By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO
A New Canaan homeowners policy often has to account for an unusual house. The town is known for its mid-century modern homes, including work by the architects called the Harvard Five, alongside stone-walled estates and classic colonials near downtown. Glass walls, flat roofs and custom materials do not rebuild at an average cost per square foot, so the first job is getting the replacement cost right.
Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is a family-owned independent agency founded in 2005 and licensed in 10 states. Our team serves New Canaan homeowners. Requesting a quote doesn’t obligate you to buy anything.
40+ carriers · New Hampshire’s highest-rated agency on Google · 1,000+ Google reviews and over 2,000 testimonials.
Insuring New Canaan homes, from modern to traditional
Mid-century modern and architect-designed houses
Philip Johnson’s Glass House, now a National Trust for Historic Preservation site, is the best-known example, but many private modern houses remain in town. Large panes of glass, radiant heating, and flat or low-slope roofs are things underwriters ask about. We document original materials and any renovations so your dwelling limit reflects what it would really take to rebuild.
Renovations and teardowns
Major renovations and rebuilds are common in New Canaan. If the house will be partly empty or under construction, many policies limit coverage, and a builder’s risk policy may be needed. Tell us before work begins, and again when the project is finished so the new square footage and finishes are insured.
Trees, wells and the backcountry
North of downtown the lots get larger, with mature trees, private wells and long driveways. Storms such as the October 2011 nor’easter and Tropical Storm Isaias in 2020 left parts of Fairfield County without power for days. A generator, a backup sump pump and a water-leak shutoff are worth mentioning when we quote.
Streams and low ground
The Silvermine River and the Fivemile River start in and around New Canaan, and properties on low ground near them can see water in heavy rain. Flood is excluded from homeowners policies. Look up your address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask us about flood insurance.
Carriers and higher limits
We compare homeowners coverage from 40+ carriers, and for larger homes, Openly and National General write up to about $5 million. Cincinnati and Chubb both write homes at any dwelling limit, so we quote both. For larger homes, see our Connecticut high-value home insurance page, and pair your home policy with a personal umbrella for extra liability limits. See our New Canaan high-value home insurance page.
Own a condo or townhouse in New Canaan? See our New Canaan condo insurance page. Renting out a house, cottage or accessory apartment? See New Canaan landlord insurance.
Nearby towns
We also serve Wilton, Darien and Stamford. Our Connecticut homeowners insurance guide covers statewide topics.
Get your quote
Tell us about the house and we will follow up with options. Prefer to talk? Call (603) 431-4020 or use our quote page.
40+ carriers · New Hampshire’s highest-rated agency on Google · 1,000+ Google reviews and over 2,000 testimonials. Request a quote. There’s no obligation to buy.
Frequently asked questions
How do you insure a mid-century modern house in New Canaan?
We start with an accurate replacement-cost estimate that accounts for glass walls, custom materials and any renovations, then compare the coverage options available for the house.
Do I need different coverage during a renovation?
Often, yes. A home that is partly vacant or under construction may need builder’s risk coverage or a change to your policy. Tell us before work begins.
Is flooding covered on a New Canaan home?
No. Homeowners policies exclude flood. Homes on low ground near the Silvermine or Fivemile River should consider a separate flood policy.
Which carriers do you use for New Canaan homeowners insurance?
We compare coverage from 40+ carriers. For larger homes, including architect-designed houses, Openly and National General write up to about $5 million. Cincinnati and Chubb both write homes at any dwelling limit, so we quote both.
Does requesting a quote obligate me to buy?
No. Requesting a quote doesn’t obligate you to buy anything, whether it’s for home, auto, flood or umbrella coverage.
By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO
Family-owned since 2005, with 1,000+ Google reviews and over 2,000 testimonials. Meet our team.
New Canaan is part of our Connecticut service area. See our Connecticut insurance agency page for other towns we serve.
Driving in town too? See our page on car insurance in New Canaan for coverage tips on teen drivers and the Merritt Parkway commute.