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Washington, D.C. Home Insurance

Washington, D.C.'s high population density and compact urban environment present unique challenges for homeowners. With so many people living in close proximity, the risks of accidents, theft and other unforeseen events are heightened. Having the right home insurance coverage is crucial for residents of Washington, D.C., to protect themselves financially from these potential risks.

Is home insurance required in Washington, D.C.?

Washington, D.C., doesn’t legally require homeowners to have insurance on their property, but if you finance your home through a mortgage, your lender will likely require you to have homeowners insurance. Even if you own your home outright without a mortgage, it's still highly advisable to be insured. Home insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. It should be tailored to your specific situation and needs.

Typical homeowners insurance coverages in Washington, D.C.

  • Coverage A – Dwelling:

    Coverage for your home and attached structures for damage caused by events such as fire, lightning, wind or hail.

  • Coverage B – Other structures:

    This covers damage to other structures on the property that are set apart from the dwelling, such as a fence, shed or detached garage. 

  • Coverage C – Personal property:

    Coverage for your belongings, such as furniture, clothing and electronics, if they’re damaged by a cause listed in your policy.

  • Coverage D – Loss of use:

    This covers your temporary living expenses when a covered loss makes your home unfit to live in.

  • Coverage E – Personal liability:

    This covers damage or injury to another person or their property that you’re liable for. It also covers legal assistance for claims made against you.

  • Coverage F – Medical payments to others:

    This coverage can pay for medical bills for people who are accidentally hurt on your property, not including members of your household.

Remember, each of these coverages is subject to a policy limit and exclusions, which are specified within your policy.

Your homeowners insurance won’t cover flood damages, so it helps to ensure you’re properly covered if there’s a flood. Flood insurance policies are available and are written through the federally backed National Flood Insurance Program. It’s common for mortgage companies to require flood insurance if your home is within or near a floodplain. Regardless, a flood can occur anywhere and it’s a good idea to buy this additional coverage. 

Additional coverages in Washington, D.C.

You may find that the general coverages afforded in a basic homeowners policy don’t cover certain losses or types of property. Amica offers home insurance options in the form of policy endorsements that can fill in some of those gaps in coverage. Adding endorsements to your Washington, D.C., homeowners insurance policy can provide valuable additional coverage tailored to your specific needs. Here are a few endorsements Washington, D.C., homeowners might consider:

  • Special computer coverage:

    Additional protection beyond what’s included in your policy for devices against direct physical loss, like accidental damage or theft. Devices covered under special computer coverage include:

    • Desktops
    • Laptops
    • Smartphones
    • Gaming devices
    • Smart TVs

  • Identity fraud expenses:

    Identity theft is a growing concern, and this endorsement can help cover expenses associated with restoring your identity, such as legal fees, lost wages and other related costs.

  • Water backup and sump overflow:

    Unexpected and accidental water damage, like from an appliance or burst pipes, is covered by most homeowners insurance policies. But, at the same time, they also exclude coverage for backed-up sewers and drains. This endorsement provides coverage for water that backs up through drains and sump pumps. 

  • Scheduled personal property:

    If you have high-value items such as jewelry, fine art or collectibles, a basic homeowners policy may not provide sufficient coverage. With this endorsement, you can insure specific items to make sure they're adequately covered against loss or damage.

  • Earthquakes:

    A standard Washington, D.C., policy excludes damage caused by earth movement, including earthquakes. This endorsement would extend coverage to damage caused by an earthquake.

Understanding rate factors for Washington, D.C., home insurance

Your home insurance premiums can vary depending on where in Washington, D.C., you choose to call home. Population density and crime rates both play a role in determining insurance costs.

Your Washington, D.C., home insurance policy should be tailored to your unique needs and circumstances, taking into consideration specifics like the type of dwelling, the value of your belongings and the level of coverage desired. Certain factors that impact home insurance prates may be beyond your control, such as repair costs or your proximity to a fire station.

Additionally, regularly reviewing and updating your policy can ensure that you’re protected in a way that fits your current needs.

Save more on Washington, D.C., homeowners insurance with discounts

There are several ways Washington, D.C., homeowners can save money on home insurance without compromising the quality of their coverage.1 We offer home insurance discounts for:

  • Alarm systems: Receive a discount when you insure a home with burglar alarms, sprinkler systems or fire alarms.
  • Automatic detection devices: Insure a Washington, D.C., home with a temperature monitoring, water leak detection or gas leak detection system installed and receive a discount.
  • New or remodeled homes: Receive a credit when you insure a new or remodeled home.
  • Claim-free: Receive a discount when you’ve had no claims in the past three years.

If these don’t apply to you, we also offer discounts for:

  • AutoPay: Receive a discount when you opt to pay your premium using automatic deductions.
  • E-discount: Receive a discount when you sign up to receive policy information and bills electronically.
  • Paid in full: Save money when you pay the entire balance of your Washington, D.C., policy premium up front.  

One of the best ways to conveniently manage all of your insurance needs and save money at the same time is to bundle your insurance coverages for home and auto with the same insurance company. In fact, Washington, D.C., homeowners who bundle auto and home insurance with Amica could save up to 20% with a multiline discount.

Facts and figures about Washington, D.C.

Common claims in Washington, D.C.:

  • Plumbing leaks: Among the common insurance claims in Washington, D.C., are plumbing leaks. Leaks can occur due to various reasons such as burst pipes, faulty fittings, corrosion or aging plumbing systems. These leaks can lead to water damage to the structure of the home, as well as damage to personal property such as furniture, electronics and belongings. Common areas where plumbing leaks occur include bathrooms, kitchens, basements and crawl spaces. 

Homeowners insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage caused by plumbing leaks. However, coverage may be subject to certain limitations and deductibles.

  • Weather-related claims: High winds and tropical storms can cause various types of damage to homes, including roof damage, siding damage and water intrusion. Homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by windstorms, hail, lightning and other weather-related perils. 

It's important to note that flood damage caused by rising water from sources such as overflowing rivers or heavy rainfall is not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Homeowners in flood-prone areas may need to purchase separate flood insurance to protect against this risk.Top of Form

Fun facts about Washington, D.C.:

  • The cost of living in Washington, D.C., is 45.3% above U.S. average, and housing-related costs are more than two times higher than the national average.2
  • Washington, D.C., is home to over 170 embassies, with over 15% of residents speaking a language other than English in their home.3
  • The White House lawn was home to over 40 sheep during World War I.4

How to get home insurance in Washington, D.C.

We’re here to guide you through the process of personalizing your homeowners insurance in Washington, D.C. Here’s how to secure your policy in three easy steps:

  1. Assess your coverage needs:

    An Amica representative can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate your options to find the right coverage for your needs. 

  2. Discover potential discounts:

    A representative can also assist you in exploring potential discounts or cost-saving measures available to Washington, D.C., homeowners based on your unique circumstances.

  3. Get a quote:

    Amica offers convenient options for getting a quote. You can either get a home insurance quote online or call 800-242-6422 today to speak with a representative.

With Amica, you can rest easy knowing that your home is safeguarded against the unexpected, allowing you to focus on what matters most – enjoying life in beautiful Washington, D.C.

Get a home insurance quote

or call 833-513-3881

1 Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2 The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in the U.S.
3 Fun Facts About Washington, DC
4 Washington, DC Fun Facts for Kids
 

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