Maryland is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, not a city. It's bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Delaware to the east, and Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to the south and west. Maryland's varied topography within its borders contributes to its nickname "America in Miniature." This includes areas from sandy dunes dotted with seagrass in the east, to low marshlands teeming with wildlife and large bald cypress near the Chesapeake Bay, to gently rolling hills of oak forests in the Piedmont Region, and mountain pine groves in the western Maryland. The state's largest city is Baltimore, and its capital is Annapolis.
Historically, Maryland was founded as an English colony in 1632 by Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. Maryland was the seventh state to ratify the United States Constitution, and played a pivotal role during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, particularly during the Battle of Baltimore which inspired the lyrics of the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."
With the varied landscapes, the types of risks in Maryland that are likely to cause home insurance losses include:
Natural Disasters:
Maryland's geography makes it susceptible to various natural disasters:
Hurricanes and Tropical Storms:
Due to its coastal and bay-fronting counties, Maryland can experience significant wind and flood damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. These can lead to widespread property damage, especially in coastal areas.
Flooding:
Apart from storms, Maryland is prone to flooding, particularly in low-lying and coastal areas. This can be exacerbated by heavy rains, snowmelts, and storm surges.
Winter Storms and Blizzards: Maryland experiences cold winters, especially in its western parts. Heavy snowfall can cause roof collapses, burst pipes, and other property damage.
Tornadoes:
While not as frequent as in other parts of the United States, Maryland does experience tornadoes, which can cause localized but severe damage.
Human-caused Risks:
These include fire, theft, vandalism, and other risks associated with urban areas, particularly in cities like Baltimore. These risks can vary significantly depending on the specific location within the state.
Some of the largest events in Maryland in recent years that have led to a large volume of home insurance claims include:
Hurricane Isabel (2003):
This hurricane caused significant damage in Maryland, especially in coastal areas, leading to billions of dollars in damage and a large number of insurance claims.
Tropical Storm Lee (2011):
This storm brought extensive rainfall, leading to severe flooding throughout the state, particularly along the Susquehanna River.
Blizzards of 2009/2010 (Snowmageddon):
These back-to-back blizzards caused extensive property damage across the state, including roof collapses and burst pipes, leading to a high volume of insurance claims.
Ellicott City Floods (2016 and 2018):
Historic Ellicott City experienced two devastating flash floods that caused significant property damage and led to numerous insurance claims.
These events highlight the range of risks faced by homeowners in Maryland, influencing the cost and coverage of home insurance policies in the state.