Historic home styles
Victorian, Colonial, Craftsman, Tudor and mid-century homes: document original features, additions and materials for rebuilding estimates and insurance.
Historic homes and designation
Insurance for historic and older homes
Original details. Older systems. A home that does not fit a standard checklist. Understand the coverage questions and explore options for the house you care for.
Quote inquiries in 46 states. Or call 888-400-1045.
Start with what matters to your house
A treasured home deserves a clear explanation. Use the guides to understand the terms, the records to describe the property and a conversation to explore what may be available.
Preserve the details
Original plaster, woodwork and roof materials belong in the rebuilding conversation. A dwelling limit alone does not explain how a repair would be valued. Compare rebuilding coverage
Explain the updates
Separate completed work from planned work, and a new panel or bathroom from a fully updated system. Organize your property records
Make a plan after a nonrenewal
One insurer’s decision does not tell you what every other insurer will do. Keep the notice, identify the deadline and review the next options. Follow the nonrenewal action plan
Historic comes in more than one style
A modest bungalow, a Colonial-style house and an ornate Victorian can all raise worthwhile coverage questions. Start with the actual home and the features you want to understand.
National Register homes and insurance
How National Register listing, local historic districts and preservation easements affect home insurance, repairs after a loss and what to tell your insurer.
Historic homes and designation
Replacement cost for historic homes
How to set the dwelling limit on a historic home: replacement cost vs. market value, the 80% rule, functional replacement, extended replacement cost and appraisals.
Coverage basics
AI-generated architectural illustrations. These are fictional examples, not customer properties.
Build a useful quote-preparation checklist
Choose the details you know about the roof, systems, use and insurance history. Get a list of questions, records and relevant guides. No contact information is needed. Your answers stay in this browser tab.
Compare more than the price
- Rebuilding and settlement
- How would the original materials be repaired, replicated or replaced?
- Code and preservation requirements
- Which mandatory expenses are covered, and under what limits and conditions?
- Roof, water and occupancy terms
- Which exclusions, deductibles and separate coverages need review?
Find the guide for your next question
How insurers judge an old house
Prepare an older-home insurance review with roof, wiring, plumbing and update records. Compare coverage terms and possible options after a nonrenewal.
Older home systems
Knob-and-tube wiring and insurance
Prepare for an insurance review of knob-and-tube wiring. Document active circuits, electrician reports, completed updates and any required repair deadlines.
Older home systems
HO-8 policies for older homes
Understand HO-8 modified homeowners coverage and compare causes of loss, settlement terms, roof provisions and restoration priorities before accepting a policy.
Coverage basics
Slate, tile and wood roofs
Insurance questions for slate, clay tile, wood and metal roofs: condition records, replacement cost, cash value, matching and preservation requirements.
Older home systems
Four-point inspections
Learn how a four-point insurance inspection covers the roof, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. Check report requirements and prepare your home's records.
Older home systems
Flood insurance for historic homes
Compare NFIP and private flood insurance for a historic home. Review limits, basement coverage, waiting periods, lender needs and floodplain requirements.
Coverage basics
A few questions to start with
Is historic home insurance one special policy?
There is no single standardized historic-home policy. Compare the actual form, endorsements and rebuilding assumptions offered for your property. See the coverage overview.
Does a National Register listing require public tours?
No. Listing does not require a private owner to open the home for tours. Local designations, easements and other agreements may create separate requirements. Understand designation.
Can I look for private coverage after a nonrenewal?
A review may identify other standard, specialty or surplus lines options. Availability depends on the home, state and insurer. A FAIR Plan may also be relevant where available and eligible. Plan your next steps.
What if I do not know every update date?
Mark unknowns clearly and gather the records you have. Ask which reports are needed before paying for an inspection. Build a preparation checklist.
Tell us about your house
When it was built, what has been updated and when your current policy ends. Start with what you know. We can help identify the next questions.