Cumberland Mutual submitted a Maryland homeowners filing that the company describes as rate neutral overall, despite an actuarially indicated decrease of 10.3%. The filing impacts around 10,245 policyholders representing approximately $17.3 million in written premium and is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2026 for new and renewal business.
The filing includes changes to territory base rates, Coverage A curves, multi-policy discounts, water backup pricing, and the introduction of a smart water leak detector discount.
One of the more notable additions is a discount for water leak detection devices. Homes with approved leak detection systems, including devices with automatic shut-off capabilities, will receive a 0.98 rating factor.
The company also expanded its multi-policy discount for homeowners insured alongside a personal auto policy controlled by the same agent, even when the auto business is written with another carrier. The discount factor improves from 0.95 to 0.90.
Cumberland lowered pricing for higher water backup coverage limits. For standard HO-2, HO-3, HO-5, HO-4, and HO-6 policies, the premium for $50,000 of water backup coverage drops from $175 to $125, while the $100,000 option decreases from $200 to $150. The maximum premium for policy limits coverage also declines from $325 to $275.
The filing also tightens documentation requirements for scheduled personal property. Detailed appraisals will now be required for items valued at $15,000 or more, down from the previous $25,000 threshold.
Other program details include:
- A continued cap limiting renewal increases tied to the filing to 25% through September 2029
- Minimum Coverage A requirements of $275,000 in many Maryland counties for new HO-2, HO-3, and HO-5 business
- Mandatory central station burglar and fire alarms for higher-value homes depending on protection class
- A premium match program allowing transferred business to renew with capped 5% annual increases for three years
The filing was submitted under Maryland’s file-and-use process on May 15, 2026.