hippo home insurance review — Hippo is a technology-driven home insurance company founded in 2015 in Palo Alto, California. Co-founders Assaf Wand and Eyal Navon built Hippo to modernize the homeowners insurance experience. The company uses data analytics and smart home technology to speed up quoting and reduce claims.
Hippo went public through a SPAC merger in 2021. Today, Hippo offers coverage in approximately 37 states across the United States. Its policies are underwritten by established carriers including Spinnaker Insurance Company, TOPA Insurance, and Swiss Re. This hippo home insurance review covers everything homeowners need to know about rates, coverage, discounts, and the claims experience.
Hippo Overview and Financial Strength
Hippo operates as a managing general agent rather than a traditional insurance carrier. This means Hippo designs and sells policies, but partner companies hold the financial risk. As a result, Hippo’s financial strength depends on its underwriting partners. Spinnaker Insurance Company is Hippo’s primary underwriter. A.M. Best affirmed Spinnaker’s Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) in January 2026.
However, the NAIC complaint data tells a different story. Spinnaker’s complaint index reached 4.45 for homeowners insurance in recent filings. That places it among the highest complaint ratios in the industry. A score of 1.00 represents the national median. Any score above 1.00 means more complaints than expected for the company’s market share. Hippo itself is too new to receive a J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating.
Here is a summary of Hippo’s ratings across major evaluation sources:
| Rating Source | Score / Grade |
|---|---|
| AM Best (via Spinnaker) | A- (Excellent) |
| J.D. Power | Not Rated |
| NAIC Complaint Index (Spinnaker) | 4.45 (well above median of 1.00) |
| BBB | A- rating, not accredited |
| Trustpilot | 2.1 out of 5 stars |
Hippo Home Insurance Review: Coverage Options
Hippo offers standard HO3 homeowners insurance policies. These provide open-peril coverage for the dwelling and named-peril coverage for personal property. Every policy includes the core coverages homeowners expect. Dwelling coverage protects the structure of your home. Personal property coverage pays to replace belongings damaged by covered perils. Liability coverage protects you if someone is injured on your property. Additional living expenses coverage pays for temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable.
What sets Hippo apart in this hippo home insurance review is its built-in extras. Every policy includes up to $100,000 in equipment breakdown coverage. This covers electrical and mechanical failures of major appliances. Hippo also offers up to $10,000 in home office equipment coverage. That protects computers, printers, and phones used for remote work. These coverages are typically add-ons with other insurers.
Beyond standard homeowners policies, Hippo also provides landlord insurance, condo insurance, wind insurance, earthquake insurance, and flood insurance. For example, homeowners in hurricane-prone areas can add separate wind coverage. This range of products makes Hippo a flexible option for different property types and risk profiles.
Hippo Home Insurance Discounts
Hippo offers several discounts that can meaningfully reduce your premium. The most distinctive discount involves smart home technology. Every Hippo policyholder receives a free smart home monitoring kit. This kit includes water leak sensors, smoke detectors, entry sensors, and a security camera. Activating these devices earns you a discount automatically.
In most cases, homeowners save between 10% and 13% with the smart home discount. Self-monitoring kits save an average of $64 per year. Professional monitoring kits save approximately $91 per year. The only requirement is keeping the devices active during your policy period. Hippo partners with SimpliSafe, Kangaroo, and Notion for these devices.
Additional discounts are available for various qualifying factors:
| Discount Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Smart Home (Self-Monitoring) | ~10% savings (~$64/year average) |
| Smart Home (Pro-Monitoring) | ~13% savings (~$91/year average) |
| Claims-Free (3 years) | Discount for no claims in 3 years |
| Claims-Free (5 years) | Larger discount for no claims in 5 years |
| Hail-Resistant Roof | Discount for impact-resistant shingles |
| Affinity / Group | Discount through employer or alumni groups |
| Bundling | Discount when adding auto insurance |
Many homeowners also compare auto insurance rates at Car Cover Guide since bundling home and auto insurance is one of the easiest ways to save on both policies.
Hippo Home Insurance Cost
This hippo home insurance review found that average annual premiums range from approximately $1,462 to $1,761. The variation depends on coverage levels, location, and home characteristics. Hippo claims its quotes run about 17% cheaper than competitors on average. However, actual savings depend heavily on your specific property and risk factors.
Several factors influence your Hippo premium. Home age, construction type, roof condition, and local weather risks all play a role. Your claims history and credit score also affect pricing. Typically, newer homes with updated roofing and electrical systems qualify for the lowest rates. Hippo uses satellite imagery and public data to assess risk during the quoting process.
