Comprehensive Home Insurance Protection
Reliable Protection for Your Home
Routines unfold over the years. Memories take root. Milestones like a child’s growth marked on the wall.
A home is more than a financial investment; it’s where life happens. Because of that, the right homeowner’s insurance should do more than meet basic requirements. It should reflect your lifestyle, the features that make your home unique, and the level of protection you’d expect when something goes wrong.
Ward & Co. Insurance is an independent agency committed to helping homeowners like you make informed, confident decisions. We simplify complex policy details and explain your options in straightforward terms, and tailor coverage to your home’s specific needs. Whether you own a newly built property, a classic multi-unit residence, or a high-value home with custom finishes, we are here to advise, not upsell.
Auto & Home & Business. Ward & You.
What a Homeowners Policy Typically Covers
While policies differ by carrier, most homeowners’ insurance follows a similar framework. These are the most common.
Key Coverages:
Dwelling (Coverage A):
Protects your home’s structure from risks like fire, windstorm, theft, and vandalism, based on current rebuilding costs rather than purchase price.
Personal Property (Coverage C):
Provides protection for belongings like furniture, clothing, electronics, and décor. High-value items such as jewelry or fine art may need to be individually listed for maximum protection.
Personal Liability (Coverage E):
Offers financial protection if you’re legally responsible for injuries or property damage involving others, both at home and away.
Other Structures (Coverage B):
Covers property not directly attached to your home, including detached garages, fences, sheds, pergolas, and other exterior structures.
Loss of Use / Additional Living Expenses (Coverage D):
Helps cover temporary housing and additional living expenses while your home is being repaired or rebuilt after a covered event.
Medical Payments to Others (Coverage F):
Covers minor injuries sustained by guests at your home, regardless of who is at fault.
Let’s evaluate each coverage area and select the right limits based on your home’s specifications, financial, and risk profile.
Coverage Tailored to Your Home and Neighborhood
Every home comes with its own set of responsibilities and risks. Construction type, age, updates, location, and property usage can all influence the coverage you need.
We Regularly Design Coverage For:
Two-Flats, Three-Flats, and Historic Residences:
Multi-unit homes and historic properties may have unique features like rental units, older plumbing, shared spaces, or structural features not found in newer homes.
Condos and Townhomes:
We review association documents to ensure your unit- owner's policy aligns with the master policy, addressing interior improvements, loss assessment, and personal liability.
Single-Family Homes:
From contemporary buildings to older homes with character, we consider building materials, finishes, and code requirements when recommending dwelling limits and specialized endorsements.
High-Value and Custom Homes:
Homes with upgraded architecture, rare materials, or unique design elements benefit from enhanced coverage options and expanded liability limits.
Second Homes and Out-of-State Properties:
For clients with multiple properties, we coordinate coverage across carriers and states for consistency and ease of management. Optional add-ons such as water/sewer backup, service line protection, and increased limits for valuables are also evaluated based on your property’s characteristics.
Understanding the Price of Home Insurance​
Home insurance pricing varies considerably. Understanding why can help you make cost-effective, informed decisions.
Typical Costs and What They Mean
The home insurance costs in Chicago vary across a broad range, with average annual premiums often falling between
- $2,600 and $3,700 per year for typical single-family homes
- $130 to $300 per month, depending on property age, construction, and coverage limits
Note that these figures serve as general benchmarks, and actual premiums depend heavily on property-specific details.
Why Premiums Vary So Much
Insurers consider many variables when calculating rates, including:
- Home age, size, and construction materials
- Roof type and condition
- Claims history, both personal and neighborhood-wide
- Local weather and environmental risks
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical system updates
- Deductible levels
- Liability limits and optional endorsements selected
- Distance to fire protection services
What This Means for You​
Because underwriting criteria differ by carrier, two insurers may quote two very different premiums for the same home. Comparing multiple carriers, something we do on your behalf, is the most reliable way to identify a competitive and accurate price.
Why Work with an Independent Insurance Advisor?
Homeowners value clarity and consistency. As an independent agency, Ward & Co. Insurance provides both by prioritizing your needs over brand loyalty to any single carrier.
What That Means for You
Choice Across Multiple Carriers:
We evaluate coverage options from a range of reputable insurers, helping you compare benefits, exclusions, and pricing.
Personalized Support from a Familiar Team:
We stay connected as your home and lifestyle evolve, keeping up with renovations, new purchases, or milestones that change your coverage needs.
Guidance During Claims and Transitions: ​
Should a claim occur, we will help you understand your next steps and support communication with the insurance company.
Streamlined Management of All Your Policies:
Coordinating home, auto, umbrella, and additional policies through one advisory team simplifies renewals, updates, and long-term planning.
How We Build the Right Home Insurance Plan with You Our Advisory Process
We designed our advisory process to respect your time while ensuring your coverage is thorough and aligned with your goals. Our Advisory Process
Listen and Understand
We start by learning about your property, updates you’ve made, and what matters most to you.
Review Your Existing Coverage
We evaluate your current policy to identify opportunities for improvement or clarification.
Design Options, Not Pressure
We present custom solutions with clear explanations of coverage differences, pricing, and long-term implications.
Adjust and Implement
We handle application details, mortgagee updates, and any transitions from your previous policy.
Review Regularly
As life changes, we reassess your coverage to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
Areas We Serve
Explore the regions where we provide exceptional home insurance services.
Smart Ways to Manage Your Homeowners Insurance Premium
Insurance shouldn’t only protect your home; it should also provide meaningful value.
Common Strategies We Discuss:
Bundling Policies:
Combining home insurance with auto or umbrella coverage can generate discounts and simplify policy management.
Adjusting Deductibles:
Choosing a higher deductible can reduce premiums while keeping your out-of-pocket risk manageable.
Making Property Improvements:
Updates such as new roofing, upgraded plumbing, or monitored security systems can improve eligibility and pricing.
Keeping Replacement Cost Estimates Current:
Regularly updating coverage ensures rebuilding costs reflect current market rates, helping avoid underinsurance.
When to Call Us About Updating Your Coverage
You begin a renovation or add finished space.
You update a basement, kitchen, or bathroom.
You acquire high-value items.
You start a home-based business.
You buy or sell a second home.
You upgrade roofing, plumbing, or safety systems
A quick review can prevent gaps and ensure your coverage stays aligned with your lifestyle.
Home Insurance FAQs
You need enough dwelling coverage to rebuild your home from the ground up. We evaluate construction features, materials, and labor costs to recommend appropriate limits.
Not by default. Sewer or drain backup requires a separate endorsement and is highly
recommended for finished basements.
Yes. Condo insurance must complement your association’s master policy. Your HO-6 policy covers interiors, personal property, and liability.
Typical homeowners’ insurance excludes overland flooding. A separate flood policy is needed for this type of protection.
Once we have your home details, we can often provide initial quotes within one business day. Final timing depends on the carrier and property type.
Get a Quote
Connect with a Ward & Co. Insurance advisor today. Together, we can create a customized home insurance plan designed for your property and long-term goals.