5 Sacrifices Homeowners Are Making As They Struggle to Afford Home Insurance — and the Most Common Tip for Saving

For some homeowners, insurance premiums are more than just an annoyance.

As rates climb across the country, a new survey reveals that the cost of coverage is pushing homeowners to the brink, and Americans are taking drastic measures just to keep their property protected.

According to a recent report from Insurify, a virtual insurance agent, 57% of homeowners have made financial sacrifices to maintain their insurance coverage. Even more alarming, 45% of respondents say they’re actively struggling to afford their premiums.

The data, collected from an online survey of more than 1,000 homeowners conducted in late 2025, highlights a troubling trend where housing costs are cannibalizing basic necessities.

Here are the sacrifices homeowners are making to keep their policies active and the step you can take to lower your own costs.

1. Cutting back on nonessentials

The survey found that 30% of homeowners have slashed their budgets for nonessentials, like eating out and traveling. While this is a standard response to inflation, it highlights how insurance is crowding out discretionary income.

2. Delaying home maintenance

About 22% of homeowners report they’ve put off necessary home repairs to pay their insurance premiums.

That’s a risky gamble. Neglecting maintenance — like a leaky roof or aging pipes — increases the risk of the very damage insurance is designed to cover.

And if an insurer determines that damage resulted from negligence rather than a sudden accident, they may deny the claim entirely, leaving you with the bill for the repair and the premium.

3. Taking on debt

The data shows that 15% of homeowners have taken on credit card debt or loans specifically to pay for their home insurance. For those already identified as “struggling” in the survey, that number jumps to 25%.

With interest rates remaining high, financing insurance premiums through credit cards creates a cycle of debt that can be difficult to break.

4. Borrowing from family and friends

Approximately 12% of respondents admitted they have had to borrow money from friends or family members to keep their homes insured. This trend is particularly stark among younger generations, with Gen Z and millennials being significantly more likely to ask for financial help than baby boomers.

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5. Skipping meals

According to the report, roughly 10% of homeowners said they have skipped meals to afford their premiums. This statistic underscores that, for a segment of the population, housing costs have moved beyond uncomfortable and into unaffordable.

The best way to save

If you’re struggling with the cost of you homeowners policy premium, you don’t have to skip meals to find relief. Industry experts point to one golden rule for savings: shopping around. Yet, according to Insurify, only 27% of respondents report researching other policies as a way to save.

Insurance rates vary vastly between carriers for the same coverage. Loyalty rarely pays off in the insurance industry, so if you haven’t compared quotes in the last two years, you’re likely overpaying. It takes just minutes when you use an online comparison tool like this one.

It’s also wise to ask about bundling home and auto policies. It’s one of the easiest ways to save on your annual bill.