Brownstones are historic townhouses made with brown sandstone, which was frequently used in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They feature several stories and interesting architectural details. If you own one, it’s important to have it properly insured to protect its unique details and history.
Muller Insurance is an independent insurance agency located in Hoboken, NJ, and licensed in over 20 states including NY, CT, and PA, with insurance policies through top insurance companies, including historic home insurance. Here, we discuss the questions to ask before insuring your brownstone home.
Is a Standard Homeowners’ Policy Sufficient for a Brownstone?
Most brownstones are historic buildings that often feature unique architecture and are found in cities like NYC, Boston, and more. Since they are often historical and unique, a traditional homeowners’ insurance policy is not sufficient for insuring them. Insuring a brownstone requires a comprehensive insurance program that includes liability and property insurance, along with certain enhancements like ordinance or law coverage. Working with an experienced insurance agency can help you find the right policies to fully protect your brownstone.
Is the Architecture of the Brownstone Historic?
Most brownstones feature historic architectural elements that aren’t commonly found in modern buildings, including brick interiors, stone stoops, ornate details on the façade, and carved fireplaces. If your brownstone has these historic architectural features, it may be eligible for a historic homeowner’s policy. To determine if your home is eligible for a historic homeowner’s policy, you will need to check if it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which lists historic buildings worthy of preservation. You can ask your realtor or check out the website list. If your home is on the list, you want to make sure the insurance company you choose has experience with historic buildings, especially brownstones, and other older buildings. If you need to file a claim, you want to trust that your coverage will help restore the property to its original historical condition.
Is the Building Currently Up to Code?
Consider whether your brownstone building is currently up to code. If it’s not, you will need to bring it up to code and it may be expensive. Adding ordinance or law coverage to your homeowners’ insurance is a way to help protect yourself if an incident leads to required upgrades that must meet current building codes. Having this coverage helps prevent you from paying it all out of pocket.
Does the Proximity of Neighbors Need to be Considered?
Brownstones are traditionally connected to each other, without space in between. Having a comprehensive insurance policy for your brownstone is important because it will cover your unit, and if your brownstone is damaged or destroyed and results in the neighboring units getting damaged, you will need protection.
What If the Brownstone is a Rental Property?
If you rent out your brownstone, you will need additional insurance coverage. If you live in one of the apartments, opt for owner-occupied dwelling insurance. If you don’t live in the building, choose tenant-occupied dwelling insurance. Both are available through Muller Insurance.
How Does Muller Insurance Help with Historic Home Insurance?
For more than 100 years, Muller Insurance has provided a wide range of insurance policies at different price points and coverage levels for residential and commercial clients. If you need proper insurance for your brownstone home, we can help you choose the right policy and enhancements. By partnering with over 20 insurance companies, we’re able to offer you a range of coverages and policies. We can also tailor them to fit your unique needs and find bundling opportunities to help you save money.
What Companies Does Muller Insurance Work with that Offer Historic Home Insurance?
One company we work with that offers historic home insurance is Chubb Insurance. They have a Masterpiece City Home Insurance policy that is ideal for city homeowners with historical homes that have unique architectural features. The policy is comprehensive and customizable to protect your city home and its historic details.
Another company that offers enhancements for older homes is The Andover Companies. Their Superior Home Protection Plan provides guaranteed replacement of your home (homes constructed since 1925). You can also add on ordinance and law coverage for additional protection.
Muller Insurance also offers policies from other leading brands like Travelers, Plymouth Rock, N&D Group, and more.
Contact Muller Insurance for Help with Historic Home Insurance Policies
If you’re a brownstone owner, you have unique insurance needs and Muller Insurance can help you obtain the proper coverage. As an independent insurance agency, we’re able to partner with various trusted insurance companies and offer historic home insurance policies at affordable prices. We have built a strong reputation that clients in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and other states trust for their insurance needs. For more information about our historic home insurance coverage options, get a quote or contact us today.
