Living in Baltimore means understanding the city’s unique risks. Here’s what Goosehead Insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected:

• Urban Flooding: Heavy rainfall, combined with aging infrastructure, increases the risk of urban flooding in neighborhoods like Hampden and Charles Village.
• Rowhouse Fire Risks: Baltimore’s iconic rowhouses, while charming, can be vulnerable to fire spread.
• Crime Protection: Personal property coverage is essential in areas with higher crime rates, ensuring valuable belongings like electronics and jewelry are secure.
• Severe Weather Preparedness: Severe weather in Baltimore, like hurricanes and heavy snowstorms, can cause significant damage to homes.

Basic home insurance coverage in Baltimore protects against common threats like fire, theft, and storm damage. Here’s what the standard Baltimore home insurance policy includes:

• Dwelling Coverage: Safeguards your home’s structure against damage caused by covered events.
• Personal Property Protection: Covers belongings inside your home, a crucial feature for homeowners in areas with higher theft risk.
• Liability Protection: Prevents financial strain in case of accidents or injuries on your property.
• Additional Living Expenses (ALE): Assists with temporary living costs if your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss.

Baltimore’s unique landscape requires special attention to additional coverage options. Some key recommendations include:

• Flood Insurance: With flooding as a regular issue in areas like Canton and Locust Point, opting for flood insurance is a smart step. However, flood damage is not a part of standard policies. Many get a policy from private insurers or the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Sewer Backup Coverage: Essential for city-dwellers relying on aging sewage systems, particularly during heavy rainstorms.
• Extended Replacement Cost Coverage: Helps cover repair and labor costs if they increase due to a citywide disaster and exceed your standard limits.

This may not be every additional coverage option, but Goosehead Insurance will work with you to create a policy that fits your specific situation.

Baltimore home insurance costs depend on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what influences your premium:

• Location Risk: Homes in Mount Vernon or Federal Hill may have different rates due to crime or flood risks.
• Historic Properties/Age: Owning one of Baltimore’s beautiful historic homes or having an older home in general typically mean the house needs specific materials or doesn’t entirely meet modern safety standards, thus raising premiums.
• Home Features: Homes in more upscale parts of Baltimore cover more square footage, have more rooms, and feature luxury materials, which drives up the cost of rebuilding and premiums.

On average, Baltimore homeowners can expect to spend between $1,900 and $2,400 annually on home insurance. Keep in mind, specific rates will vary depending on these factors, coverage selections, and your circumstances

Protecting your home shouldn’t stretch your budget. Here are a few ways you can save on your premiums while staying covered:

• Bundle Policies: Combine home and auto insurance to maximize discounts.
• Upgrade Home Security: Invest in alarm systems or cameras to potentially lower premiums.
• Flood Mitigation: Elevating your home or floodproofing can reduce risk and associated costs.

At Goosehead, we understand the importance of protecting your home and belongings. We help you find a policy that meets your needs at a competitive price. Here’s why you should choose Goosehead for your home insurance:

• Wide Access to Carriers: We work with multiple carriers to find the right coverage for your specific needs and budget.
• Personalized Policies: We're able to build our clients’ policies that fit their area, needs, and budget.
• Top-Notch Service: Our agents provide exceptional service and build lasting relationships with our clients.
• Expert Team: Our agents are familiar with the Baltimore area and can answer any questions you may have.