Brownstones line the streets of New York City, painting a deep image of the historical past. However, many of these homes face difficulties being covered by insurance. From strict building codes to repairs required due to their age, brownstones present unique risks compared to other types of residences, such as apartment buildings or more modern houses.
At Muller Insurance, an independent agent working with more than 20 leading insurance companies, we provide insurance policy options that meet different needs and budgets. Here, we explore brownstone homeowners’ insurance in NYC, along with the challenges of higher repair costs and maintenance fees that come with it.
What Is Brownstone Insurance?
In New York City, over 78% of historical homes were constructed utilizing brownstone, a reddish-browns and stone used for building. Brownstone homes are special cases in terms of their architectural style and classical features, from exposed brick walls to historically constructed chimneys. Therefore, a standard homeowners’ insurance policy doesn’t provide sufficient protection for these historic buildings. They need a comprehensive insurance policy that helps ensure their history and architecture are adequately preserved after a claim is filed.
Brownstone owners can pursue a specialized historic home insurance policy or bundle other insurance policies like homeowners’, liability, and property insurance. Enhancements like ordinance or law coverage can also be beneficial, as they protect the building owner from paying out of pocket if upgrades are required to meet current building codes. These different policies help ensure that historic homes like NYC brownstones will be restored to their original condition after claims are filed.
While seeking brownstone insurance in NYC can seem overwhelming for homeowners, it’s essential to make sure your home is protected with the proper coverage. Some areas of NYC require historical homes to be renovated by historical preservation societies, such as HOA requirements and regulations depending on the home’s location and age.
Special Brownstone Considerations
Since brownstones are older buildings with special features like narrow staircases, loft ceilings, and chimneys, they have unique insurance considerations. These include:
Building Codes
Additional repairs and replacements are often necessary for roofs, foundations, and thermal insulation in historical brownstones. Many residents face the challenges of preserving charm while bringing their homes up to modern building codes. Historical residential properties in NYC face the scrutiny of historical residential building societies, as well as sourcing specific materials when bringing buildings up to code. Renovations preserving authenticity and safety are essential for homeowners in NYC, especially for centuries-old brownstone homes.
Expensive Repairs
Brownstones may have old roofs and chimneys or decaying architectural features that need extensive repairs and replacements. Certain insurance companies may not agree to cover these repairs as particular materials may be hard to find or costly. Preserving historical features can also be challenging, as specialized teams are needed to complete the job properly, adding to the cost.
Old Construction
Crumbling foundations, old copper piping, and brick fireplaces are some of the challenges facing homeowners in NYC brownstones. These homes serve as a reminder of the past, so it’s essential that they are updated according to the historical style. Insurance companies may be hesitant to take on brownstones that have unique architectural details that need to be preserved.
Why Choose an Independent Insurance Agent for Brownstone Insurance?
Many factors influence homeowners when deciding between brownstone insurance policies and plans. Finding a suitable agent is half the battle when insuring a home. Choosing an independent agency like Muller Insurance presents a host of options for future or current brownstone owners, including policies from multiple carriers to find the ideal plan.
To offer coverage and policies for owning and renovating brownstone homes, Muller Insurance partners with multiple providers and carriers, including these that cover historical buildings:
- The Andover Companies Insurance
- Chubb Insurance
- Plymouth Rock Insurance
Policies range from covering property insurance to comprehensive policies for making upgrades. For example, Chubb Insurance offers a Masterpiece City Home Insurance policy for owners with historical homes in cities, including New York City and areas of New Jersey.
Access Brownstone Insurance at Muller Insurance
Are you ready to protect your NYC brownstone with comprehensive insurance coverage? Turn to Muller Insurance to explore our options for brownstone homeowners’ insurance in NYC. We have served residents of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more states for over 118 years, serving the unique needs of homeowners and businessowners alike, helping homeowners find the coverage they need to feel safe within their homes. Our clients also get access to bundling opportunities to help them save money.
For more information on brownstone insurance in NYC, contact us or request a quote today.
