By Owning an older home can be a rewarding experience. These homes often have unique charm, history, and craftsmanship that newer properties simply can’t match. However, when it comes to protecting them, finding the right home insurance for older houses can be more complicated than it seems. Aging structures, outdated wiring, and older plumbing can make these homes riskier to insure — which means policies may vary significantly among insurance providers.
This article explores why older homes need specialized coverage, the key factors to consider when choosing an insurance policy, and a list of some of the best home insurance companies in the USA known for offering reliable options for older homes.
Why Insuring an Older Home Is Different
Older homes — typically those built more than 40 years ago — often require specialized home insurance because they come with higher risks of damage or expensive repairs. Common challenges include:
- Outdated wiring and electrical systems that increase fire risks.
- Old plumbing that may lead to leaks or water damage.
- Antique or custom materials that are expensive to replace.
- Foundation or roof wear that might not meet current building codes.
Standard homeowners’ policies may not fully cover these issues, so insurers often adjust their terms, coverage limits, or premiums accordingly. That’s why it’s important to choose a company experienced with insuring older properties.
What to Look for in Home Insurance for Older Homes
Before choosing an insurance provider, homeowners should understand what kind of protection an older home really needs. Here are a few factors to consider:
Replacement Cost Coverage
Choose a policy that offers “replacement cost coverage” rather than “actual cash value.” Replacement cost ensures your home can be repaired or rebuilt using similar materials, regardless of depreciation.
Coverage for Code Upgrades
When older homes are repaired, they often need to meet updated building codes. Some policies include an ordinance or law endorsement to cover the cost of these necessary upgrades.
Roof and Plumbing Protection
Look for policies that clearly specify coverage for roof replacement and plumbing leaks. Older roofs, in particular, may have limited coverage unless you select a higher-tier plan.
Personal Property Coverage
Many older homes contain valuable antiques or family heirlooms. Make sure your policy includes enough protection for personal property and offers the option to schedule high-value items separately.
Customer Service and Claim Handling
In case of damage, a responsive and reliable claims department makes a big difference. Check customer satisfaction ratings and reviews before choosing a provider.
Best Home Insurance Companies for Older Homes in the USA
While every homeowner’s needs and location are different, the following insurance companies are well-known for offering flexible coverage options that suit older properties.
State Farm
State Farm is one of the most popular home insurance providers in the U.S., known for its broad coverage and strong customer service network. For older homes, State Farm offers replacement cost coverage and optional coverage for ordinance or law compliance, which helps cover repairs needed to meet modern building codes.
They also have local agents in nearly every state, making it easier for homeowners to get personalized advice and quick support when filing claims.
Allstate
Allstate is a strong choice for older homes because of its customizable policies. Homeowners can add endorsements for water backup, identity restoration, and building code upgrades.
Allstate’s “House & Home” policies include optional features that specifically benefit older homes, such as roof surface extended coverage and personal property replacement cost protection. Their online tools also make it easy to compare quotes and manage your policy digitally.
Travelers Insurance
Travelers is known for its flexible policy structure and discount opportunities. For older homes, Travelers offers coverage options that include rebuilding with similar materials and features.
They also provide discounts for home renovations, such as updated wiring, plumbing, or roofing. If you’ve recently modernized certain parts of your older home, Travelers might reward those improvements with lower premiums.
The Hartford (AARP Homeowners Insurance Program)
The Hartford, in partnership with AARP, specializes in coverage for older homeowners. Their policies are particularly friendly for homes owned by seniors or retirees, offering replacement cost protection and coverage for full rebuilding even if costs exceed the policy limit (in certain states).
They also have strong customer satisfaction ratings and claims service, which makes them a solid choice for older homes that need reliable protection.
Nationwide
Nationwide offers solid home insurance options with excellent coverage for structural repairs and optional ordinance or law coverage for code-related upgrades.
Older home owners can also benefit from discounts for modern safety features like updated smoke alarms, new wiring, or improved plumbing systems. Nationwide’s “Better Roof Replacement” option can be particularly useful for homes with older roofing materials.
American Family Insurance
American Family is a regional favorite that provides competitive pricing for older homes. Their “DreamSecure” policies allow flexible add-ons such as sump pump backup coverage and matching siding protection — both important for maintaining the look and safety of historic houses.
They also focus heavily on customer education, offering tools to help you understand your coverage and estimate rebuilding costs accurately.
How to Lower Insurance Costs for Older Homes
Even though older homes can be more expensive to insure, there are still ways to reduce costs:
- Upgrade systems: Modernize your home’s wiring, plumbing, or heating to lower risk.
- Install safety devices: Smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and water leak sensors can earn you discounts.
- Bundle policies: Combine home and auto insurance with the same provider to save money.
- Increase your deductible: A higher deductible can reduce monthly premiums, but be sure it’s an amount you can afford.
- Review your policy regularly: Update your coverage after renovations or major home improvements.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best home insurance company for older homes in the USA depends on your property’s condition, your location, and your budget. Companies like State Farm, Allstate, Travelers, The Hartford, Nationwide, and American Family stand out for their reliable coverage and flexible options tailored to older houses.
While premiums might be slightly higher, the peace of mind that comes from knowing your historic or long-standing home is well protected is worth the investment.
Before you decide, always compare quotes, read the fine print, and ask about coverage for code upgrades and replacement costs — these details matter most when you need to rebuild or repair after damage.
