WORCESTER, Massachusetts, June 4, 2026
Executive Summary
A new survey commissioned by The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) reveals a significant coverage confidence gap among U.S. homeowners. While 90% of homeowners are concerned about protecting their homes and personal property, many have not verified whether important protections are included in their homeowners insurance policies. The findings show a strong preference for comprehensive insurance protection, yet considerable uncertainty remains regarding policy coverage, creating potential gaps between homeowners’ expectations and their actual insurance protection.
Announcement Overview
The Hanover’s 2026 Home Report: The Coverage Confidence Gap examines how homeowners evaluate insurance protection and their understanding of policy coverage. Conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of The Hanover, the survey found that many homeowners have not confirmed whether key protections—including identity fraud protection, service line coverage, water backup coverage, and personal property replacement cost coverage—are included in their policies. The findings also show that homeowners prioritize broad protection over price alone, with a majority indicating they prefer stronger coverage even at a higher cost. According to The Hanover, the results highlight a disconnect between homeowners’ desire for comprehensive protection and their confidence in understanding what their policies actually provide.
Key Announcement Details
- Announcement Type: Survey Report Findings
- Company: The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG)
- Report Title: The Hanover’s 2026 Home Report: The Coverage Confidence Gap
- Research Partner: The Harris Poll
- Announcement Date: June 4, 2026
- Primary Finding: 90% of homeowners are concerned about protecting their homes and personal property
- Key Issue Identified: Many homeowners have not verified what protections are included in their homeowners insurance policies
- Identity Fraud Protection: 46% have not verified whether coverage is included
- Service Line Coverage: 41% have not verified whether coverage is included
- Water Backup Coverage: 38% have not verified whether coverage is included
- Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage: 24% have not verified whether coverage is included
- Top Homeowner Concern: Regular repair costs (45%)
- Severe Weather Concern: 42% cited severe weather and natural disasters
- Non-Weather Property Risks: 32% cited water leaks and fires
- Comprehensive Protection Priority: 81% consider comprehensive protection with no coverage gaps or surprises absolutely essential or very important
- Coverage vs. Cost Preference: 74% prefer broader protection even if it costs more
- Core Report Finding: A gap exists between homeowners’ desire for comprehensive protection and their confidence in understanding their current coverage
- Survey Field Dates: March 5–9, 2026
- Survey Population: 1,173 U.S. homeowners aged 18 and older
- Survey Geography: United States
- Confidence Level: 95%
- Sampling Precision: ±3.6 percentage points
- Company Spokesperson: Daniel C. Halsey, President of Personal Lines, The Hanover Insurance Group
- Primary Recommendation: Homeowners should review coverage details and discuss potential gaps with an independent insurance agent
- Report Availability: Available through The Hanover’s website
The Hanover’s 2026 Home Report: The Coverage Confidence Gap
The Hanover released findings from its 2026 Home Report: The Coverage Confidence Gap, highlighting uncertainty among homeowners regarding the insurance protection available under their current policies.
Key findings indicate that while homeowners place a high value on protecting their homes and possessions, many have not verified whether important protections are included in their coverage.
The report found that:
- 90% of homeowners expressed concern about protecting their homes and personal property.
- Many homeowners purchase insurance without confirming specific coverage details.
- A notable percentage remain uncertain about protections that may require additional endorsements or separate coverage options.
- The findings point to a gap between homeowners’ protection priorities and their understanding of policy benefits.
According to The Hanover, this disconnect may leave homeowners unaware of potential coverage limitations until a loss occurs.
Homeowners Have Not Verified Several Important Coverages
The survey identified several protections that homeowners value but have not verified within their existing policies.
Identity Fraud Protection
46% of homeowners surveyed said they have not verified whether their homeowners insurance includes identity fraud protection, which helps cover costs associated with restoring an identity following fraud or identity theft.
Service Line Coverage
41% reported they have not confirmed whether they have service line coverage, which may help cover repair or replacement costs for underground utility lines such as water and sewer lines located on a property.
Water Backup Coverage
38% indicated they have not verified the availability of water backup coverage, which may help protect against property damage caused by backed-up drains or sump pump overflow.
The report noted that this protection should not be confused with flood insurance coverage.
Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage
24% of homeowners said they have not confirmed whether their policies provide personal property replacement cost coverage, which can replace damaged or lost items with new equivalents at current market prices.
The Hanover noted that these coverages are not always automatically included in insurance quotes and may vary depending on the insurance carrier and policy tier selected.
Homeowners Continue to Prioritize Property Protection
The survey found broad concern among homeowners regarding potential financial and property-related risks.
Respondents identified several leading concerns related to homeownership and property protection.
Regular Repair Costs
- 45% cited regular home repair expenses as a leading concern.
Severe Weather and Natural Disasters
- 42% expressed concern about damage resulting from severe weather events and natural disasters.
Non-Weather-Related Property Damage
- 32% identified risks such as water leaks and fires as major concerns affecting their homes and personal property.
The findings suggest that homeowners remain focused on a broad range of potential property risks, from everyday maintenance issues to unexpected catastrophic events.
Comprehensive Protection Remains a Priority
Despite increasing attention on insurance costs, the survey indicates that homeowners continue to place significant value on comprehensive protection.
The report found that:
- 81% of homeowners said comprehensive protection with no coverage gaps or surprises is either absolutely essential or very important.
- 74% said they would choose a homeowners insurance policy with broader protection even if it costs more than a policy offering fewer protections at a lower price.
These findings indicate that many homeowners prioritize coverage certainty and protection breadth when evaluating insurance options.
According to the report, homeowners generally favor stronger protection when considering trade-offs between coverage and cost.
Coverage Confidence Gap Emerges as a Key Finding
A central finding of the report is the existence of a coverage confidence gap.
The survey shows that homeowners frequently express a desire for comprehensive protection while simultaneously demonstrating uncertainty regarding the protections included in their existing policies.
The Hanover stated that this gap is reflected in:
- High levels of concern regarding home and property protection.
- Strong preferences for comprehensive insurance coverage.
- Limited verification of specific policy protections.
- Uncertainty surrounding available coverage benefits.
The findings suggest that homeowners may benefit from reviewing policy details and understanding how coverage options align with their individual protection needs.
Company Commentary
Daniel C. Halsey, President of Personal Lines, The Hanover Insurance Group
“For many people, a home is their most important asset. Homeowners want confidence their insurance will protect them when it matters most, yet many aren’t fully certain what their policies include.”
“While price will always be a factor, choosing coverage based on cost alone can leave people under-protected and facing higher out-of-pocket expenses after a loss.”
“Talking with an independent insurance agent can help homeowners understand their coverage, identify potential gaps and make more confident decisions about protecting their homes and financial well-being.”
The Hanover stated that independent insurance agents can play an important role in helping homeowners evaluate policy details, understand available protection options, and make informed insurance decisions.
Accessing the Full Report
The company stated that consumers can access the complete findings contained in The Hanover’s 2026 Home Report: The Coverage Confidence Gap through its website.
The report provides additional information regarding:
- Homeowners insurance protection awareness
- Coverage verification trends
- Consumer protection priorities
- Insurance decision-making considerations
- Home protection education resources
Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
Survey Details
- Survey Period: March 5–9, 2026
- Respondents: 1,173 U.S. adults
- Age Requirement: 18 years and older
- Homeownership Requirement: Individuals who own a house
- Confidence Level: 95%
- Sampling Precision: ±3.6 percentage points
For purposes of the study, homeowners were defined as individuals who own a house.
Key Findings at a Glance
- 90% concerned about protecting homes and personal property
- 46% have not verified identity fraud protection
- 41% have not verified service line coverage
- 38% have not verified water backup coverage
- 24% have not verified personal property replacement cost coverage
- 81% consider comprehensive protection essential or very important
- 74% prefer broader protection even at a higher cost
About The Hanover
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies that collectively represent one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States.
The company delivers insurance solutions through a network of independent agents and brokers. Together with its distribution partners, The Hanover provides insurance protection for:
- Small businesses
- Mid-sized businesses
- Homes
- Automobiles
- Personal property
The Hanover offers both standard and specialized insurance solutions designed to address a wide range of personal and commercial insurance needs across the United States.
Media Contact
For additional information, visit hanover.com.
Source Attribution
Source: Company announcement
