Northbrook offers the perfect combination of top-rated Glenbrook schools, thriving commercial districts and strong property values. Our local insurance expertise helps Northbrook families protect their most valuable assets against the unique risks facing this North Shore community.
Northbrook’s Unique Insurance Challenges:
Significant Flood Risk – Northbrook has a moderate risk of flooding, which means flooding is likely to impact day-to-day life within the community. There are 1,131 properties in Northbrook that are likely to be severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 16% of all Northbrook properties facing severe flood exposure.
Des Plaines River Flooding History – Northbrook properties near the Des Plaines River face recurring flood threats. The region experienced catastrophic flooding in 1986 when the river crested nearly ten feet above flood stage, forcing residents to sandbag homes with National Guard assistance. More recently, the Des Plaines River Trail in Northbrook flooded on March 1, 2023, demonstrating that flood risk remains an ongoing concern.
Multiple Watershed Systems – Northbrook’s stormwater system drains into four different waterways: the Skokie Lagoons, the Middle Fork and West Fork of the North Branch of the Chicago River, and the Des Plaines River. During heavy rainfall, runoff can enter the storm sewer system in Northbrook too quickly and inundate it, causing basement flooding even in areas not designated as FEMA flood zones.
Village Flood Mitigation Programs – After widespread flooding in September 2008, the Village Board authorized two programs to help residents with private property flooding issues. Under these programs the Village will reimburse residents for up to 50% of the costs to complete improvements to their property to help minimize the chance or severity of future flooding. The availability of these programs demonstrates the severity of Northbrook’s flooding challenges.
20% Flood Insurance Discount – Recently, the Village was reclassified as a Class 6 community, resulting in a 20% rate reduction for flood insurance policies issued to property owners located in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Property owners outside a Special Flood Hazard Area will receive a 10% reduction. Even with these discounts, flood insurance remains critical protection.
High Property Values at Risk – With median home prices ranging from $647,000 to $875,750 depending on the neighborhood, Northbrook homeowners have substantial equity to protect. Just one inch of water can cause $25,000 in damage, and many basement flooding claims exceed $10,000.
Glenbrook North High School Traffic – Northbrook hosts Glenbrook North High School at 2300 Shermer Road, creating heavy school zone traffic during morning drop-off and afternoon pickup. School zone speeding violations carry mandatory minimum fines starting at $150-$300 and go directly on driving records, resulting in insurance rate increases that can last 3-5 years.
Severe Weather & Hail Damage – Like other North Shore communities, Northbrook experiences damaging hailstorms, with Illinois experiencing record hail damage in 2024. State Farm paid more hail claims in Illinois than any state except Texas. Most insurers now mandate 1% wind/hail deductibles, meaning a $700,000 Northbrook home faces a $7,000 out-of-pocket expense before coverage begins.
Rising Insurance Premiums – Illinois homeowners have seen insurance costs surge 50% between 2021 and 2024, with State Farm implementing a 27% rate increase (approximately $746 added to annual premiums). Northbrook’s high property values mean these percentage increases translate to substantial dollar amounts.
Multiple Flood Zones – Downtown Northbrook faces particularly severe flood risk, with 62% of properties at risk of severe flooding over the next 30 years. Properties throughout Northbrook span various FEMA flood zones, requiring different coverage approaches.
Infrastructure-Related Water Damage – While not as dramatic as the Skokie water main break in 2025, Northbrook’s aging underground infrastructure poses similar risks. Municipal service line coverage protects homeowners when water main breaks or sewer line failures cause property damage.
Our Northbrook Insurance Options:
-Comprehensive Flood Insurance
NFIP policies with Class 6 community 20% discount for flood zone properties
-Private flood insurance with higher coverage limits, potentially lower prices and faster claims
-Coverage for properties in and outside designated flood zones
-Basement contents and finished basement coverage
-Guaranteed replacement cost coverage for Northbrook’s $647K-$875K median home values
-Enhanced water damage protection including sewer backup and sump pump failure
-50/50 cost-share program coordination for drainage improvements
-Municipal service line coverage for water main breaks
-Roof replacement coverage for hail damage with impact-resistant shingle discounts
-Teen driver coverage with good student discounts (important for District 225 students)
-Multi-vehicle discounts for Northbrook families
-Accident forgiveness to protect rates after first incident
-Comprehensive coverage for hail and storm damage to vehicles
-High-Value Home Coverage
-Specialized policies for properties exceeding $1 million
-Scheduled personal property coverage for valuables
-Building code upgrade coverage for older Northbrook homes (average home age 52 years)
-Extended replacement cost for homes with unique features or custom construction
Umbrella liability policies from $1 million to $10 million
Discover how Northbrook’s Class 6 community flood insurance discounts, can protect your home, family, and financial future. Don’t wait for the next flood event—get protected now.
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Longmeadow Insurance 1100 Central Ave, Wilmette IL 60091
Illinois Insurance License #3003821283
Serving Chicago, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Northfield, Skokie, Wilmette & Winnetka
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