11 Unique Insurance Buying Considerations for Hagerstown and Frederick Maryland

I grew up in Hagerstown and I’ve spent my adult life in Frederick.  So many of the things I have found charming I see very differently as an insurance professional.

When I was in High school, I would walk on the train tracks on my way to North High.  I would walk past the old Victorian houses by the terrace on the way to the smaller single-family homes and row homes near the railroad tracks.  When I had a few extra dollars, I would go to Joe’s Card shop to buy baseball cards.  The shop was on the first floor and his apartment was on the second floor.

I’ve now lived in Frederick for the last decade.  My family loves walking Market Street and the Promenade and going into shops.  The historical society has done a wonderful job creating a mercantile area with small-town America charm.

Now writing insurance for these communities, I see the unique insurance challenges these communities face.

1. Older Buildings:

   
   

Older buildings present a number of insurance challenges.  Insurance companies decide whether to insure a building based the age of the building and what is inside.  For example, an insurance company may insure an apartment building if it was constructed after 1990, but not before.  Next, insurance companies want to know if the utilities have been recently updated.  They are looking for updates to your plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and roof.  Not all older buildings have been well maintained. 

2. Historical Societies:

Both Hagerstown and Frederick have active historical societies dedicated to preserving the heritage of their communities. Historical societies have expectations about how you will maintain your building, both inside and out.  It can make the construction process expensive and lengthy.  This means you might need to consider higher insurance limits.  It also means there will be less insurance companies interested in you.

3. Rural Locations:

As much as both Frederick and Hagerstown have grown, I’m still awestruck that you can drive 15 minutes outside of town and find open farmlands.  This means there are lots of properties that are more than 5 miles away from a fire department, and some of them don’t have a fire hyrdrant near their property.  This makes insuring the property challenging.

4. Buildings Repurposed for Different Uses

   
   

Older buildings in Hagerstown and Frederick are frequently repurposed for uses different from their original construction. For example, a historic home may be converted into a bed-and-breakfast or office space. When insuring such properties, it's crucial to ensure that your policy reflects the current use and occupancy of the building. Commercial and residential insurance needs can differ significantly, so accuracy in policy details is essential.

5. Store on the first floor and apartment on the second:

   
   

Insurance companies call this mixed occupancy. It presents a life safety risk. If there is a fire on the first floor, how do the tenants on the second floor exit the building? This makes many insurance companies cautious to insure these kinds of buildings.

6. Businesses Operating in Multiple States:

   
   

In an era of expanding markets and digital connectivity, many businesses in Hagerstown and Frederick operate across state lines. It’s very common for a plumber or electrician to do business in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  I’m amazed they find room on the side of their trucks to print all their licenses.  This means your insurance company needs to extend into all the states that you operate.

7. Vehicles Driving into Dense Metropolitan Areas:

   
   

Hagerstown and Frederick are situated in close proximity to major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. This creates a number of insurance and risk management challenges.  These vehicles are more likely to be in an accident.  They are also more likely to be hit by uninsured vehicles.  It also becomes challenging to track where vehicles are going and whether they are staying on the correct route.

8. Long Commutes to Work:

   
   

With the availability of employment opportunities in nearby urban centers, many residents of Hagerstown and Frederick endure long commutes to work. This extended time on the road can increase the risk of accidents. Adequate auto insurance coverage is essential to protect against the unique commuting-related risks in the area.

9. Metropolitan Areas with Complicated Legal Issues:

   
   

For businesses that operate in or serve metropolitan areas with complex legal issues, such as Washington, D.C., it's essential to have comprehensive liability coverage. My office has worked with numerous accounts that operate inside the District.  The insurance requirements can be quite extensive.

10. Increasingly Diverse Populations:

    
    

Both Hagerstown and Frederick have experienced population growth in recent years, leading to greater diversity within their communities. This demographic shift can impact insurance needs, as different cultural backgrounds and languages may require tailored communication and service options. Insurance providers that understand the evolving demographics can better serve the community's unique needs.

11. Insurance Broker Consolidation in the Region:

    
    

The insurance industry is subject to ongoing consolidation, with larger brokerages acquiring smaller ones. This consolidation trend can affect the availability of insurance options and the level of personalization offered to clients. When purchasing insurance in Hagerstown and Frederick, it's essential to work with a reputable and knowledgeable broker who is well-versed in the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the local insurance landscape.

Conclusion:

I love the Hub City and I love Frederick.  The interconnected world gives both communities great opportunities to grow.  Yet from an insurance perspective, I believe both communities need local insurance agents that understand the community and know how to navigate some of the insurance complexities.  They are a unique blend of rural, small town, and urban challenges.  Having an insurance broker that understands all this can make the insurance buying process much less complicated.