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Homeowners Insurance in Nebraska

Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 13, 2026

Nebraska has no FAIR plan, the state-created insurer of last resort that many states have: none is on the national list kept by the plans' service office (PIPSO). If licensed insurers turn you down, the Nebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) explains that an agent may place you with a surplus lines insurer instead. Under state law (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-522), an insurer must give you 60 days' written notice, with the reason, before it cancels or won't renew your homeowners policy (10 days if you didn't pay the premium). Once a policy has been in effect more than 60 days, it can be cancelled midterm only for the reasons the law lists. [1][2][3][4]

At a glance

FAIR plan?
None on PIPSO's national list of FAIR plans (checked Oct. 13, 2026) NDOI's consumer pages describe surplus lines insurers as the option when licensed insurers won't cover a home [2][4]
Notice before cancellation or nonrenewal
60 days' written notice, stating the reason 10 days for nonpayment of premium (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-522) [1]
Midterm cancellation
After 60 days in effect, only for 7 reasons listed in 44-522(3), such as nonpayment, fraud or a substantially increased risk [1]
Mitigation discount law
No state-mandated discount found NDOI says insurers may give discounts for impact-resistant roofs and other resilience upgrades [9]
FAIR planNo state FAIR planNone on PIPSO's national list of FAIR plans (checked Oct. 13, 2026); NDOI's consumer pages describe surplus lines insurers as the option when licensed insurers won't cover a home What to do instead →
State insurance regulatorNebraska Department of Insurance (NDOI) (877) 564-7323 · File a complaint

What homeowners insurance costs in Nebraska: average premium, 2023 $2,142 a year in Nebraska vs. $1,737 countrywide · 7th highest of 51 · All states (HO-3 policies; NAIC)

On this page
  1. At a glance
  2. Nebraska's market right now
  3. Can't find insurance? No FAIR plan in Nebraska
  4. If your insurer cancels or won't renew
  5. After a hail storm: your rights with contractors
  6. Discounts for a stronger roof
  7. Surplus lines: what's different
  8. Flood is separate
  9. Where to get help
  10. Questions people ask
  11. FEMA disaster history
  12. Hail, wind and wildfire

Nebraska's market right now

On June 23, 2026, NDOI issued claim advice after severe thunderstorms with large hail, high winds and tornadoes caused "significant damage" in the Scottsbluff area. NDOI's tips: work with your insurer throughout the process, ask about additional living expenses, keep receipts for emergency repairs, and read documents carefully before signing them.

Rising premiums are on the Legislature's agenda. In May 2025, two interim studies were introduced and referred to the Banking, Commerce and Insurance Committee: LR 199, to examine "the causes of recent increases to homeowner's insurance premiums," and LR 200, to examine the impact of rising insurance costs and "explore programs or policies" that could support property insurance access. In the 2026 session, LB 1035 (limits on insurers' rating systems) and LB 1137 (changes to the Insured Homeowners Protection Act, public adjuster rules and insurance fraud penalties) were both indefinitely postponed on April 17, 2026, so neither bill passed. [7][10][11][12][13]

Can't find insurance? No FAIR plan in Nebraska

Many states have a FAIR plan, a state-created pool that sells basic property insurance when regular insurers won't. Nebraska does not: no Nebraska plan appears on the member list of PIPSO, the national service office for FAIR plans (checked Oct. 13, 2026). NDOI's consumer pages describe a different route: the surplus lines market, which NDOI calls a marketplace "for the purpose of insuring unique or hard-to-place risks."

In NDOI's words, if your coverage comes from a surplus lines insurer, it is because "your agent or broker was unable to find coverage you requested among companies licensed in Nebraska but was able to provide coverage from an eligible surplus lines company." These policies must be placed by specially licensed surplus lines agents or brokers. See the surplus lines section below for what changes when you take one.

NDOI's 2025 shopping advice is to compare quotes, either online or through "a licensed insurance agent or independent broker who can talk through multiple options," and to compare the same coverage types, limits and deductibles. For background, see our national FAIR plan guide. [2][4][9]

Nebraska's FEMA disaster record since 2000

Federal disaster declarations for Nebraska, counted from FEMA's official declarations data. A "major disaster" declaration brings federal recovery aid; a "fire management" declaration helps pay to fight a wildfire that threatens homes.

10Wildfires1 major disaster · 9 fire management
37Severe storms and tornadoes37 major disasters
4Floods4 major disasters
3Winter storms3 major disasters

Most recent

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, downloaded 2026-10-14. Each declaration counted once, however many counties it covers. Flood history and flood insurance: FloodHawk.

Hail, wind and wildfire in Nebraska

Hail, thunderstorm wind and tornado reports

Severe weather reports logged by the National Weather Service in NOAA's Storm Events Database, July 2025 to June 2026 (the latest 12 months NOAA has published), next to the yearly average for 2016 to 2025.

