Rochester Homeowners Insurance

The city of Rochester is home to about 208,000 people. With its numerous cultural and recreational facilities, ample shopping, and healthy economy, this city has much to offer its residents. If you are among the proud homeowners here in New York’s third most populous city, you will want to be certain that your house is insured by a comprehensive home insurance policy.

Local independent agents can help you obtain the best and most affordable coverage for your Rochester home. Contact an insurance agent near you to get started.

Cost of Homeowners Insurance in Rochester, NY

New York is the 15th most expensive state for home insurance in the US. The average cost in this state is higher than the national average. But in Rochester, where home values are relatively low and severe weather events are relatively rare, it is much lower.

• National average yearly premium: $1,173
• New York average yearly premium: $1,287
• Rochester average yearly premium: $568

Of course, you should expect your actual home insurance quotes to be different from the average Rochester rate shown above. This is because insurance costs are calculated individually according to several different factors, including:

• The age, size, and value of your house
• The number of stories your house has, and whether it has a basement
• Your claims history and credit score
• The crime rate and weather risks in your ZIP code
• Whether you are bundling your coverage with other policies like car insurance or life insurance

Each insurance company has its own proprietary way of computing rates, so comparing a variety of quotes lets you choose the home insurance policy that offers the best value for your money. Independent insurance agents in Rochester make comparison shopping easy.

Save on Home Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a Quote

Rochester's Burglary Rate

The burglary rate in New York is lower than the national rate, but in Rochester, the risk is significantly higher. This city averages about 2,500 burglaries a year. 

• Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in the US: 4.69
• Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in New York: 1.66
• Number of burglaries per 1,000 homes in Rochester: 7.06

If your house is burglarized, your home insurance can reimburse you for your losses as well as for any damage the burglar may have caused. Your independent insurance agent can help you be sure that your most expensive property is properly insured. Some homeowners need to purchase special endorsements or riders to cover things like valuable collections or fine art.

Of course, it is better to avoid the burglary in the first place. Precautionary steps like keeping doors and windows securely locked, leaving lights and a radio on while you are away, and using motion sensitive outdoor lighting can reduce your chances of being targeted by a burglar. 

Home security systems are among the most effective theft deterrents. That is why many insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who have burglar alarms. Talk to your independent insurance agent to learn more about this and other potential discounts.

Catastrophic Events in Rochester

Home insurance policies are designed to cover you against most of the hazards you are likely to face as a property owner. This includes everything from electrical fires to severe weather events.

• Number of declared disasters in New York: 58
• Most common reasons for disasters in the state: Severe Storms and Heavy Snows
• Average number of tornadoes per year in New York: 9.6
• Average amount of property damage per year in NY: $2,170,228,000
• 1 in 15 insured homes has a claim each year.

Rochester residents are most at risk for damage caused by freezing pipes or heavy wind. For example, what has come to be known as the Great Windstorm of 2017 caused a lot of damage in the Rochester area. This storm toppled trees, damaged roofs, and left more than 100,000 people without power for days. Fortunately, home insurance provided coverage for residents.

Save on Home Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a Quote

Liability Insurance for Rochester Homeowners

Liability lawsuits can be expensive enough cause you to lose your home. That is why your homeowners insurance also provides you with personal liability coverage. This insurance is designed to cover court costs, legal defense fees, and damages if you are sued for a covered event. 

Some examples of times your homeowners liability coverage may be of use include:

• If a visitor to your home is badly injured in an accident that can be attributed to negligence of upkeep on your part.
• If a neighbor’s child falls off your trampoline and hurts his head, requiring a trip to the emergency room.
• If your child or pet causes injuries or property damage to someone outside your household.
• If someone accuses you of libel or slander due to something negative you posted on online.

If you want more liability coverage than your home insurance can provide, you can supplement your policy with umbrella insurance. This is a highly affordable way to boost all of your liability coverage. An independent insurance agent can help you acquire the liability coverage you want at a price you can afford.

Second Home and Vacation Home Insurance

Maybe you have a vacation home in the Adirondacks. Or perhaps you rent out a second home to students at the University of Rochester. Regardless, if you own more than one house, you will need to be sure that all of your properties are covered by appropriate home insurance policies. 

Houses that do not serve as your primary residence often have additional risk factors that insurance companies will take into consideration. These properties may therefore need specialized home insurance coverage. 

• Vacation homes that are not used for several months out of the year have an increased risk of property damage. In this case, your insurer may require you to have vacant home insurance during the times your vacation house is unoccupied.
• Also, depending on where your vacation home is located, you may need to be sure that your policy covers against specific weather hazards like hurricanes, tornadoes, or wildfires. You may also need a supplemental flood insurance policy.
• Second homes that are occupied by renters have lower contents coverage needs, since your tenants will need to cover their own property with renters insurance. However, these houses have higher liability risks for you as the property owner. If you are renting out your additional home, the house will therefore need to be covered by landlord insurance.

Your local independent insurance agent can help you find appropriate policies to cover all of your residential properties.

Save on Home Insurance

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a Quote

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent?

The easiest way to find the best insurance for your Rochester home is by working a local independent agent. These agents work for you, not for a particular insurance company, so they are free to shop around to find you reliable coverage and an affordable rate.

Contact an independent insurance agent with an office in or near Rochester to learn more. You can start comparing customized, competitively priced homeowners insurance quotes in no time.