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Pennsylvania Home Insurance

For many people, their home is their most significant investment. Home insurance helps protect your investment by providing coverage for damages caused by unforeseen accidents or mishaps. Whether you live in Allentown, Punxsutawney or another part of Pennsylvania, having the right home insurance coverage is essential for providing peace of mind and ensuring that you're prepared for whatever life throws your way.

Is home insurance required in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

  • 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 Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania homeowners insurance policy can provide valuable additional coverage tailored to your specific needs. Here are a few endorsements you 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 Pennsylvania policy excludes damage caused by earth movement, including earthquakes. This endorsement would extend coverage to damage caused by an earthquake.

What affects your Pennsylvania home insurance rates?

The location of your home is a significant factors that impact home insurance premiums. Different areas face different risks and exposures. The cost of home insurance in a city versus a small town will depend on many factors, including loss frequency, construction costs and population density. Your home insurance policy should be as unique as your residence, tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Additionally, regularly reviewing and updating your coverage can ensure that your policy adequately reflects your current needs.

Maximize savings with Pennsylvania homeowners insurance discounts

There are several ways Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania home with a temperature monitoring or water leak detection system installed and receive a discount.
  • New or remodeled homes: Receive a credit when you insure a new or remodeled home. 

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. 

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, Pennsylvania homeowners who bundle auto and home insurance with Amica could save up to 30% with a multiline discount.

Facts and figures about Pennsylvania

Common claims in Pennsylvania:

Plumbing leaks can result from various causes, making them a common source of claims in Pennsylvania, Leaks can be caused by the following reasons:

  • Cold weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters, which can lead to freezing temperatures that cause pipes to freeze and subsequently burst. When water freezes inside pipes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls and leading to cracks or ruptures.
  • Old or corroded pipes: In older homes or those with outdated plumbing systems, pipes may become worn out, corroded or weakened over time. This can increase the likelihood of leaks occurring, especially in areas with high water pressure or hard water.
  • Clogged drains or pipes: A buildup of debris, grease or mineral deposits can cause clogs in drains or pipes, leading to pressure buildup and potential leaks. Clogged pipes can also cause backups and overflows, resulting in water damage to the home. Leaking pipes can result in significant water damage to the home, as well as to personal belongings, furniture and other items. 

Home insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage caused by plumbing leaks, including the cost of repairing or replacing damaged property and addressing any resulting mold issues. However, coverage may be subject to certain limitations, deductibles and exclusions.

It's important to note that flood damage isn’t covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Homeowners in flood-prone areas may need to purchase separate flood insurance to protect against this risk.

Fun facts about Pennsylvania:

  • The first baseball stadium was built in Pittsburgh in 1909.2
  • In 1943, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles played one season together as the Steagles.2
  • Established in 1751, Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia is considered the oldest hospital in the U.S.2

How to get home insurance in Pennsylvania

We’re here to guide you through the process of personalizing your homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

Get a home insurance quote

or call 833-513-3881

1 Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2 77 Interesting Facts About Pennsylvania
 

Your Policy, Policy Declarations or Amended Declarations in effect on the date of loss is the primary source of reference for your coverage, coverage limits and deductible amounts.

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