By Jon Merwin, Founder and CEO, Licensed Insurance Advisor
An insurance agent in Portsmouth, NH should know which streets flood at a king tide, which South End houses still have old wiring behind the plaster, and what a condo association’s master policy leaves to the owner. Portsmouth Atlantic Insurance is a family-owned, independent agency founded in 2005 at 601 Islington St, Unit 206. We compare coverage from 40+ carriers, and you work with one local team from the first question through every renewal. We don’t charge additional fees.
We are New Hampshire’s highest-rated agency on Google, with 1,000+ Google reviews and over 2,000 testimonials, and we hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Talk with a Portsmouth agent or call (603) 431-4020.
What an independent insurance agent does for you
A captive agent represents one company. An independent agent represents you and shops several companies. In practice, that means three jobs:
- Read your situation before reading prices. We ask about the house, the cars, who drives, what you own and where the water goes when a storm comes in.
- Put carriers side by side. With 40+ carriers, we can usually show you more than one way to insure the same home, and explain where the coverage differs, not just the premium.
- Stay on the file. When a renewal changes, a roof gets replaced or you buy a boat, the same office updates the policy.
Portsmouth risks a local agent plans around
Nor’easters, wind and wind-driven rain
Winter storms bring sustained wind off the Gulf of Maine, heavy wet snow and rain driven sideways into siding and window frames. We check roof age and condition, the wind or hurricane deductible on the policy, and whether water that enters through a storm-damaged opening is treated the way you expect.
Flood along the Piscataqua and the tidal ponds
A homeowners policy does not cover flood. Low-lying parts of the city near the Piscataqua River, the South Mill Pond, North Mill Pond and Sagamore Creek can take water during coastal storms and high tides. We place new NFIP flood policies through Selective and also compare private flood markets such as Neptune Flood, Flow Flood and Aon Edge. Start with our flood zone lookup and the Portsmouth flood insurance page.
Historic South End and older homes
Many Portsmouth homes were built long before modern codes. Rebuilding plaster walls, old-growth trim or slate with similar materials can cost far more than the sale price suggests. We set dwelling limits from a replacement-cost estimate and look at ordinance or law coverage, which helps pay for code upgrades after a covered loss. Try our home replacement cost estimator and read older and historic home insurance in New Hampshire.
Who we help in Portsmouth
New buyers with a closing date
Your lender will want proof of homeowners insurance before closing, and some homes need flood coverage too. Send us the address, the inspection report and your closing date early. If the inspection flags an older roof or wiring, tell us up front, because carriers look at those items closely. New to the area? See our moving to New Hampshire guide.
Condo and condex owners
Downtown and West End condos are often in converted older buildings. Your unit-owner (HO-6) policy has to fit the association’s master policy, including who covers interior walls, fixtures and the master deductible. Read the New Hampshire condo insurance guide and our page on condex insurance. Association boards can see small condo association insurance.
Homeowners and high-value homes
For established homeowners, we review the whole account: home, car, umbrella and valuables. For larger or renovated homes, we compare high-value carriers such as Chubb and Cincinnati. See Portsmouth homeowners insurance and high-value home insurance in Portsmouth.
Drivers, renters, boaters and landlords
We also write car insurance in Portsmouth, renters insurance, umbrella insurance, boat insurance for the harbor and back channels, and landlord insurance for rental units.
How working with us goes
- Tell us what you have. Call, email or use the form. Current declarations pages help most.
- We compare. We match your needs to the carriers that fit and lay out the options.
- We walk through the differences. Deductibles, limits, flood and water gaps, in plain language.
- You decide. No pressure to move everything at once.
- We stay your agent. Changes, renewals, ID cards and claim questions go to the same office.
Most of this happens by phone and email. If you’d like to meet in person, call ahead to set a time.
Beyond Portsmouth
From Islington Street we insure the whole Seacoast, including New Castle, and across the river in Kittery, Maine. The agency is licensed in 10 states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Florida, Ohio and Illinois), with our focus on New England. Office address, hours and directions are on our locations page.
Frequently asked questions
Do you charge a fee to work with an insurance agent?
No. We don’t charge additional fees. Carriers pay agencies, so you pay only the policy premium.
Is an independent agent different from a company’s own agent?
Yes. A company’s own agent offers that company’s policies. As an independent agency, we compare 40+ carriers and explain how the options differ.
Does homeowners insurance cover flooding in Portsmouth?
No. Flood needs a separate policy. We place NFIP flood through Selective and compare private flood options. Check your address with our flood zone lookup.
Can you insure an older or historic Portsmouth home?
Often, yes. Carriers look at roof, wiring, heating and plumbing updates. Share what you know about those systems and we’ll match the home to carriers that fit.
I’m buying a condo downtown. What do I need?
Usually an HO-6 unit-owner policy that fits your association’s master policy. Bring the master policy summary or bylaws and we’ll compare the two.
Where is your office?
601 Islington St, Unit 206, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Hours are Monday to Thursday 9 AM to 5 PM and Friday 8 AM to 4 PM. Call (603) 431-4020 or email insure@portsmouthatlanticins.com.
Talk with a Portsmouth insurance agent
Tell us about your home, car or condo and we’ll compare coverage from 40+ carriers. We don’t charge additional fees.
Start your quote request · (603) 431-4020 · insure@portsmouthatlanticins.com