Why Home Insurance Costs Are Rising (And Who We Recommend)
Navigating Home Insurance in 2026 Insights from Downs Mortgage Group
By John Downs - Certified Mortgage Advisor
Congratulations on your progress toward homeownership. As you complete your financing with Downs Mortgage Group, we appreciate the opportunity to assist you. Our commitment is to provide efficient processes, competitive rates, and comprehensive guidance. This includes home insurance to ensure your financial decisions are well-informed.
With extensive experience reviewing thousands of policies over the years, and continuing to evaluate 20 to 30 each month, we maintain a strong understanding of market norms. This enables us to identify opportunities for optimization. It helps clients secure appropriate coverage at reasonable costs.
Understanding Insurance Challenges Post 2024
The home insurance sector has undergone significant changes since 2023. This complicates what was once a straightforward aspect of the home-buying process. Factors such as inflation have increased the costs of rebuilding and repairs, including materials and labor. Consequently, premiums have risen substantially in many areas.
Here are just a few real examples:
+$1,600
BETHESDA, MD
A client purchased a $1.25m home in Bethesda, MD in 2021. Their premium increased from $2,300 to $3,900.
Doubled!
WASHINGTON, DC
A couple who purchased a single-family row home for $850k in 2021 had their premium more than double from $1,150 to $2,400!
Tripled!!
ANNAPOLIS, MD
A waterfront home in Annapolis, MD, was shocked to see their policy triple, from $2,700 to over $8,500!
The New "Rule of Thumb" for 2026
In the past, we used to estimate annual premiums at roughly 0.15% of the purchase price. Today, with rising replacement costs, that baseline has shifted. While every home is different, here is the new math we use for estimations:
Yes, They Are Using Drones.
Insurers have also adopted stricter underwriting practices. They often employ aerial imagery to assess roof conditions, tree proximity, and the age of mechanical systems such as water heaters and heat pumps.
In specific markets, carriers have limited or withdrawn coverage. For instance, Travelers ceased operations in Washington, D.C., while others have declined policies for flat roofs or single-family homes in certain regions.
These developments have extended approval timelines and heightened the importance of early preparation. To mitigate potential delays, we advise securing insurance at least ten days before closing.
Our Trusted Partners
We recommend these professionals based on their expertise, reliability, and alignment with our standards. Please mention your association with Downs Mortgage Group when reaching out.
Still Creek Insurance
Dave Wexler
"Dave brings prior experience in the mortgage industry, providing a comprehensive perspective. As an independent agent, he accesses multiple carriers to identify optimal policies and potential cost reductions."
- Website: Still Creek Insurance
- Email: dave@stillcreekinsurance.com
- Phone: 301.355.3972
Whitehall Insurance Group
John Bacot
"John prioritizes client needs and will suggest alternatives if his offerings are not the most suitable."
- Email: john@whitehallinsurancegroup.com
- Phone: 410-635-9445
Your 4-Step Checklist to Finalize Insurance
Ready to cross this off your list? Here is the exact workflow to ensure we have everything needed for your closing.
Shop Your Options
Start by calling your current insurance provider (whoever handles your auto or renters insurance) to get a baseline quote. If you want a second opinion, reach out to our trusted partners, Dave or John, listed above.
Send Us the Quote for a "Market Check"
Before you sign anything, forward the quote to us! Since we review 20–30 policies a month, we will quickly review the premium to ensure the costs align with current market norms.
Bind Your Coverage
Once we give you the thumbs up on the premium and coverage, call the agent back and tell them you are ready to "Bind Coverage" with an effective date of your closing date.
Connect Us with Your Agent
We need to coordinate the final paperwork with your insurance agent. You have two options here:
- Option A (Easiest): Simply email us your agent's name, email address, and phone number. We will handle the rest!
- Option B: If you prefer to handle the communication, please forward the details below to your agent.
Note to Agent: Please provide the Invoice and the Declaration Page. Please ensure the Mortgagee Clause is listed exactly as follows:Vellum Mortgage, Inc. Its Successors and/or Assigns
ATIMA 12700 Fair Lakes Circle, Suite 400
Fairfax, VA 22033
Should you have questions, we are available to discuss further. At Downs Mortgage Group, our focus is on delivering informed, efficient support throughout your homeownership journey.
Have Questions about the Insurance Process or Premiums?
Schedule a 15-minute strategy call with us, and we will walk you through the entire process.