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Why NYC Brownstone Owners Choose Us
With over 49 years of experience, we understand the challenges of insuring brownstones in New York City. From Brooklyn to the Upper West Side, these unique properties require policies that account for their architecture, materials, and code requirements. Many carriers impose strict life safety requirements that disqualify older NYC buildings, but the programs we offer take a more flexible approach, making specialized coverage available to qualifying brownstones that have been declined or surcharged elsewhere. Our tailored solutions help preserve your investment while keeping costs down.
50% of our New York-area clients save money without changing their coverage level
50% of our New York-area clients receive better coverage for comparable premiums
In New York, 92% of our clients return each year
Who Qualifies for This Brownstone Insurance Program
This program is designed for brownstones, row housing, condos, co-ops, and small apartment buildings of 1 to 30 units in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. Eligible properties include owner-occupied, tenant-occupied, and mixed-use buildings with at least 50% residential use, constructed of joisted masonry or better. Not all buildings will qualify; eligibility is subject to underwriting review.
Built for Brownstones: What Our Insurance Covers
Full replacement costs
Cover the repair or rebuild using materials that match the original, without deducting for depreciation
Liability protection
Safeguards you if someone is injured on your stoop or inside the building, including legal and medical costs
Loss of rents
Reimburses up to 12 months of rental income if a covered incident makes your brownstone uninhabitable
Ordinance or law
Covers the increased cost of repairs or rebuilding needed to meet modern NYC building codes—common with older properties
Water backup protection
Helps cover damages caused by sewer backups and sump pump failures—issues particularly common in NYC basements
Equipment breakdown
Covers repair or replacement costs when mechanical or electrical systems fail, including boilers, HVAC units, and other building equipment
Business income / Rental value
Reimburses lost rental income and covers extra expenses while your brownstone is being restored after a covered loss
Employee theft
Protects against financial losses caused by dishonest acts committed by employees or building staff
Agreed amount coverage
Locks in your building’s insured value upfront so there is no coinsurance penalty applied at the time of a covered loss
Personal inland marine
Provides scheduled coverage for high-value personal property such as fine art, jewelry, antiques, and musical instruments kept in the building
Get a Quote for Your Brownstone or Townhouse
Whether you’re restoring a brownstone in Park Slope or renting out a multi-unit townhouse in Harlem, we’ll help you get the protection your property deserves—without overpaying.
Specialized Brownstone Insurance Through a Purpose-Built NYC Program
The City Building Owners Insurance Program offers brownstone coverage through the New York Brick & Brownstone Insurance offering, designed exclusively for owner- and tenant-occupied properties in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
Backed by Distinguished Real Estate, this program provides coverage strength that generic landlord policies rarely match. Unlike standard policies written for suburban rentals, this program was built around the realities of NYC’s older building stock, including joisted masonry construction, aging systems, and the unique liability exposures of urban property ownership. The City Building Owners Insurance Program serves as your access point to this specialized policy, helping you determine eligibility and structure coverage that fits your building.
What Our Clients Say
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G.M., Multiple Apartment Building Owner, New York, N.Y. ,|