Insurance of every kind has gotten more expensive and more restrictive over the past five years. Just because we don’t have the extreme weather in Northern VA, doesn’t mean we don’t feel the repercussions of it in our homeowners insurance policies.
There have been significant changes over the past 3-5 years that home buyers and current homeowners should be aware of so I asked Seth Kutner of ACO Insurance to step in with a guest column this week to highlight the three things you should be aware of. Seth is an excellent resource who I personally work with and recommend frequently to clients, don’t hesitate to reach out to him for advice or an insurance quote at [email protected].
Take it away Seth…
A Home’s Insurance History Affects You
It’s not just your insurance history that matters when applying for homeowner’s insurance — it’s the home’s, too.
Most people don’t realize that insurance companies often look at the claims history of the property itself, regardless of who lived there at the time. If a home has a history of frequent or serious claims, it can impact:
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Your eligibility for coverage
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Your insurance premium
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Your deductible requirements
The biggest red flag? Non-weather-related water claims — things like burst pipes, slow leaks, or plumbing backups. These make insurance carriers nervous, as they could point to underlying issues that increase the likelihood of future claims.
The Roof — Age and Type Matter
One of the most overlooked — but most important — parts of a home is the roof. In our area, asphalt shingle roofs are the most common. Even though a well-maintained shingle roof can last 30–40 years, many insurance carriers will not write a new policy for a roof over 20 years old, even if it seems to be in good condition.
In recent years, roof claims have skyrocketed, driven by more severe weather events and roofs that haven’t been properly maintained. As a result, insurance companies have become far more cautious and selective when it comes to roof age and condition.
Roofs made of metal or slate, which have much longer lifespans, are usually easier to insure — but some insurers may require a professional “all-clear” roof inspection before issuing a policy.
What to Do: Before making an offer, ask the seller for the age of the roof and any repair or maintenance records. If the roof is close to or over 20 years old, talk to your insurance agent early so you understand your options and don’t get caught in a compromised position while you’re under contract and can’t find the insurance required by the lender.
Insurance Discounts for Home Upgrades
Some home features and upgrades can make your home more attractive (less risky) to insurance carriers and reduce the cost of insurance. Discounts have been available for years for upgraded fire and burglar systems, but over the years the discounts offered for those features have decreased and discounts are being offered for features that limit water and weather-related claims including upgrades like:
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Leak detection sensors and automatic water shut-off systems
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Smart water usage meters
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Sump pump monitors
Not only are these good features to add to your home in general, but some insurance carriers are now rewarding homeowners for having them, making them doubly beneficial.
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
Upcoming (pre-market) ERG Listings, Details and Additional Listings Available by Request
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Reston – 4BR/3.5BA/3,000 sqft – End-unit townhouse (1993) – Hollow Timber Ct Reston VA 20194
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Falls Church City – 4BR/4.5BA/3,000+ sqft – End-unit townhouse (1995) – Rees Pl Falls Church VA 22046
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Yorktown – 6BR/6.5BA/6,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2026) – N Greencastle St Arlington VA 22207
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Highland Park/Overlee Knolls – 6BR/5.5BA/5,000+ sqft – Detached Single Family (2025) – 22nd Rd N Arlington VA 22205
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Arlington Ridge/Aurora Hills – 3BR/2.5BA/2,450sqft – Detached Single Family (1961) – S Grove St Arlington VA 22202
