Why is Stillwater more expensive than standard carriers?

Stillwater can be more expensive than some standard carriers because it often insures homes and customers that carry more risk, and price always follows risk. The most competitive carriers compete hardest for newer homes with no claims and perfect records. When your situation falls outside that narrow box, a broader-appetite carrier like Stillwater steps in, and that wider willingness to cover can come with a higher premium.

A few factors commonly drive the difference. Older homes cost more to insure because roofs, plumbing, and wiring are more likely to fail. A past claim, even a small one, signals more future risk to an insurer. A gap in prior coverage, a higher-risk roof age, or a secondary property all push price up. Stillwater is frequently the carrier still willing to write these homes when pickier carriers decline, so you are partly paying for access to coverage you might not otherwise get.

It is also worth remembering that the lowest premium is not always the best deal. A cheaper policy can carry a higher deductible/" class="oc-glossary-link">wind and hail deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in, or pay claims on an actual cash value basis, which subtracts depreciation. Our guides on deductibles and ACV vs. RCV coverage explain why two policies at different prices are not always comparable.

For example, a 1972 home with one prior wind claim might cost $2,400 a year through Stillwater, while a preferred carrier declines it entirely. Paying a bit more for a real, well-built policy beats being uninsured. A free coverage review compares the full market on your specific home so you can decide based on total value, not just the sticker price. Get a free coverage review to see where Stillwater stands for your homeowners coverage.