There's something special about owning a home in Media, Pennsylvania. Maybe it's the tree-lined streets, the Victorian architecture, or the way the trolley rumbles down State Street past cafés and boutiques. But here's what most new Media homeowners don't realize until it's too late: insuring a charming historic home in Delaware County's most walkable borough comes with some unique considerations that your standard insurance policy might not cover.
If you're buying a home in Media or already own one, understanding how to properly protect your investment means looking beyond the basics. Let's walk through what you actually need to know about home insurance in this distinctive Delaware County community.
What Home Insurance Costs in Media, PA
The average Pennsylvania homeowner pays about $1,440 per year for home insurance, or roughly $120 per month. But here's the thing—Media isn't average. As the county seat of Delaware County and a community with significant historic housing stock, your actual rate depends on several local factors.
If you own one of Media's iconic Victorian homes or a historic twin near Courthouse Square, expect to pay more than the state average. Why? Older homes cost more to insure because they often feature materials and craftsmanship that are expensive to replicate. That ornate woodwork, original hardwood floors, and plaster walls aren't cheap to restore after damage. Many insurers also view older electrical and plumbing systems as higher risk.
Pennsylvania home insurance rates have jumped approximately 44% between 2021 and 2024, so if you haven't shopped around recently, you're probably paying more than you need to. The good news? Media's walkable layout, proximity to emergency services on State Street, and strong community connections can work in your favor when negotiating rates.
Coverage Considerations for Historic and Older Homes
Media was incorporated in 1850, and many homes date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. If your home predates 1950, you need to have a serious conversation with your insurance agent about replacement cost coverage versus actual cash value.
Here's what that means in practice: If a fire damages your Victorian home's original pocket doors, decorative crown molding, or antique fixtures, replacement cost coverage will pay to restore those features with comparable materials and craftsmanship. Actual cash value coverage only pays what those features were worth at the time of loss—accounting for depreciation—which might not be enough to properly restore your home's historic character.
Some insurers may balk at covering homes with certain characteristics common in Media's housing stock. Flat roofs, which are prevalent in Delaware County, can be deal-breakers for some companies. Roofs older than 10 years or homes with water damage in the past five years may face coverage denials or significantly higher premiums. Before you buy a home in Media, get the roof inspected and ask about its insurance history.
The Flood Insurance Question You Can't Ignore
Let's address the elephant in the room: flooding is Pennsylvania's most common natural disaster. All 67 counties have experienced destructive flooding, and here's the kicker—over 40% of flood insurance claims come from properties outside high-risk flood zones. Your standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Not a single drop.
Media's location in Delaware County means you're not immune to flooding, even if you're not near a major waterway. Spring storms, heavy summer rains, and rapid snowmelt can all cause localized flooding. Just one inch of water can cause up to $25,000 in damage, and only about 50,000 of Pennsylvania's 3.1 million insured homes carry flood coverage.
The average cost of flood insurance in Pennsylvania is $1,386 annually through the National Flood Insurance Program. Private insurers like Allstate, Auto-Owners, and The Hartford also offer flood policies that might be more competitive. Important: There's typically a 30-day waiting period before flood coverage takes effect, so don't wait until storm season to buy a policy.
What Makes Media Different (And How It Affects Your Coverage)
Media's character as a walkable, trolley-connected borough actually impacts your insurance in surprising ways. The SEPTA Route 101 trolley running down State Street isn't just charming—it connects you directly to the 69th Street Transportation Center and the broader SEPTA system. This level of connectivity means you're less dependent on vehicles for daily life, which can reduce your overall insurance footprint.
The borough's compact size—just 0.8 square miles—means fire and emergency services can reach your property quickly. This matters to insurers. Response time is a factor in calculating risk, and Media's tight-knit layout works in your favor. You're also part of a community that has seen zero commercial vacancies on State Street in recent years, indicating strong property values and community investment, both positive signals for insurance underwriters.
However, living in a dense, historic downtown does come with considerations. If you own a twin home or rowhouse, you share walls with neighbors, which means you need adequate liability coverage in case damage originates from your property and affects adjacent homes. Your policy should account for this shared-structure reality.
Specialized Coverage You Might Need
Beyond standard homeowners and flood insurance, Media residents should consider a few additional coverage types. Delaware County has a history of coal mining, which leaves some properties at risk for mine subsidence—when underground mine collapses cause surface damage. Standard policies typically exclude this, but you can add mine subsidence coverage through the Pennsylvania Mine Subsidence Insurance Fund.
If you've invested significantly in your home—perhaps you renovated that Victorian kitchen or restored original features—consider scheduled personal property coverage for high-value items and equipment ordinance coverage. The latter is crucial for older homes that may not meet current building codes. If you need to rebuild, equipment ordinance coverage pays the additional cost of bringing your home up to code, which can be substantial in a historic borough.
How to Get the Best Rate in Media
Shopping for home insurance shouldn't be a one-and-done exercise. With rates rising 44% over the past three years, comparing quotes annually can save you hundreds of dollars. Top-rated insurers in Pennsylvania include Erie, State Farm, Nationwide, and Amica, but don't overlook regional carriers familiar with Delaware County's specific risks and housing characteristics.
To secure better rates, consider these strategies: Bundle your home and auto insurance with the same carrier for multi-policy discounts. Improve your home's safety features—smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and deadbolts all qualify for discounts. If you're renovating, updating electrical systems, plumbing, or the roof can significantly reduce premiums. Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 or $2,500 can also lower your annual premium, just make sure you have enough savings to cover the higher out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department actively protects consumers—they blocked over $200 million in requested premium increases in the first half of 2025 alone. If you receive a rate increase that seems excessive, you have the right to question it and shop for alternatives.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
If you're buying a home in Media, start the insurance conversation early. Before you close, get quotes from at least three insurers and ask specifically about coverage for older homes, historic features, and any property-specific concerns the inspection revealed. Use the PA Flood Risk tool to check your property's flood risk level, even if you're not in a designated flood zone.
If you already own a home in Media and haven't reviewed your coverage recently, now's the time. Pull out your policy and check: Do you have replacement cost coverage or actual cash value? Does your dwelling coverage amount reflect current construction costs? Are you covered for flood, mine subsidence, and equipment ordinance? Is your liability coverage adequate?
Living in Media means being part of a community with character, history, and exceptional quality of life. Protecting your home properly ensures you can enjoy everything this walkable Delaware County borough offers without worrying about what happens if the unexpected occurs. Take the time to get your coverage right—your future self will thank you.
