Homeowners insurance
Homeowners insurance for Long Island homes
Your home is likely the biggest thing you own. We compare policies from the carriers available to us and explain what each one covers, what it leaves out, and where the gaps tend to be on Long Island.
A homeowners policy built around your actual house
A homeowners policy protects the house, the things inside it and you, if someone is hurt on your property or you accidentally damage someone else’s. If you have a mortgage, your lender will require it. Even if you own the home outright, it’s usually the only thing standing between a bad night and a very large bill.
Not every policy is the same. Insurers differ on how they value the house, how they handle wind and water, and which homes they want to write. As an independent brokerage in West Babylon, we compare homeowners insurance on Long Island across the carriers available to us, so you see the differences before you choose.
We work with owners of capes, colonials, high ranches and split-levels from the Town of Babylon to Brentwood, Bay Shore, Ronkonkoma, Selden and Stony Brook. Older homes, oil heat and coastal ZIP codes can narrow your options. We know which questions insurers will ask and help you answer them accurately. If you’ve replaced the roof, updated the electrical panel or converted from oil, tell us. Those details can open up more options.
One thing to know up front: standard homeowners policies typically exclude flood. If you’re near the water or in a flood zone, ask us about flood insurance at the same time.
Who it’s for
Homeowners we work with.
First-time buyers
You need a policy in place before closing. We get you a quote quickly and send proof of coverage to your lender and attorney.
Homeowners shopping at renewal
Your premium went up and you want to know why. We review your current policy and compare it with the carriers available to us.
Owners of older homes
Many Long Island homes were built decades ago. Roof age, wiring, plumbing and heating updates can affect which insurers will write the house.
Homes heated with oil
Some insurers ask about the age and location of the oil tank. We help you gather the details so the application is complete.
South Shore and waterfront owners
Coastal homes can face wind or hurricane deductibles and a flood exposure the homeowners policy won’t cover. We look at both together.
Homeowners declined or non-renewed
A non-renewal notice or prior claims can make the search harder. We look for a carrier that will write the home and explain what changed.
What’s covered
What a homeowners policy usually includes.
Most policies are built from the same parts. The limits, exclusions and deductibles vary by insurer, so the policy documents always control what is covered.
- Dwelling
- Pays to repair or rebuild the house itself after a covered loss such as fire or wind. The limit should reflect the cost to rebuild, not the market price.
- Other structures
- Covers structures not attached to the house, such as a detached garage, shed or fence.
- Personal property
- Covers your belongings, from furniture to clothing. Jewelry, collectibles and similar items may have low sub-limits unless you schedule them.
- Loss of use
- Helps pay extra living costs, such as a rental or hotel, if a covered loss leaves your home unlivable while it’s repaired.
- Personal liability
- Protects you if you’re found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property, and helps pay for your legal defense.
- Medical payments to others
- Pays smaller medical bills for a guest hurt on your property, regardless of fault, up to a modest limit.
- Water backup endorsement
- Optional coverage for damage from a backed-up sewer or drain or a failed sump pump. Many base policies exclude it.
- Other endorsements
- Depending on the insurer, you may add scheduled personal property, extended replacement cost, or coverage for building code upgrades after a loss.
New York & Long Island
What Long Island homes bring to the table.
Long Island’s housing stock is older than many people realize. Insurers often ask about the age of the roof, the electrical panel, the plumbing and the heating system. Updates you’ve made can help, so keep receipts and dates handy.
Location matters as well. Coastal properties on the South Shore and along the North Shore harbors may carry a separate wind or hurricane deductible, often figured as a percentage of the dwelling limit rather than a flat dollar amount. Some insurers limit how many new policies they write near the water.
- Flood is typically excluded from homeowners policies and needs its own policy
- Some insurers apply wind or hurricane deductibles to coastal homes
- Oil tank age and location can come up when you apply
- Roof, wiring and heating updates on older homes can affect eligibility and price
How it works
Getting covered with All Suffolk Brokerage.
- Tell us about the home
We ask about the address, year built, square footage, roof, heating system and any past claims. A recent inspection report helps if you have one.
- We compare carriers available to us
We quote the insurers that fit your home and location, and point out differences in deductibles, wind terms and endorsements.
- Choose your coverage
We help you set a dwelling limit that reflects rebuilding cost and decide which endorsements are worth adding.
- Binder to your lender, then ongoing help
We send proof of coverage to your lender or closing attorney. After that, we’re here for changes, renewals and claims questions.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding on Long Island?
Typically no. Standard homeowners policies exclude flood from rising water, storm surge and overflowing waterways. That coverage comes from a separate policy through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer. Water backup from a sewer or drain is also often excluded, but it can usually be added as an endorsement. See our flood insurance page.
What is a hurricane or wind deductible?
Some insurers apply a separate deductible to damage from a hurricane or windstorm, especially for coastal homes. It is often a percentage of your dwelling limit instead of a flat dollar amount, so it can be much larger than your standard deductible. When and how it applies depends on the insurer and the policy wording, so we show you the terms before you choose.
How much dwelling coverage do I need?
Enough to rebuild the house at today’s construction costs, which is not the same as what the home would sell for or its assessed value. Land is not included. Insurers usually estimate rebuilding cost from details like square footage, construction type and finishes, and we review that estimate with you so it reflects the actual house.
Is homeowners insurance required in New York?
New York law doesn’t require it, but nearly every mortgage lender does, and they will want proof of coverage before closing. If you own your home outright, the choice is yours, though going without means paying for a fire, a liability claim or storm damage on your own.
Does my older Long Island home or oil heat affect my policy?
It can. Insurers often ask about roof age, wiring, plumbing and heating. Some ask about the oil tank, including whether it is above ground or buried. These details can affect eligibility and price, and they vary by insurer. We help you gather the information so we can match the house with carriers likely to write it.
Can you help if my homeowners policy was non-renewed?
Yes. A non-renewal can follow prior claims, the condition of the home or an insurer reducing its business in an area. We review the reason, look at the carriers available to us, and help you find replacement coverage before the current policy ends.
Get a homeowners insurance quote from a local broker.
Tell us what you need covered. We’ll compare what’s available to you, explain how the options differ, and take care of the paperwork.