When it comes to protecting your home, your car, and your future, insurance often feels like a generic, check-the-box task. But if you’re living in Baltimore, insurance isn’t just a mindless need; it’s a smart, strategic decision that should reflect the local challenges and quirks of our city.
From rowhomes with century-old charm to pothole-packed streets and unpredictable summer storms, Baltimore’s unique environment creates a very real need for customized coverage, and you won’t find a more knowledgeable group than the Baltimore-born agents at Goldsborough Insurance!
Here’s how insurance connects directly to the way we live in Charm City, and why it might be time to take a closer look at your policies.
1. Flash Flooding & Waterfront Living: Hidden Risks in the City
With neighborhoods like Canton, Fells Point, and even parts of Mount Washington sitting close to sea level, Baltimoreans are no strangers to flash flooding. Our aging stormwater infrastructure just can’t keep up with today’s rain events, which are growing more intense year over year. Whether you’re in a rowhome in Hampden or a waterfront condo in Canton, one summer storm can do thousands in damage. Flooding isn’t just a coastal issue; it’s a backyard Baltimore problem.
In the same vein, just because you’re not backed up to the Bay or the Harbor doesn’t mean you’re in the clear from some very expensive potential flood damage. Baltimore is covered with rivers, reservoirs, lakes – it’s a part of what makes it a wonderfully unique place to live! However, that also means that your home could still be impacted by flood waters – a great way to check your risk factor is to input your address into the FEMA Flood Map which provides individualized information for your home.
Goldsborough Insider Tip: 80% of flood claims aren’t near the Bay or ocean – don’t get caught off-guard by a false sense of security!
2. Rowhomes & Historic Charm: The Beauty and the Burden
Baltimore is full of charm and holds a lot of history, which is something that makes us an oasis for historians and school field trips. Not all of our historic charm is simply for viewing, however – many of our buildings and homes are 50+ years old and are still occupied by businesses and families alike. Our historic rowhomes, especially in neighborhoods like Bolton Hill, Charles Village, and Federal Hill, bring that old-school character and craftsmanship. But behind the bricks often lie outdated wiring, old plumbing, and systems that can put your property at risk. Your Patterson Park rowhome has character, but does your insurance account for its “quirks”?
Outdated systems can have a myriad of unpleasant outcomes: adding $$$ to renovation costs, be more expensive to find technicians who service those particular types/brands, or even plumbing or electrical issues could cause fire/water damage.
Goldsborough Insider Tip: If your home is over 50 years old, it’s worth talking to your insurance agent about replacement cost coverage, sewer backup endorsements, and whether your current policy would truly cover the cost to rebuild your one-of-a-kind home.
3. Potholes & Aggressive Driving: Daily Risks for Local Drivers
If you drive in Baltimore, you know: the roads can be brutal. Between aggressive drivers, shaky infrastructure, and uneven pavement, our streets can sometimes seem like a daily gauntlet. Between potholes on your daily commute or the guy tailgating you down 83, your daily drive through Baltimore can be a risky ride. Make sure your auto policy goes beyond the basics.
Collision coverage can help pay for damage from potholes, and comprehensive coverage protects you from vandalism and theft. With auto theft rising in some city neighborhoods, it might be time to check if you have the right protection.
Goldsborough Insider Tip: As of July 1, 2024, Maryland has increased the penalties for driving without insurance. This is the first time in 30+ years that the fines for uninsured drivers have been adjusted. This now means that the average annual premium for a MD auto policy is lower than the maximum annual uninsured driver’s penalty.
4. I-95, the Beltway & Commuter Chaos: Highways Full of Hazards
If your commute includes I-95, I-695, or I-895, you’re in high-risk territory, especially during peak driving times. These major arteries are packed with out-of-state drivers (which can make for a more difficult claim), fast lane shufflers, and frequent accidents.
From Curtis Bay to Towson, Baltimore drivers face a different kind of rush hour – IYKYK. One crash on the Beltway could lead to a lawsuit and/or $1,000s in damage; are you covered if it goes beyond your auto limits?
Goldsborough Insider Tip: Umbrella insurance can provide extra liability protection in case of a serious or unique type of accident. It’s an affordable way to add peace of mind, especially if you regularly drive in high-risk areas. Give us a call to see how we can adjust your policy to better protect you.
5. Local Events & Liability Risks: Celebrating the City Comes With Risk
Baltimore is a city of festivals and food. From Artscape to backyard crab feasts, there’s always something happening around here. But fun events can also come with liability risks. Throwing a backyard crab feast or hosting a booth at Artscape? A simple slip or grill fire could land you with big bills. Insurance isn’t just for businesses, it’s for Baltimore’s backyard entertainers.
Goldsborough Insider Tip: Personal liability coverage under your homeowners or renters policy can help you continue your summer fun without any pesky anxiety. For business owners or event vendors, a short-term general liability policy might be worth looking into.
6. Rowhome Fires: When One Spark Spreads Fast
Tightly packed rowhomes mean fire spreads quickly. If your neighbor has a fire, your home could be affected too, especially if hydrant access is limited or delayed which is unfortunately fairly common in some of our local neighborhoods. In a city where one kitchen fire can jump three homes down the block, insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s a lifeline.
Goldsborough Insider Tip: Be sure your coverage includes full dwelling replacement costs and loss-of-use coverage so you’re not left scrambling for housing if a fire spreads beyond your control. Similarly, ensure your renter’s insurance provides adequate coverage for your belongings.
Final Thoughts: Baltimore Insurance Deserves Better Than a Cookie-Cutter Policy
Baltimore is a city full of character, grit, and surprises. Your insurance should reflect that. Instead of choosing the cheapest plan or sticking with outdated coverage, take a moment to consider what living here really means for your home, your car, and your future.
Whether it’s protecting your Mount Vernon apartment from flash floods or your Towson storefront from liability during a street festival, local life brings local risks. And the right insurance coverage turns those risks into peace of mind.
Goldsborough Insider Tip: Take 10 minutes today to review your policies. Ask yourself:
- Does my homeowners insurance reflect the age and structure of my home?
- Is my car protected from Baltimore’s road conditions and theft trends?
- Do I have liability coverage for the everyday risks I face here?
That’s okay if you don’t know the answer to these questions – that’s why we’re right here in Baltimore to help. Goldsborough Insurance is proud to be your local, independent insurance agency that knows Baltimore as well as you do – give us a call today to chat about your unique Baltimore experience and how we can help protect it.