Liberty Mutual Homeowners Insurance Review

This homeowners insurance is a good fit for: Independent homeowners comfortable managing their policies online, and those interested in unique endorsements.

Liberty Mutual is one of the largest home insurers in the country, thanks to its many discounts and rare protections. It also has strong online capabilities. Read our full review to learn more about what Liberty Mutual home insurance has to offer.

Top perks

Great selection of homeowners discounts

Liberty Mutual has more homeowners insurance discounts than most of its competitors. Qualifying applicants can save for remaining claim-free and owning a new or renovated home, among other things. Liberty Mutual also offers discounts to members of partner organizations.

Inflation protection coverage

This endorsement increases the policy's coverage limits every year to account for inflation. That ensures the homeowner always has the same level of coverage.

User-friendly claims process

Homeowners can file a claim online, over the phone, or through the company's mobile app. Filing online or through the mobile app allows for uploading pictures and receipts. In some cases, a claims representative may even assess the damage via video chat. That can save time compared to scheduling an in-person visit.

Online policy purchase

Homeowners may get a quote and complete the sale online without talking to an agent in most cases. (Contacting an agent is still an option.) Liberty Mutual is one of the few home insurers to allow customers to buy a policy completely online. This is a major plus for those who want a policy right away.

What could be improved

Lackluster customer satisfaction ratings

Liberty Mutual received below-average ratings in J.D. Power's U.S. Home Insurance Study and its U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Survey. This doesn't mean all Liberty Mutual customers have bad experiences with the company. But it is something to weigh when deciding on an insurer.

When looking for an insurer that excels at customer service: Amica consistently tops customer satisfaction surveys. It also offers a solid selection of coverage options and a unique dividend policy option. But it can't match Liberty Mutual on homeowners insurance discounts.

When looking for more flexible policies: State Farm offers more discounts than many of its competitors. Customers can buy their policies online. Plus, it has strong customer satisfaction ratings. But it doesn't offer an inflation protection endorsement.

Liberty Mutual's home insurance rates are reasonable compared to many of its competitors. But they can vary widely depending on which of its discounts the homeowner qualifies for.

Liberty Mutual currently offers the following homeowners discounts:

• Claims-free discount
• Safe homeowner program
• Early shopper discount
• Newly purchased home discount
• New/renovated home discount
• New roof discount
• Multi-policy discount
• Insured to value discount
• Preferred payment discount
• Paperless policy discount
• Affiliate group discount

Exact discounts vary by state. But this is a larger list than you find with many of Liberty Mutual's competitors.

Liberty Mutual offers the following homeowners insurance coverage.

Dwelling coverage

This protects the policyholder's house from damage due to a covered claim.

Other structures coverage

This pays for damages to fencing, garages, sheds, and other structures on the property.

Personal property coverage

Personal property coverage protects the homeowner's belongings against damage or theft.

Additional living expenses coverage

If a homeowner must leave the home due to a covered claim, this coverage pays for alternative living arrangements.

Personal liability coverage

This coverage pays for medical costs if the homeowner injures someone else under certain circumstances. It also pays for legal costs if they're sued.

Inflation protection coverage

This coverage increases the policyholder's coverage limits annually to keep up with inflation.

Escape of water coverage

This optional coverage pays for damages caused by water seeping into the home. This includes leaks from sewers, drains, or sump pump failure.

Homeowners can get a quote on Liberty Mutual's website. Once they enter an address for coverage, Liberty Mutual searches for information in public records. It uses this to help determine the value of the home, and how much coverage the homeowner needs. The quote tool also asks questions about the people living in the home and the claims history.

Once homeowners receive a quote, they may adjust the coverage levels as necessary. Then, they can complete the policy online, choosing a payment method and schedule. At any point, homeowners can reach out to a Liberty Mutual agent for help.

Liberty Mutual's customer satisfaction ratings are below average compared to its competitors. Its rankings in the J.D. Power U.S. Home Insurance Study were well under the national average. The company fared slightly better in J.D. Power's U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Study, scoring just a couple of points below the average.

• Homeowners want to ensure they're protected against inflation.
• Homeowners prefer to buy and manage a policy online.

But homeowners who want better customer service may want to consider another insurer, such as Amica or State Farm.