418Hail 1 inch or largeraverage 470 a year
376Thunderstorm windaverage 448 a year
34Tornadoaverage 48 a year

Largest hail in those 12 months: 4 inches, Logan County, July 19, 2025 (1 other report was the same size).

Most reports of 1-inch-plus hail, 2016–2025: Cherry (207), Lincoln (202), Custer (160), Douglas (153), Sheridan (135).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, downloaded October 14, 2026. NOAA adds each month about 75 to 90 days after it ends. Tornadoes are counted in NOAA's segments: one that crosses a county line counts once per county, and one that briefly lifts and touches down again can count twice. Reports depend on people seeing and reporting storms, so busier areas log more of them: these counts show how often storms are reported, not the risk to any one home.

Wildfire

Homes in Nebraska have, on average, greater wildfire risk than 62% of states, and greater wildfire likelihood (the chance of a wildfire burning in any given year) than 52% of states, according to the USDA Forest Service.

Of Nebraska's 1,288,623 buildings, 31% are in the Forest Service's direct exposure zone (they may be ignited by flammable vegetation next to them, as well as by embers), 12% in the indirect exposure zone (embers or a neighboring burning building), and 57% have minimal exposure.

Source: USDA Forest Service, Wildfire Risk to Communities (state data table updated April 15, 2026). The Forest Service says its ratings describe communities, not individual homes; they don't reflect work owners have done to lower their risk, and the tool isn't designed for insurance companies, which do their own wildfire assessments.

Wildland fires and acres burned in Nebraska
YearFiresAcres
202178527,294
202256876,534
2023569180,733
20241,035113,850
202551196,682

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center annual reports (table "Wildland Fires and Acres Burned by State and Agency", from the SIT/209 reporting system). Each year counts only the agencies listed for Nebraska in that year's table, so a big change between years can come from which agencies reported.

2026 so far: 936,170 acres burned in wildfires reported to the national interagency fire-incident system (IRWIN) for Nebraska, as of October 14, 2026. Preliminary: from NIFC's year-to-date wildfire locations (WFIGS), which doesn't include every state and local fire and isn't comparable to the annual totals above.

If your insurer cancels or won't renew

Nebraska's rule for property policies, including homeowners, is Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-522. NDOI's homeowners filing checklist lists 44-522 as the cancellation and nonrenewal standard.

SituationMinimum written notice
Cancellation or nonrenewal, most reasons60 days
Cancellation for nonpayment of premium10 days
Cancellation of a policy or binder with a term of 60 days or less that hasn't been renewed10 days

- The notice must state the reason for the cancellation or nonrenewal. - Midterm limits: once a policy has been in effect for more than 60 days, the insurer can cancel it only for nonpayment; a material misrepresentation in getting the policy; a fraudulent claim; a violation of the policy's terms and conditions; a substantial increase in the risk originally accepted; a certified loss of the insurer's reinsurance; or a finding by the Director of Insurance that keeping the policy could put the insurer in violation of Nebraska insurance law. - How it's sent: by registered, certified or first-class mail (including tracked mail) to your last known mailing address. For first-class mail with a postal certificate of mailing, the law treats the notice as received on the third calendar day after the certificate date. - A renewal with "substantially equivalent coverage," or a move to another company in the same group, doesn't count as a cancellation or nonrenewal unless the new coverage or rates are substantially less favorable to you.

The 60-day rule covers nonrenewals too, but Nebraska's statute does not list required reasons for a nonrenewal the way it does for midterm cancellations. We found no 2024-2026 change to 44-522; it was last amended in 2017 (LB 406).

Hail claims and renewals: NDOI warns that "some companies will consider occurrences of wind and hail damage even if no money was paid out when they review whether to renew your policy." It also notes that some policies carry a higher deductible for wind and hail than for other perils. We found no Nebraska statute that bars an insurer from non-renewing because of weather claims. See our nonrenewal guide. [1][3][14]

After a hail storm: your rights with contractors

Nebraska's Insured Homeowners Protection Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-8601 to 44-8608) covers contracts with residential contractors that will be paid from your insurance claim:

- You may cancel the contract before midnight on the third business day after the later of two dates: the day you signed it, or the day your insurer told you in writing that all or part of the claim isn't covered. Send written notice to the contractor's business address shown in the contract (include a copy of the insurer's notice if that is why you're canceling). - After you cancel, the contractor must return your payments within 10 days (it may keep the reasonable value of emergency work you agreed to in writing). - A contractor may not promise to rebate any part of your deductible. - If you sign a post-loss assignment of benefits, it must be sent to your insurer within five business days, must include a capitalized warning, and can't stop your insurer from talking with you or your mortgage company.

