kin vs hippo home insurance is a comparison many tech-savvy homeowners research before choosing a policy. Both companies launched in the mid-2010s as insurtech disruptors. They promise faster quotes, lower rates, and smarter coverage than traditional carriers. However, they take very different approaches to home insurance.
Kin focuses on catastrophe-prone states with a direct-to-consumer model. Hippo covers nearly 40 states and bundles smart home technology with its policies. When comparing kin vs hippo home insurance, you need to look beyond marketing claims. Rates, financial strength, claims satisfaction, and availability all matter. This guide breaks down every detail so you can make a confident decision.
Kin Vs Hippo Home Insurance: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Kin | Hippo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Annual Rate | $1,951 | $2,348 |
| AM Best Rating | Not rated (Demotech A) | A- (Excellent) |
| JD Power Score | Not rated | Not rated |
| NAIC Complaint Ratio | 0.61 (below average — good) | 4.45 via Spinnaker (poor) |
| States Available | 13 states | 39 states + D.C. |
| Bundling Discount | Up to 20% off auto (FL, TX) | Not available |
| Claims Satisfaction | Trustpilot 4.9/5 | Trustpilot 2.1/5 |
| Mobile App | No app (web portal only) | iOS and Android app |
| Year Founded | 2016 | 2015 |
| Smart Home Devices | Discount for sensors | Free Notion sensors included |
The kin vs hippo home insurance comparison reveals two very different strategies. Kin wins on price, customer satisfaction, and complaint ratios. It averages $397 less per year than Hippo. Its NAIC complaint ratio of 0.61 means it receives far fewer complaints than expected. On the other hand, Hippo offers broader availability and a traditional AM Best rating.
Hippo’s complaint ratio of 4.45 through Spinnaker Insurance is concerning. That figure makes it the second-worst among rated home insurers. However, Hippo’s financial turnaround in 2025 shows improving operations. It posted $98 million in net income during Q3 2025 alone.
Coverage Options: Kin vs Hippo
Both carriers offer standard HO-3 homeowners policies. In most cases, you get dwelling coverage, personal property protection, liability, and loss of use. However, the extras differ significantly. Kin includes replacement cost coverage as standard. This means you receive full replacement value, not depreciated amounts. Kin also offers private flood insurance as a policy endorsement. You do not need a separate NFIP policy.
Hippo includes several built-in extras at no additional cost. For example, equipment breakdown coverage pays up to $100,000 for appliances under 15 years old. Service line coverage handles underground utility repairs. Water backup coverage provides $10,000 to $20,000 for sewer and drain damage. Hippo also sends free Notion smart home sensors to new policyholders. These detect water leaks, smoke, and unusual motion.
When evaluating kin vs hippo home insurance coverage, consider your specific needs. Kin is stronger for flood-prone areas. It offers flood endorsements directly on your homeowners policy. Hippo is better for homes with aging appliances and systems. Its equipment breakdown coverage is unusually generous for an insurtech carrier. Both companies offer condo, landlord, and manufactured home policies.
Rates and Discounts: Kin vs Hippo
Pricing is where kin vs hippo home insurance differences become clear. Kin averages $1,951 per year. Customers who switch to Kin save an average of $989 annually. Hippo averages $2,348 per year. That is roughly 20% more expensive than Kin. However, rates vary significantly by state and home characteristics.
| Discount Type | Kin | Hippo |
|---|---|---|
| New Home | Available | Up to 30% |
| Claims-Free | Available (7+ years) | Up to 20% |
| Smart Home Devices | Available | 5–15% |
| Bundling (Auto) | Up to 20% off auto | Not offered |
| Gated Community | Available | 5–20% |
| Paperless Policy | $10 savings | Not listed |
| Senior/Mature Homeowner | Available (age 50+) | Not listed |
| Wind Mitigation | Varies by state | Not listed |
| Early Signing | Not listed | Up to 10% |
| No Mortgage | Not listed | Up to 10% |
Kin’s bundling discount is a major advantage. It offers up to 20% off auto insurance when you bundle in Florida or Texas. Many homeowners already compare auto insurance rates at Car Cover Guide when shopping for home coverage. Bundling typically saves $300 to $500 per year. Hippo does not currently offer its own bundling discount.
Hippo’s new home discount of up to 30% is the strongest individual discount in this kin vs hippo home insurance comparison. If you recently built or purchased a new construction home, Hippo may actually be cheaper. For older homes in high-risk states, Kin typically wins on price.
