Millions of American homeowners are living without a safety net. According to a new study by LendingTree, nearly 1 in 7 owner-occupied homes across the United States — an estimated 11.3 million properties — are uninsured. As natural disasters become more frequent and insurance costs continue to climb, the gap in coverage leaves a significant portion of the population dangerously exposed.
Uninsured Homes by the Numbers
The study analyzed 2023 U.S. Census Bureau data and found that 13.6% of owner-occupied homes are uninsured, defined as homes paying less than $100 annually for home insurance. That’s 11.3 million out of 82.9 million total owner-occupied homes.
“This is troubling,” says Rob Bhatt, LendingTree home insurance expert and licensed insurance agent. “Your home is likely your most important investment, and insurance is critical to protecting that investment. Without it, homeowners are just one disaster away from financial devastation.”
States With the Highest Rates of Uninsured Homes
New Mexico leads the nation, with 23.3% of homes lacking insurance coverage. West Virginia (23.0%) and Mississippi (22.9%) follow closely behind. These states often face risks like wind and hail damage—perils that may not be fully understood or accounted for by homeowners.
Bhatt warns, “Even common claims like wind or hail can have devastating effects. In areas like Mississippi’s coast, separate windstorm policies are often needed—and many people don’t realize it.”
Conversely, states with the lowest uninsured rates include the District of Columbia (8.9%), New Hampshire (9.2%), and Oregon (9.6%).
McAllen, Texas: A Troubling Outlier
Among the 100 largest U.S. metros, McAllen, Texas, stands out dramatically. An astonishing 43.3% of its homes are uninsured—nearly double the rate of the next metro, El Paso (23.0%). Miami, Florida, rounds out the top three at 21.0%.
This disparity raises concern, especially since McAllen and Miami are both prone to severe weather events.
Florida’s High-Risk Counties Lacking Coverage
The study also examined the 25 U.S. counties with the highest natural disaster risk, based on FEMA’s National Risk Index. Florida dominates this list—with Miami-Dade County leading at a 23.5% uninsured rate, followed by Broward County (22.7%) and Lee County (17.9%).
Despite the Sunshine State being a hotspot for hurricanes, thousands of homeowners in high-risk areas lack basic protection. Florida recorded 307 hurricanes between 2021 and 2023 — nearly three times more than any other state.
“A major disaster could leave tens of thousands of families unable to rebuild,” Bhatt notes. “That ripple effect could extend far beyond individual homeowners, impacting entire communities.”
Why Aren’t Homes Insured?
The study suggests several factors may contribute to these gaps:
-
Rising premiums: In some areas, homeowners have been priced out of the market.
-
Misunderstanding risks: Many believe their homes aren’t at risk of damage from natural disasters.
-
Coverage confusion: Floods, for instance, are not covered by standard homeowners insurance. Separate policies are required—and often costly.
Experts advise homeowners to shop around to compare home insurance quotes, understand what’s included (and excluded) in policies, and speak to a licensed agent about risks in their area. Additionally, consider bundling policies or increasing deductibles to make coverage more affordable.
Bottom line: With millions of homes uninsured, a growing number of Americans face mounting risks without protection. As Bhatt warns, “The cost of not having insurance could be everything.”
Get the latest insurance market updates and discover exclusive program opportunities at ProgramBusiness.com.