NDOI's hail page adds practical steps: check for damage at ground level (cars, fences, siding) before calling, take photos, protect the property from further damage, and keep damaged items for the adjuster. Under replacement-cost coverage, repairs usually must be made within a set time, "usually 180 days"; your policy states the deadline. NDOI notes it does not oversee contractors. [14][15][16][17][18][19]

Discounts for a stronger roof

We found no Nebraska law that requires insurers to give a discount for a FORTIFIED roof or other mitigation, and no state grant program for roof upgrades (checked Oct. 13, 2026). NDOI does say discounts are available from many insurers, though "not guaranteed." In an Oct. 6, 2025 release, it listed resilience upgrades that may earn a discount:

NDOI named two certification programs that "may help you qualify": IBHS FORTIFIED Home and the National Green Building Standard. Its advice: ask your insurer which upgrades qualify, use certified professionals, and keep documentation of the installation or inspection. NDOI's hail page says you may also get a discount if you rebuild after a claim with resilient materials. See our FORTIFIED roof guide. [9][14]

Surplus lines: what's different

According to NDOI:

- Surplus lines insurers are not licensed in Nebraska, and "there is no guaranty protection for surplus lines policies." The Nebraska guaranty fund covers only licensed insurers. - Their rates aren't filed with NDOI, and their policies aren't reviewed or approved by it. The total cost includes state surplus lines taxes and the commissions for selling and delivering the policy. - The declarations page must say the policy is surplus lines insurance. - Surplus lines policies "are not subject to the same notice requirements" as licensed insurers' policies, so you may not hear about a premium increase or nonrenewal until around the expiration date. NDOI says to keep in touch with your agent as the policy term ends.

More in our surplus lines guide. [2]

Flood is separate

NDOI says: "Standard homeowners policy language clearly states flood is excluded." Flood insurance is sold separately, and an NFIP policy normally takes effect 30 days after purchase. Our sister site FloodHawk covers flood zones and flood insurance. [20]

Where to get help

NDOI's Insurance Complaint Division investigates complaints against insurers and agents.

NDOI asks you to contact your insurer first. Insurers have 15 working days to respond to NDOI, and NDOI tries to finish its review within one month. It cannot order a company to pay a claim or refund premium, decide questions of fact (such as whether hail caused roof damage), or give legal advice. [6][8][9][14]

Questions people ask

Does Nebraska have a FAIR plan?

No. No Nebraska plan is on PIPSO's national list of FAIR plans (checked Oct. 13, 2026). If licensed insurers won't cover your home, NDOI explains that an agent or broker may place the coverage with an eligible surplus lines insurer, which is not covered by Nebraska's guaranty fund. [2][4]

How much notice must a Nebraska insurer give before dropping my homeowners policy?

60 days' written notice for a cancellation or nonrenewal, and the notice must state the reason. The exception is 10 days for nonpayment of premium (or for a short-term policy of 60 days or less that hasn't been renewed). This is Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-522. [1]

Can a Nebraska insurer cancel my policy in the middle of the term?

After the policy has been in effect more than 60 days, only for a reason listed in 44-522(3): nonpayment, material misrepresentation, a fraudulent claim, violating policy terms, a substantial increase in the risk, a certified loss of the insurer's reinsurance, or a Director of Insurance finding that the policy would put the insurer in violation of the law. [1]

Can a hail claim affect my renewal in Nebraska?

It can. NDOI warns that some companies consider occurrences of wind and hail damage when deciding whether to renew, even if no money was paid out. It suggests that if repairs would cost less than your deductible, you consider not filing a claim. [14]

Sources (20)
  1. Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-522 Policies; cancellation requirements, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  2. Surplus Lines FAQ, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  3. Review Requirements Checklist: Homeowners 4.0000, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  4. Current PIPSO Members and Links of Interest, Property Insurance Plans Service Office (PIPSO). Accessed October 13, 2026.
  5. Nebraska Department of Insurance, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  6. Filing Insurance Complaint, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  7. NE Insurance Department Advises About Post-Storm Claims (June 23, 2026), Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  8. File a Complaint, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  9. Shop Smart, Save Big: How Nebraskans can receive coverage, resiliency discounts for homeowners policies (Oct. 6, 2025), Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  10. LR199 - Interim study to examine the causes of recent increases in homeowner's insurance premiums, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  11. LR200 - Interim study to examine the impact of increasing insurance costs on Nebraska homeowners and businesses, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  12. LB1035 - Change and provide limitations on the rating system an insurer can file under the Property Casualty Insurance Rate and Form Act, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  13. LB1137 - Change provisions relating to residential contracts, notice of cancelations, prohibited acts, and post-loss assignment of rights or benefits under the Insured Homeowners Protection Act, licenses, contracts, prohibited acts, and fees under the Public Adjusters Licensing Act, and penalties relating to fraudulent insurance acts, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  14. Hail Damage: Does My Roof Need Repair?, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  15. Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-8601 Act, how cited (Insured Homeowners Protection Act), Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  16. Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-8603 Contract to be paid from proceeds of property and casualty insurance policy; right to cancel, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  17. Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-8604 Residential contractor; prohibited acts, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  18. Neb. Rev. Stat. 44-8605 Post-loss assignment of rights or benefits; requirements, Nebraska Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  19. Insured Homeowners Protection Act, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
  20. Flood Insurance 101, Nebraska Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.

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