Owning a historic home is a source of pride for many—but when it comes to insurance, older properties often come with more questions than answers. At 21st Century Public Adjusters, we routinely work with homeowners navigating the complexities of insuring homes that are 100 years or older. Whether you live in a vintage colonial or a historic rowhouse, knowing how to properly protect your investment is key.

Why Standard Policies Fall Short for Older Homes

Unlike modern homes that qualify for broad or special form policies, homes over 100 years old are often placed under what’s known as an HOA-type policy—a restrictive form of coverage with limited endorsements. These policies are designed to protect against damages, but they rarely provide for upgrades. That means your 100-year-old plaster, wiring, or roof may be excluded from coverage unless you’ve made and documented updates.

Even more challenging, insurance carriers will often send a senior inspector to thoroughly review your property. They’ll evaluate when your systems were last upgraded, if you have historical preservation requirements, and what your local codes require for rebuilding. These inspections determine your eligibility for critical endorsements—and what will be excluded.

Endorsements: The Secret to Making an HOA Policy Work

The key to getting robust coverage for your older home lies in endorsements. Here are a few we always recommend:

• Replacement Cost Value (RCV): Unlike Actual Cash Value (ACV), which pays what your 30-year-old furnace is worth today, RCV pays what it costs to buy a new one. If your policy defaults to ACV, you’re likely to come up short in a major claim.
• City/County Law and Ordinance Upgrade: This endorsement covers costs associated with bringing your home up to current building codes, which is especially important when repairs trigger required electrical or structural upgrades.
• Matching Coverage: If a storm damages one side of your roof or siding, this endorsement ensures you’re paid to replace the rest—so your home maintains its curb appeal and value.
• Service Line and Equipment Breakdown Coverage: These cover hidden but expensive failures, such as broken water mains or HVAC system malfunctions—critical in older properties with aging infrastructure.

Balancing Coverage and Premiums

We understand that premiums are a concern. The more endorsements you add, the higher your annual cost. But here’s a tip: raising your deductible from $500 to $2,000 can significantly reduce your premium and still provide the robust protection you need. Insurance companies are less likely to view you as a risk if you only file claims for significant events.

Our Approach: Proactive Policy Reviews

At 21st Century Public Adjusters, we don’t just show up after a loss—we offer free consultations to help you review your policy before disaster strikes. We’ll help you understand what you’re paying for, identify coverage gaps, and suggest the right endorsements for your property. We’re not just public adjusters—we’re your insurance advisors, advocates, and strategists.If you own an older home or are considering buying one, give us a call at (215) 485-3107 or visit us at www.21stcenturypublicadjusters.com. We’ll help you secure the right protection for your timeless investment—without unnecessary surprises when you need your policy to perform.