Living in Centreville means you're part of a growing Eastern Shore community that balances colonial heritage with modern convenience. With a population approaching 4,800 and steady growth of 0.8% since 2020, this Queen Anne's County seat offers the charm of historic Maryland with easy access to the Bay Bridge and the wider Chesapeake region. But here's what many newcomers don't realize: your insurance needs in Centreville are shaped by factors you might not have on your radar yet—from flood risks tied to the Chesapeake Bay to the reality of being one of Maryland's most expensive states for auto insurance.
Whether you're a longtime resident or just moved to the area, understanding how to protect your home, vehicles, and family in this unique corner of Maryland can save you thousands and give you real peace of mind. Let's break down what you actually need to know.
Why Your Eastern Shore Location Changes Everything
Centreville sits in the heart of the Eastern Shore, which sounds idyllic—and it is—but it also means you're dealing with weather patterns and flood risks that differ dramatically from inland Maryland communities. The Chesapeake Bay isn't just a beautiful backdrop; it's a factor in your insurance planning. Queen Anne's County has a documented history of serious flooding events. Hurricane Floyd in 1999 closed Route 213 north of Church Hill and Route 19 between Church Hill and Route 301 due to high water. More recently, sections of the Chesapeake Bay region are sinking at rates of nearly a quarter inch per year, which compounds your flood risk over time.
Here's the critical thing most people miss: your standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Not from hurricanes, not from storm surge, not from heavy rains that overwhelm local drainage. You need a separate flood insurance policy for that protection. Most flood policies have a 30-day waiting period, so you can't wait until you see a storm forecast on the news. If you're in a FEMA-designated flood zone and have a mortgage, your lender will require flood insurance anyway. But even if you're not in a high-risk zone, the relatively low cost of flood coverage makes it worth considering given the Bay's influence on local weather.
The Real Story on Maryland Auto Insurance Costs
Let's talk about car insurance, because the numbers might surprise you. Maryland auto insurance costs average $3,787 annually for full coverage—or about $316 per month. That puts Maryland as the 44th most affordable state for full coverage, meaning you're paying more than most of the country. For minimum coverage, you're looking at around $1,030 per year, and Maryland ranks 46th in affordability for that tier. Translation: car insurance here is expensive no matter how you slice it.
Why does this matter in Centreville specifically? Your proximity to the Bay Bridge means you're likely making that commute to Annapolis or the western shore regularly. The bridge has weather-related closures during severe storms—Tropical Storm Isabel in 2003 closed eastbound lanes, and a January 2024 winter storm shut down all traffic for nearly four hours when sustained winds exceeded 55 mph. These disruptions mean you might be on the road during challenging conditions more often than someone in a purely inland location. That's worth mentioning to your insurance agent, and it's worth making sure your coverage limits are adequate for both your daily driver and any weather-related scenarios.
The good news? Rates vary significantly by carrier, and shopping around can save you hundreds annually. Get quotes from at least three different insurers. Ask about discounts for bundling your auto and home insurance, safe driving records, anti-theft devices, and good student discounts if you have teens on your policy. Maryland is a competitive insurance market, and companies know Eastern Shore residents have options.
Homeowners Insurance: What You'll Actually Pay
Homeowners insurance in Maryland runs significantly cheaper than auto coverage, which is a rare bit of good news. The average cost is between $1,630 and $2,623 per year depending on your coverage limits, dwelling value, and deductible choices. That breaks down to roughly $136 to $219 per month. For a $300,000 dwelling with $100,000 in liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible, you're looking at around $1,707 annually. State Farm typically offers the lowest rates in Maryland, averaging $1,185 per year, so that's a solid starting point for your quote comparison.
What drives these costs in Centreville? Your home's age matters—the town has significant colonial heritage and older housing stock, which can increase premiums due to outdated electrical, plumbing, or roofing systems. Your distance from the nearest fire station and fire hydrant affects rates. And while Centreville itself isn't oceanfront, your proximity to the Chesapeake Bay and the documented flood history in Queen Anne's County means insurers factor in water damage risk even for your standard policy. Make sure you understand what's covered and what's not. Wind damage from hurricanes is typically covered; flooding is not. Roof damage from fallen trees is covered; gradual deterioration from an aging roof is not.
One often-overlooked piece of homeowners insurance is liability coverage. If someone slips on your front steps and breaks an ankle, your liability coverage handles their medical bills and protects you from a lawsuit. With the median household income in Centreville at $107,950 and home values rising in Queen Anne's County, you have assets worth protecting. Don't skimp on liability limits—$100,000 is standard, but $300,000 or $500,000 gives you much better protection for a modest increase in premium.
Practical Steps to Get the Right Coverage
Start by visiting mdfloodmaps.net to check your property's flood risk based on the latest FEMA maps. Maryland has been systematically updating Flood Insurance Rate Maps throughout 2025, so your flood zone designation might have changed recently. Knowing your exact risk level helps you make an informed decision about flood coverage. If you're in a high-risk zone, you'll need it for your mortgage. If you're in a moderate or low-risk zone, the cost is usually low enough that it's worth the protection given the Eastern Shore's weather patterns.
Next, get quotes from multiple carriers for both auto and home insurance. As the Queen Anne's County seat, Centreville has access to both independent agents who represent multiple companies and captive agents who work for single carriers. Use both. An independent agent can shop your coverage across several insurers at once, which saves time. But also get a direct quote from State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive—sometimes the big names have promotional rates that beat what's available through agents. Ask each one the same questions: What's my coverage limit? What's my deductible? What's excluded? What discounts am I eligible for? Then compare apples to apples.
Finally, review your policies annually. Your insurance needs change as your life changes. You buy a newer car, you finish a basement renovation, you pay off your mortgage, you add a teen driver. Each of these events should trigger a coverage review. Set a calendar reminder each year around renewal time to reassess whether your coverage still fits your situation. Maryland's insurance costs are high, but that doesn't mean you're stuck overpaying. A little proactive comparison shopping can save you 20-30% without sacrificing protection.
Centreville offers a quality of life that balances history, community, and convenience. Protecting that life with the right insurance doesn't have to be complicated or wildly expensive. Understand your flood risk, shop aggressively for auto and home coverage, and don't assume your current policies are still the best deal. The Eastern Shore is a special place to live—make sure your insurance reflects the realities of living here.
