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Older and historic homes carry a charm and character that newer construction simply cannot replicate. Homeowners should consider their home’s specific needs and make sure those needs are met through the right insurance coverage. Aging systems, rare materials, and preservation requirements all affect how your home is valued and covered.
Homeowners should review standard home insurance policies to ensure they include coverage options that benefit an older property. This guide explains what makes these homes unique, what to look for in a policy, and how to protect your investment.
Why insurance for historic homes is unique
Many owners of historic properties view themselves as stewards of history rather than just owners. Because of this, having a policy that allows you to restore, not just rebuild, is vital. When reviewing a policy, pay close attention to:
- Coverage caps — Ensure there are no restrictive limits on total payouts.
- Material quality — Check if you are allowed to replace damaged areas with "like kind and quality" materials.
- Code updates — Confirm if the policy covers the cost of bringing the home up to modern building standards if a covered loss occurs.
- Choice of professional — Determine if you can choose your own contractor, architect, or engineer.
7 ways older homes are different
Older properties come with unique risks and needs that may vary from newer homes. Here are seven factors that may set them apart should the home need to be restored or rebuilt:
- Outdated electrical and plumbing — Systems like knob and tube wiring, lead pipes, or asbestos insulation may need to be replaced or removed to meet safety standards.
- Hard to source materials — Restoring antique flooring, plaster moldings, custom width millwork, or antique window glass can cost significantly more than using modern alternatives.
- Code upgrade costs — Repairs often trigger requirements for modern safety features, such as egress windows, specific staircase railing heights, or new fire blocking and insulation.
- Historic district compliance — If your home is in a historic district, an architectural review board may require you to replicate original windows, brickwork, or roofing materials exactly.
- Valuables and antiques — Historic homes are often furnished with period appropriate light fixtures and furniture. These items may need their own specialized coverage to avoid exceeding your standard contents limit.
- Unique roofs — Older homes often feature decorative slate, hand crimped copper, standing seam metal, turrets, or decorative chimneys that require specialized repair skills.
- Specialized craftspeople — Finding qualified contractors and craftspeople who understand and are experienced in historic materials is one of the most difficult parts of owning an older home.
Why older or historic homes may cost more to insure
Generally, insurance for older or historic homes is more expensive because of three main factors: time, quality, and experience.
Finding or salvaging older building materials can be a lengthy process. Materials of like kind and quality, which were once standard, can now be costly and difficult to find. Additionally, skilled craftspeople who can work with these materials are in short supply and high demand. All of these factors contribute to the higher cost of restoring an older home after a loss.
Learn what to consider before buying a historic home
Understanding an HO-8 insurance policy
An HO-8 policy is a homeowners insurance policy designed for older or historic homes with hard-to-replace features.
Homeowners should carefully consider the differences between an HO-8 and a standard HO-3 policy to determine which coverage best fits their home’s age, unique features, and insurance needs. Because each home can vary, it is highly recommended that you work with a trusted insurance agent to determine which option is the best fit for your home.
Don't forget outbuildings
A historic property may also include historically significant outbuildings that require protection. This includes structures such as:
- Barns and stables
- Spring houses and ice houses
- Summer kitchens or smoke houses
Ensure your policy provides adequate coverage limits for these additional structures so they can be restored alongside the main house.
Additional coverages to consider
| Coverage | What It Covers |
|---|---|
Guaranteed replacement cost |
Covers the full cost to rebuild your home even if it exceeds your policy limit |
Scheduled personal property |
Provides broader coverage for high value items like antiques and artwork |
Water backup coverage |
Covers damage from backed up drains or sump pump failure — a common risk in older plumbing |
Additional living expenses |
Covers living expenses in comparable temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable during a lengthy restoration |
This content is for informational purposes only. Coverage terms, conditions, and availability vary by location and policy. Please consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation. Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited.
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This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.
Chubb is the marketing name used to refer to subsidiaries of Chubb Limited providing insurance and related services. For a list of these subsidiaries, please visit our website at www.chubb.com. Insurance provided by ACE American Insurance Company and its U.S. based Chubb underwriting company affiliates. All products may not be available in all states. This communication contains product summaries only. Coverage is subject to the language of the policies as actually issued. Surplus lines insurance sold only through licensed surplus lines producers. Chubb, 202 Hall's Mill Road, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889-1600.