025 that will increase base rates by 7.5% in June 2025 and another 7.5% in June 2026. But coastal areas like Jacksonville face even steeper increases: 16% in 2025 and 15.9% in 2026. The reason? Soaring reinsurance costs—essentially, the insurance that insurance companies buy to protect themselves from catastrophic losses. When reinsurance gets expensive, those costs trickle down to you.
ZIP codes matter too. If you live in 28544, you're looking at an average of $2,942 per year. Over in 28546, that jumps to $3,456. The difference comes down to proximity to water, elevation, and historical claim data in your specific neighborhood.
Flood Insurance: Not Optional in Jacksonville
Here's a critical point that catches people off guard: your standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. None of them do. If the New River overflows its banks or a hurricane storm surge pushes water into your home, you're on your own unless you have a separate flood insurance policy.
Fortunately, Onslow County participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which means you can buy federally-backed flood insurance. Jacksonville specifically is a Community Rating System (CRS) Class 8, which earns residents a 5-10% discount on flood premiums depending on your location. That's a small break, but it helps.
You don't have to be in a high-risk flood zone to buy flood insurance, and you shouldn't wait until a storm is forecasted—there's a 30-day waiting period before coverage kicks in. Maximum coverage under the NFIP is $250,000 for the structure and $100,000 for contents. If your home is worth more, consider a private flood policy to cover the gap.
One more thing: new flood maps took effect in January 2025. If you haven't checked your flood zone recently, now's the time. These updated maps can shift properties in or out of high-risk zones, which directly affects whether your mortgage lender requires flood insurance and how much you'll pay.
Special Considerations for Military Families and Landlords
Jacksonville's identity is deeply tied to Camp Lejeune. The base brings tens of thousands of Marines and their families to the area, creating a massive rental market. If you own a property you're renting to military families, a standard homeowners policy won't cut it. You need a landlord or dwelling fire policy, which covers the structure when you're not living there and includes liability protection if a tenant or their guest gets injured on your property.
If you're a service member renting off-base, make sure you understand what your landlord's policy covers (spoiler: not your stuff). You'll want renters insurance to protect your belongings and give you liability coverage. It's cheap—often less than $20 a month—and it's worth it.
For active-duty families who own a home in Jacksonville but get orders to another duty station, you'll likely convert your homeowners policy to a landlord policy when you start renting it out. Talk to your agent before you list the property—being transparent about occupancy keeps your coverage valid.
Hurricane Deductibles and Wind Mitigation Discounts
North Carolina requires coastal homeowners to carry a separate hurricane deductible, which is typically a percentage of your home's insured value rather than a flat dollar amount. If your home is insured for $300,000 and you have a 2% hurricane deductible, you're paying the first $6,000 out of pocket if a named storm damages your property. Make sure you know what your deductible is and that you can afford it if the worst happens.
On the flip side, North Carolina law requires insurers to offer discounts to homeowners in coastal counties who install certified wind mitigation features. We're talking about things like hurricane shutters, reinforced garage doors, roof-to-wall clips, and impact-resistant shingles. If your home was built after certain code updates or if you've made upgrades, ask your insurer about wind mitigation discounts. These can shave hundreds off your annual premium.
What to Do If You Can't Find Affordable Coverage
If you've been denied coverage or the quotes you're getting are astronomical, North Carolina offers two safety nets: the FAIR Plan and the Coastal Property Insurance Pool. These are last-resort options designed to provide basic coverage when the private market won't. The coverage is more limited and often more expensive than a standard policy, but it's better than going uninsured.
Before you go that route, shop around aggressively. Rates vary wildly between companies. State Farm, for example, has been quoted at an average of $2,845 annually in Jacksonville—significantly lower than the area average. Get quotes from at least three insurers, and consider working with an independent agent who can compare multiple carriers for you.
How to Get Started
Start by gathering the details about your home: square footage, year built, roof age, heating and cooling systems, and any upgrades or wind mitigation features. Know your home's replacement cost, not just its market value—that's what insurers use to determine coverage limits.
Check your flood zone using FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and get a flood insurance quote even if you're not in a high-risk zone. Review your current policy if you have one—make sure your coverage limits still make sense and that you're taking advantage of all available discounts.
Living in Jacksonville means accepting some level of risk, but that doesn't mean you should overpay for coverage or go without the protection you need. Take the time to understand your options, compare quotes, and ask questions. The right policy is out there—you just have to know what to look for.
