Sewer and drain backup
Heavy summer storms overwhelm combined sewers in many neighborhoods. Standard policies exclude water that backs up through a drain or a failed sump pump, so this coverage is added separately and the limit is worth raising.
Chicago Home Insurance
Home insurance for Chicago houses, explained in plain English.
Brick two-flats, finished basements, and hundred-year-old sewer lines. Chicago homes carry risks a generic policy quote never asks about.
What makes a Chicago home policy different
Older housing stock
Knob and tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, and century-old roofs affect both price and eligibility. Documented updates often move you to a better carrier.
Rebuild cost, not list price
Rebuilding a brick bungalow or greystone on a tight city lot costs more per square foot than new construction in a subdivision. Your limit should reflect that, not what the house would sell for.
Two to four unit buildings
If you live in one unit and rent another, you need a policy written for that. A standard homeowners form may not cover the rental exposure.
Hail, wind, and winter
Roof claims are common here. Check whether your roof is settled at replacement cost or depreciated actual cash value, because the difference can be thousands.
Liability that fits city life
Shared walkways, stairs, and alleys raise the odds of an injury claim. We look at liability limits and umbrella coverage, not just the dwelling number.
Neighborhood details we ask about
These questions decide your price more than anything on a quote form.
1
Has the basement ever taken on water, and is there a sump pump or overhead sewer?
2
When were the roof, furnace, electrical, and plumbing last updated?
3
Is the building a single family, condo, or two to four flat?
4
Do you rent out any part of the property, even occasionally?
5
What would it actually cost to rebuild, given current labor and material prices?
6
Is there a detached garage, coach house, or finished basement to insure?
Chicago home insurance questions
How much home insurance do I need in Chicago?
Enough to rebuild your home at today's construction costs, plus liability that protects your income and savings. We calculate the rebuild figure with you rather than guessing from the purchase price.
Does home insurance cover a flooded basement?
It depends on where the water came from. A burst pipe is usually covered. A sewer or sump pump backup needs water backup coverage added to the policy. Water rising from outside is flood, which is a separate policy with a 30 day waiting period.
Do I need flood insurance in Chicago?
Not every property does, but low lying blocks and homes near the river see flooding that a homeowners policy will not pay for. We check your address and tell you straight.
Why is my Chicago rate higher than a friend's in the suburbs?
Rates follow claim history by area, along with the age and construction of the building. Two homes a few miles apart can price very differently.
Honest guidance, every step.
Let's look at your Chicago home policy together.
A short conversation is all it takes to understand where you stand.