When you think about your most valuable investment, your home is likely the first thing that comes to mind. For Pennsylvania homeowners, protecting that investment is more than a safety net—it’s peace of mind.
With cold winters, summer storms, and the occasional flash flood, our homes face risks all year round. Yet, too many people discover the gaps in their coverage only after disaster strikes. As an independent insurance agency in Drexel Hill and Exton, we’ve seen firsthand how small oversights can lead to major financial stress.
Here are five mistakes we often see Pennsylvania homeowners make—and how you can avoid them.
1. Confusing Market Value with Replacement Cost
It’s a common assumption: “I’ll just insure my home for what I could sell it for.” Unfortunately, market value and replacement cost aren’t the same.
Market value includes land value, which isn’t relevant if your home needs rebuilding.
Replacement cost covers the actual expense of rebuilding, including materials, labor, and updated building codes.
If your policy doesn’t reflect replacement cost, you risk being underinsured. And with most policies requiring at least 80% of that value, being short could mean your insurer pays out far less than you expect.
👉 Our advice: Always insure based on the cost to rebuild, not what your house might fetch on the real estate market.
2. Assuming “Standard” Coverage is Enough
Pennsylvania weather is unpredictable. But here’s the surprise—your standard homeowners policy won’t cover everything.
Flood damage? Not included. You’ll need separate flood insurance in Pennsylvania.
Sewer or drain backup? Also not included, unless you add it as extra coverage.
Even if you’re not in a high-risk flood zone, you could still face issues. In fact, one in four flood claims comes from “low-risk” areas.
👉 Our advice: Talk to your agent about extra coverage options before a storm leaves you dealing with uncovered damage.
3. Forgetting to Update After Renovations
Did you just finish a kitchen remodel or add a new deck? Congratulations! But don’t forget—home upgrades increase your home’s value and replacement cost.
Failing to update your policy means your insurance may no longer reflect your true rebuild costs or liability risks (think: pools or trampolines).
👉 Our advice: Whenever you invest in your home, call your insurance agent. A quick policy update now prevents bigger problems later.
4. Not Keeping a Home Inventory
Picture this: a fire damages your home, and the insurance company asks for a list of everything you lost. Could you remember it all?
Many homeowners can’t. That’s why a home inventory is so important. A simple video walkthrough of your home, paired with receipts for big-ticket items, can make the claims process smoother and more accurate.
👉 Our advice: Spend an hour creating a digital home inventory and store it in the cloud. It’s a small step that can save weeks of frustration.
5. Picking the Wrong Deductible
It feels safe to choose a low deductible. But in reality, it often means paying higher premiums year after year. Worse, it can tempt you to file small claims—which may cause your insurer to raise rates or even drop your policy.
👉 Our advice: Choose a deductible you can comfortably afford out of pocket, typically between $1,000 and $2,500. This balance keeps your premiums affordable while still protecting you against big losses.
Why Local Guidance Matters
Navigating homeowners insurance in Pennsylvania can be overwhelming. Policies are full of fine print, and what works for one family may not fit another. That’s where a local, independent agency makes a difference.
At Dunn and Danese Insurance, we:
Compare multiple carriers to find the best rates.
Offer advice tailored to Drexel Hill, Exton, and surrounding communities.
Advocate for you if you ever need to file a claim.
Your home deserves more than a one-size-fits-all policy. It deserves protection built around your life, your neighborhood, and your risks.
📞 Call (610) 623-4750 or stop by our Drexel Hill and Exton offices today for a free review of your homeowners insurance. We’ll help you avoid these costly mistakes and give you confidence that your home is truly covered.