Walking through the streets of Lancaster City or Lititz, you’ll often see those iron “Fire Marks” on old brick facades. Back then, they were a guarantee that fire brigades would save your home. Today, protection is a bit more complex. If you are buying a home built before 1940, a standard policy might leave you exposed.

1. The “Rebuild” vs. “Repair” Trap Many insurers provide replacement cost coverage. This will pay for the cost to replace/rebuild your home if it was damaged. But in Lancaster, replacing hand-carved molding, slate roofing, or horse-hair plaster is very unique and not typically seen in modern houses. you might need extended dwelling coverage or functional replacement cost

2. The “Hidden” Systems (Knob & Tube) We love the charm of exposed brick, but we hate what’s often behind it: Knob and Tube wiring. Many carriers will flat-out refuse to insure it due to fire risk. At Homesale Insurance, we know which carriers specialize in historic PA homes and can help you navigate inspection requirements without losing the deal.

3. The Sinkhole Reality Pennsylvania sits on limestone, making us one of the top states for sinkhole activity. Standard home insurance does typically does cover earth movement. You could be fully financially responsible for the repairs—unless you have a specific Sinkhole Endorsement.

Lancaster FAQ

Q: Do I really need sinkhole insurance in Lancaster County?
- A: Yes. Pennsylvania is prone to sinkholes due to our limestone bedrock (karst terrain). Standard home policies exclude “earth movement.” We highly recommend adding a specific Sinkhole Endorsement to protect your foundation.
Q: Does my auto insurance cover horse and buggy accidents?
- A: Yes, a collision with a buggy is treated like a collision with another vehicle. However, given the severity of these accidents, we recommend higher limits to protect your assets from lawsuits.

Winter in the Mid-Atlantic is a bit of a “choose your own adventure” story. For those of us at Homesale Insurance, we see this play out every year from our offices in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Whether you’re in a historic brick rowhome in Fells Point or a sprawling farmhouse in Lititz, here is what you need to know about our local winter weather—and how to protect your investment.

The Lancaster Winter: The Long, White Blanket

In Lancaster, we don’t just get snow; we get a “season.” Historically, Lancaster County averages about 27.5 inches of snow per year. The temperatures here are consistently colder, often dipping into the low 20s.

The Insurance Risk: Ice Dams. Because Lancaster stays colder longer, snow on your roof can melt and refreeze at the gutters, forcing water under your shingles and into your attic.
Pro Tip: Ensure your attic is well-insulated and ventilated. Keeping the attic air cold prevents that freeze-thaw cycle that leads to interior water damage.

The Baltimore Winter: The Coastal Wildcard

Baltimore’s winter is a different beast. With average highs around 47°F, the snow often turns to slush or “wintry mix” within hours. However, don’t let the milder average fool you—Baltimore averages about 20 inches of snow, often coming in heavy, wet bursts.

The Insurance Risk: Heavy Snow Loads & Liability. Wet snow is significantly heavier than the “powder” found further north. This puts immense pressure on older roofs and porch overhangs. Additionally, the constant melting and refreezing in the city creates “black ice” on sidewalks.
Pro Tip: Clear your walkways early and often. As a homeowner, you have a responsibility to keep your property safe for mail carriers and neighbors. If you do not clear the walkways and someone slips and falls that will fall back into your Homeowners Insurance. Do not have a sidewalk that looks like the one below. One of our team members clearly has not gotten to shoveling yet.

3 “Must-Dos” for Every Homesale Client

Regardless of which side of the Mason-Dixon line you call home, these three steps are your best defense against a winter claim:

The “Slow Drip” Defense: If temperatures are forecasted to stay below freezing, let your furthest faucet have a tiny drip. It’s a lot cheaper than a burst pipe claim!
Clear the Car Top: We’ve all seen it on Route 30 or I-95—a “snow bomb” flying off a car roof. Clear your roof completely to avoid a liability claim or a ticket.
Review Your Policy: Does your current policy cover “Weight of Ice and Snow”? Many basic policies have nuances.

At Homesale Insurance, we protect the homes that Homesale Realty helps you find. We know these neighborhoods because we live in them, too.