Claims Process and Customer Service
Customer satisfaction is where kin vs hippo home insurance comparisons get dramatic. Kin earns a 4.9 out of 5 on Trustpilot from nearly 7,000 reviews. Its Google rating is 4.7 out of 5 from almost 8,000 reviews. The BBB gives Kin an A+ rating with 4.76 out of 5 stars. These are exceptional scores for any insurance company.
Hippo’s customer reviews tell a different story. Its Trustpilot score is just 2.1 out of 5. The BBB customer rating sits at 2.66 out of 5. On Yelp, Hippo scores 1.1 out of 5. Common complaints include premium increases, cancellation difficulties, and slow refund processing. However, on Clearsurance, 71% of reviewers rate Hippo as excellent.
For claims filing, both companies offer online and phone options. Kin provides 24/7 phone support and assigns a claims specialist within 24 hours. Hippo also offers 24/7 claims support with callbacks averaging two hours. Hippo has a mobile app for claims management. Kin relies on its web portal only. Typically, the lack of a mobile app frustrates some Kin customers. However, Kin’s vastly higher satisfaction scores suggest its web-based approach works well.
Financial Strength and Stability
Financial ratings matter when comparing kin vs hippo home insurance. Hippo holds an AM Best A- (Excellent) rating through its subsidiary Spinnaker Insurance Company. AM Best affirmed this rating in January 2026. This gives Hippo credibility with mortgage lenders and financial advisors. Hippo is also publicly traded on the NYSE under ticker HIPO.
Kin does not carry an AM Best rating. Instead, it holds a Demotech A (Exceptional) financial stability rating. Demotech is less widely recognized than AM Best. However, Kin is backed by over 40 reinsurers rated A- or higher by AM Best. This reinsurance support provides significant financial protection for policyholders.
Both companies show strong financial momentum. Kin posted $201.6 million in revenue for fiscal year 2025. That represents 29% growth over 2024. Its operating margin reached a record 49%. Hippo generated $425 million in trailing twelve-month revenue through Q3 2025. It turned profitable with $98 million in net income during Q3 2025. Saving on insurance premiums frees up cash for other financial goals. You can find bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily to put those savings to work.
Which Home Insurer Should You Choose?
Choose Kin if: You live in a catastrophe-prone state like Florida, Texas, or Louisiana. You want the lowest possible premium. You value outstanding customer service with a 4.9 Trustpilot rating. You want to bundle home and auto insurance for up to 20% savings. You need private flood insurance on the same policy.
Choose Hippo if: You live outside Kin’s 13-state footprint. You own a newer home and qualify for up to 30% off. You want free smart home sensors included with your policy. You prefer a carrier with an AM Best A- rating. You want a mobile app for policy and claims management.
The kin vs hippo home insurance decision often comes down to location. If Kin operates in your state, it is hard to beat on price and satisfaction. Kin averages $397 less per year with dramatically better customer reviews. Its NAIC complaint ratio of 0.61 versus Hippo’s 4.45 speaks volumes about service quality.
However, Hippo covers nearly three times as many states. If you live in a state Kin does not serve, Hippo remains a solid insurtech alternative. Its AM Best A- rating and smart home features add real value. In most cases, we recommend getting quotes from both carriers wherever possible. The kin vs hippo home insurance winner depends on your state, home age, and coverage priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kin or Hippo cheaper for home insurance?
Kin is typically cheaper. It averages $1,951 per year compared to Hippo’s $2,348. However, Hippo offers up to 30% off for new homes. For example, a recently built home in Arizona may cost less with Hippo than Kin.
Does Kin have an AM Best rating?
No, Kin does not have an AM Best rating. Instead, it carries a Demotech A (Exceptional) rating. On the other hand, Hippo holds an AM Best A- (Excellent) rating through its Spinnaker Insurance subsidiary. Kin compensates with 40-plus A-rated reinsurers backing its policies.
Which company has better customer reviews, Kin or Hippo?
Kin has significantly better customer reviews. It scores 4.9 on Trustpilot and 4.7 on Google. In contrast, Hippo scores 2.1 on Trustpilot and 2.66 on the BBB. Typically, the kin vs hippo home insurance gap in customer satisfaction is one of the widest among insurtech competitors.
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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.