What drives the risk for expensive homes in Maryland
- Catastrophe exposureMaryland's main exposures are hurricanes and tropical storms with storm surge on the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast, nor'easters, riverine and flash flooding, severe thunderstorms and winter storms. Source
- Wind and hurricane deductiblesUnder COMAR 31.08.13, an insurer may apply a percentage hurricane or storm deductible only to losses that occur while a National Hurricane Center hurricane warning covers the property's part of the state, or within 24 hours after it ends. Such a deductible may not exceed 5% of the coverage limit unless the Commissioner approves, though a consumer may choose a higher one. Source
- FloodFlood is excluded from homeowners policies and NFIP caps building coverage at $250,000. Expensive Chesapeake Bay, tidal-river and Ocean City-area homes often need private excess flood coverage above that limit. Source
Maryland by the numbers
| Measure | Maryland | Rank among the states | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal major disaster declarations since 2000 | 16 | #42 of 51 | Most often for severe storm (5), hurricane (4), flood (3). Howard County has been in 10 of them. |
| National Flood Insurance Program claims, 2005–2025 | 7,479 | #29 of 51 | $114.0 million paid; 41% of claims with a known flood zone were outside FEMA’s high-risk zones. |
| Hail reports, 2016–2025 | 388 | #33 of 51 | 20 of them 2 inches or larger. Largest stone 4 inches, Washington County, August 2023. |
| Tornadoes, 2016–2025 | 69 | #31 of 51 | 7 rated EF2 or stronger; 425 recorded since 1950. |
| Earthquakes of magnitude 4.0+, 2000–2025 | 1 | #28 of 51 | Largest: magnitude 4.6, 220 km SE of Ocean City, Maryland, January 15, 2019. |
From the public FEMA, NOAA, Storm Prediction Center, USGS and FMCSA records behind each linked report; ranks count all 50 states and Washington, DC unless noted.
When the standard market says no, and what earns credits
- Insurer of last resort and wind poolsThe Maryland Joint Insurance Association (JIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for owners who can't get coverage in the voluntary market. Its homeowners and dwelling-fire policies top out at $614,000 on the dwelling and $307,000 on contents, so most high-value homes need a private or surplus lines market instead. Source
- Mitigation credits and programsMaryland law (Insurance Article §19-210) requires homeowners insurers to offer a premium discount when the policyholder proves qualifying hurricane or storm mitigation. Examples include shutters, secondary water barriers, reinforced roof coverings, braced gable ends, roof-to-wall connections and impact-rated doors. Source
Worth knowing in Maryland
Chesapeake Bay waterfront homes face storm surge funneled up the bay. In 2003, Hurricane Isabel pushed water levels at Baltimore and Annapolis past the records set by the 1933 Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane, with surge of about 6 to 8 feet in the upper bay. Source
Where high-value homes are in Maryland
Potomac · Bethesda and Chevy Chase · Annapolis waterfront · Gibson Island · Ruxton, Roland Park and Guilford (Baltimore area) · St. Michaels and Easton (Talbot County)
Common questions
Do Maryland homeowners policies have a separate wind or hurricane deductible?
Under COMAR 31.08.13, an insurer may apply a percentage hurricane or storm deductible only to losses that occur while a National Hurricane Center hurricane warning covers the property's part of the state, or within 24 hours after it ends. Such a deductible may not exceed 5% of the coverage limit unless the Commissioner approves, though a consumer may choose a higher one.
Where can an expensive home in Maryland get coverage if insurers decline it?
The Maryland Joint Insurance Association (JIA) is the state's insurer of last resort for owners who can't get coverage in the voluntary market. Its homeowners and dwelling-fire policies top out at $614,000 on the dwelling and $307,000 on contents, so most high-value homes need a private or surplus lines market instead.
Is flood insurance enough for a high-value home in Maryland?
Flood is excluded from homeowners policies and NFIP caps building coverage at $250,000. Expensive Chesapeake Bay, tidal-river and Ocean City-area homes often need private excess flood coverage above that limit.
Sources
- Maryland: Catastrophe exposure
- Maryland: Wind and hurricane deductibles
- Maryland: Insurer of last resort and wind pools
- Maryland: Mitigation credits and programs
- Maryland: Flood
- Maryland: Also worth knowing
General information as of October 2026, not legal advice; confirm current rules with the agency.