Who regulates insurance
Insurance in the US is mainly regulated by the states. Each state’s insurance department licenses insurers and agents, approves many policy forms and rates, and handles consumer complaints. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) coordinates standards between states. Some federal programs sit alongside, notably the NFIP for flood.
Household insurance in the US
- Homeowners: usually an HO-3 or HO-5 policy, required by mortgage lenders. Earthquake and flood need separate cover.
- Renters: HO-4 covers belongings, liability and loss of use; many leases require it.
- Auto: liability required in almost every state, with state-specific minimum limits; some states also require PIP or uninsured motorist cover.
- Umbrella: extra liability above home and auto limits, popular with homeowners.
Business insurance in the US
- Workers’ compensation is required in almost every state once you have employees.
- BOPs bundle property, general liability and business income for small firms.
- Commercial auto is needed for business vehicles.
- Professional liability (E&O), cyber and D&O are bought separately.
Check a license
Use your state insurance department’s website to check that an insurer is authorized and an agent or broker is licensed in your state. The NAIC’s directory links to each department.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