Compared to the national average homeowners insurance premium of approximately $2,230 per year, Hippo’s rates appear competitive. As a result, budget-conscious homeowners may find Hippo worth quoting. Getting a quote takes under 60 seconds on Hippo’s website. Saving on insurance premiums also frees up cash for other financial goals. Many homeowners find bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily to put those savings to work in high-yield accounts.
Hippo Claims Process and Customer Service
Filing a claim with Hippo is straightforward. You can submit claims through the Hippo Home mobile app, online portal, or by calling the toll-free claims line at (800) 886-0318. Claims are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you file, Hippo assigns a dedicated claims concierge. This person serves as your single point of contact throughout the process.
This hippo home insurance review notes that Hippo reports an average claims response time of five to seven days. The company says this is 30% to 50% faster than industry competitors. However, response time measures initial contact, not final payout. The mobile app lets you upload photos, track claim status, and review documents in real time. These digital tools streamline what is typically a frustrating process.
Customer service is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST. Saturday hours run from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM CST. Hippo is closed on Sundays. You can also email [email protected] outside business hours. Despite these resources, customer reviews on Trustpilot and the BBB remain mixed. This hippo home insurance review recommends reading recent customer feedback before committing.
Pros and Cons of Hippo Home Insurance
Pros:
- Free smart home monitoring kit included with every policy, helping prevent damage before it happens
- Up to $100,000 in equipment breakdown coverage included at no extra cost
- Fast quoting process that takes under 60 seconds with a streamlined digital experience
- Competitive pricing that averages 17% below competitors according to Hippo’s data
- Home office coverage up to $10,000 for remote workers included in standard policies
Cons:
- Spinnaker’s NAIC complaint index of 4.45 is well above the national median, indicating higher-than-expected complaints
- Not available in all 50 states — currently limited to approximately 37 states
- Mixed customer reviews with a 2.1 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and low BBB customer scores
- Hippo paused writing new policies in some areas after weather losses in 2023 and has only selectively resumed
Who Is Hippo Home Insurance Best For?
This hippo home insurance review finds Hippo best suited for tech-savvy homeowners who value a digital-first insurance experience. If you prefer managing everything through a mobile app, Hippo delivers. The free smart home kit adds genuine value for homeowners interested in proactive damage prevention. Water leak sensors alone can save thousands in potential damage.
Hippo is also a strong choice for homeowners with newer properties. Newer homes typically qualify for the best rates with Hippo. Remote workers benefit from the included home office equipment coverage. In most cases, this coverage costs extra with traditional insurers. Hippo’s fast quoting and bundling discounts also make it attractive for first-time homebuyers shopping for both home and auto coverage.
However, this hippo home insurance review cautions homeowners who prioritize proven claims satisfaction. The high NAIC complaint ratio and low Trustpilot scores suggest room for improvement in customer experience. Homeowners in states where Hippo has scaled back operations should verify availability before applying. Typically, those who value financial strength ratings and long track records may prefer established carriers like State Farm, Allstate, or USAA. For everyone else, Hippo’s technology-forward approach and competitive pricing earn it serious consideration in any hippo home insurance review comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hippo home insurance financially stable and safe to buy from?
Hippo’s policies are underwritten by Spinnaker Insurance Company, which holds an A- (Excellent) rating from A.M. Best. As a result, your policy is backed by a financially strong carrier even though Hippo itself is not directly rated. However, Spinnaker’s elevated NAIC complaint ratio is worth monitoring.
Does Hippo really give you free smart home devices?
Yes. Every Hippo policyholder receives a complimentary smart home monitoring kit. The kit typically includes water leak sensors, a smoke detector, entry sensors, and a security camera. In most cases, activating these devices also qualifies you for a premium discount of 10% to 13%.
How long does it take Hippo to process a home insurance claim?
Hippo reports an average initial response time of five to seven business days after filing. This hippo home insurance review notes that response time refers to first contact from a claims concierge. Typically, total resolution time depends on claim complexity, required inspections, and documentation provided.
What states does Hippo home insurance cover?
Hippo currently offers homeowners insurance in approximately 37 states. However, availability has shifted in recent years as Hippo adjusted its coverage footprint. For example, some states saw policy nonrenewals after significant weather-related losses. Check Hippo’s website directly to confirm availability in your state.
How does Hippo compare to traditional home insurance companies?
This hippo home insurance review finds that Hippo excels in technology, speed, and included smart home perks. Typically, traditional insurers offer more extensive agent networks and longer claims track records. Hippo’s average premiums are competitive at roughly $1,462 to $1,761 per year. As a result, it is worth getting quotes from both Hippo and traditional carriers to compare.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on home insurance ratings and regulations:
- AM Best (Financial Strength Ratings): ambest.com
- NAIC (Complaint Ratios): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- FEMA (Flood Insurance): fema.gov
- J.D. Power (Customer Satisfaction): jdpower.com
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.