Loading
Preparing your coverage insights...
Loading
Preparing your coverage insights...
May 1, 2026
Homeowners insurance protects your largest investment. Learn what an HO-3 policy covers, what it does not, how much it costs in each of our 7 states, and how to avoid being underinsured.
Your home is likely your largest investment. Homeowners insurance protects that investment — and your financial future — when fire, storms, theft, or liability claims strike. Whether you own a rowhouse near Harrisburg, a ranch in Texas, or a colonial in Virginia, the right policy is the difference between a manageable setback and a financial catastrophe.
Dragon Insurance Services is an independent insurance agency serving the Harrisburg, PA area and homeowners across Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky. We shop multiple top-rated carriers — including Safeco and Nationwide — so you get real options tailored to your home, not a generic quote from a single company. Explore our home insurance coverage options or read on for a full guide.
A standard homeowners policy (HO-3) includes six core coverage components. Understanding each one helps you avoid gaps when you need your policy most.
| Coverage | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Dwelling (Coverage A) | Rebuilds or repairs your home's structure after a covered loss — roof, walls, floors, built-in appliances |
| Other Structures (Coverage B) | Covers detached garage, fences, sheds — typically 10% of your dwelling limit |
| Personal Property (Coverage C) | Replaces furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal belongings inside your home |
| Loss of Use (Coverage D) | Pays hotel and living expenses when your home becomes uninhabitable after a covered loss |
| Liability (Coverage E) | Protects you if someone is injured on your property and files a lawsuit — typically $100K–$500K |
| Medical Payments (Coverage F) | Pays minor medical bills for guests injured on your property, regardless of fault — typically $1K–$5K |
Standard HO-3 policies cover your dwelling on an open-perils basis, meaning all causes of loss are covered unless specifically excluded. Personal property is typically covered on a named-perils basis.
Typically covered
Typically not covered (require separate policies or endorsements)
State-specific flood risk alert
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage — and every one of the 7 states we serve has significant flood-prone areas. Pennsylvania has recurring flooding along the Susquehanna, Schuylkill, and Delaware rivers. Texas experiences flash flooding statewide. Parts of Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio are also regularly affected. If your property is in or near a flood zone, a separate flood insurance policy is strongly recommended.
Home insurance rates vary significantly by state, driven by local weather risks, construction costs, and regional claims history. The following are general market estimates based on industry data — your actual rate will depend on your specific home, coverage levels, deductible, and carrier.
| State | Estimated Annual Range | Key Rate Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $1,100 – $1,600/yr | Moderate weather; older housing stock in urban areas |
| Texas | $2,000 – $4,500+/yr | Hail, tornadoes, hurricanes, and wind — among the highest risk states nationally |
| Virginia | $1,100 – $1,700/yr | Coastal areas carry higher rates; inland Virginia tends to be more affordable |
| Maryland | $1,000 – $1,500/yr | Chesapeake Bay proximity raises flood exposure; inland rates are typically lower |
| Ohio | $900 – $1,300/yr | Generally lower than coastal or tornado-belt states |
| Tennessee | $1,300 – $2,000/yr | Tornado and severe thunderstorm activity pushes rates above the national median |
| Kentucky | $1,200 – $1,900/yr | Wind and tornado exposure, river corridor flooding |
Estimates based on broad market data for a typical single-family home. Individual premiums vary based on home age, construction, location, coverage limits, deductible, claims history, and carrier selection.
Factors that typically raise your rate
Factors that typically lower your rate
This is one of the most consequential decisions in your policy and one of the most commonly misunderstood.
Replacement Cost (RC) — recommended for most homeowners
Pays what it costs to rebuild or replace at today's prices, without deducting for depreciation. If your 12-year-old roof costs $18,000 to replace today, you receive the full replacement amount (minus your deductible). This is the coverage most mortgage lenders require and most homeowners should carry.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) — lower premium, bigger gap at claim time
Pays the depreciated value of your property at the time of loss. That same 12-year-old roof might pay out only $6,000–$9,000 after depreciation — leaving you to cover the $9,000–$12,000 gap yourself. ACV policies cost less upfront but can leave homeowners severely underinsured.
Texas uses its own standardized homeowners policy forms, regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. The most common are:
Texas also has unique rules around wind/hail deductibles, especially near the Gulf Coast, where a separate percentage-based windstorm deductible is common. Our Texas-licensed agents can walk you through the right form for your property and location.
As an independent agency, we compare multiple top-rated carriers in one conversation — different coverage levels, deductibles, and carriers with different claims track records. We explain the trade-offs so you can make an informed decision, not just pick the cheapest number.
We also conduct free annual reviews to make sure your dwelling coverage keeps up with rising construction costs — one of the most overlooked problems in homeowners insurance.
Whether you're buying your first home, moving between states, or shopping at renewal, getting quotes across multiple carriers takes less than 10 minutes with us.
Visit us: 1525 Cedar Cliff Dr STE 202, Camp Hill, PA 17011
Serving homeowners across Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky.
Dragon Insurance Services LLC is a licensed independent insurance agency. Homeowners insurance is not mandated by state law but is typically required by mortgage lenders. Coverage availability, terms, and rates vary by carrier, state, property type, and individual circumstances. Rate ranges shown are general market estimates and do not constitute a quote or guarantee of specific pricing. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your property.
Explore Related Coverage
Ready to compare carriers and get a quote?
Dragon Insurance is an independent agency in Camp Hill, PA — we shop 30+ carriers to find your best rate.