Local claim risks
- Nor’easter wind
- Ice dams
- Burst pipes
- Hurricane surge history
- Fire in dense blocks
Insurance appraisal in Providence usually involves older buildings. Plaster walls, slate and cedar roofs, original trim and multi-unit layouts all make repairs more involved than a standard estimate assumes. The city sits at the head of Narragansett Bay, so it has a long hurricane history, but day to day the claims we see most are winter water losses, wind damage from nor’easters and fires that spread between closely spaced houses.
What makes Providence claims different
Three-deckers bring shared roofs, porches and stairways that serve several units, and frequently tenants with their own contents claims. East Side homes in the College Hill Historic District may face review requirements for exterior changes, which can affect how repairs are done. Condo owners downtown deal with a master policy and their own unit policy at the same time.
Hurricane barrier, but not hurricane-proof
The Fox Point Hurricane Barrier protects downtown from storm surge, but it doesn’t stop wind. Roofs, windows and trees across the city are still exposed when a tropical system passes, and neighborhoods outside the barrier’s protection can see flooding.
Neighborhoods and villages we cover in Providence
- College Hill
- Fox Point
- Federal Hill
- Elmhurst
- Mount Pleasant
- Wayland Square
- Olneyville
- Elmwood
- Washington Park
Housing in Providence
Providence has a large share of pre-1940 housing: wood-frame two- and three-family houses, brick rowhouses near downtown, large Victorian and Colonial Revival homes on the East Side, and mill buildings converted to lofts in Olneyville and along the Woonasquatucket. Downtown and the Jewelry District add mid- and high-rise condominiums.
Providence storm history
- 1938The New England Hurricane pushed storm surge into downtown Providence.
- 1954Hurricane Carol flooded downtown again, leading to construction of the Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, completed in 1966.
- 2010Record March rains flooded rivers across the region.
- 2015 & 2022January blizzards brought heavy snow loads and ice dams to older roofs.
Services available in Providence
Every Rhode Island Insurance Appraiser service is available to owners in Providence and nearby towns, including:
- Appraisal Clause Representation
- Homeowner Claim Valuation
- Commercial, Condo & HOA Claims
- Roof & Hail Damage
- Wind, Microburst & Tornado Damage
- Hurricane & Tropical Storm Claims
- Water Damage & Leak Claims
Questions from Providence owners
Do you inspect in all Providence neighborhoods?
Yes. We inspect throughout the city, from Mount Pleasant and Elmhurst to Fox Point, Elmwood and Washington Park.
Does historic district review affect my claim?
It can affect the materials and methods a repair needs. If a local commission requires a certain material, that belongs in the scope and the cost discussion.
My tenants were affected too. Can you help?
We value the building loss under your policy and help you separate what belongs to tenants’ own renters policies.