The Growing Issue of Uninsured Homes
In the aftermath of severe storms that ravaged St. Louis on May 16, 2025, many homeowners found themselves facing a harsh reality: they didn’t have homeowners insurance. Margaret Williams, a 48-year resident of her home on Walton Avenue in the Fountain Park neighborhood, described the terrifying moment when the storms hit. “I heard a boom, and the house shook,” she said, recalling how she huddled in her basement between the washer and dryer as the storm raged on.
The Williams’ experience is not isolated. According to early estimates from the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, up to 67% of homes in three north St. Louis ZIP codes could be uninsured. This data, derived from American Community Survey information and ZIP code-level data, suggests a significant portion of homeowners in the area lack coverage.
A National Problem
The issue of uninsured homes is not unique to St. Louis. A 2024 report by the Consumer Federation of America revealed that about 7% of Missourians don’t have homeowners insurance, while LendingTree.com puts the national rate even higher at 11%. Nationwide, approximately 6 million homeowners lack coverage, amounting to over $1.6 trillion in unprotected property.
Sharon Cornelissen, director of housing for the Consumer Federation of America, noted that certain demographics are disproportionately affected. “People of color are more likely to be without homeowners insurance, with an estimated 11% of Black homeowners lacking coverage,” she said. This is particularly relevant in north St. Louis, where the population is over 90% Black.
Rising Premiums Exacerbate the Issue
The problem is further complicated by rising homeowners insurance rates. According to a CFA report, premiums have increased by 24% between 2021 and 2024, more than twice the rate of inflation. States like Utah, Illinois, and Arizona have seen even sharper increases, with premiums rising by 59%, 50%, and 48%, respectively.
For homeowners like the Williamses, the consequences of being uninsured are dire. After paying off their mortgage, they maintained insurance until rising premiums made it unaffordable. “The insurer basically said, ‘The premium will be this outrageous price, and you’ll need to replace all your windows and get a new back porch,'” Margaret Williams explained.
Looking Forward
As St. Louis rebuilds, experts and officials are calling for solutions to address the growing issue of uninsured homes. Angela Nelson, director of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance, emphasized the need for careful consideration of insurance rates to maintain a competitive market. “If insurers don’t have sufficient reserves to deal with a bad year, they may just pull out of the market,” warned Olgun Sahin, a finance professor at St. Louis University.
For the Williamses, the future remains uncertain. Their home, destroyed, may have to be torn down. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there’s a glimmer of hope. “What will that neighborhood look like afterwards?” Angela Nelson asked, reflecting on the vibrant community. “My hope is that we find a way to help that area recover.”
The story of the Williamses and their struggle to cope with the loss of their home and the lack of insurance coverage highlights a broader national issue. As the nation grapples with increasing extreme weather events and rising insurance premiums, finding solutions to ensure more homeowners are protected becomes an increasingly pressing concern.
