Your Local Frankfort Insurance Agency

Also Serving Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena & New Lenox

For more than a decade, the team at Edward Wilkins has helped families and businesses in Frankfort and the southwest suburbs get clear, reliable coverage with Farmers® Insurance — right here at home.

Insurance Shouldn’t Be Confusing — Or Distant

Insurance gaps only show up when it’s too late.

Don’t wait until after an accident or storm to realize your coverage fell short.


As your local Farmers® agent in Frankfort, Edward and his team make sure families stay protected when it matters most.

Call Centers Don’t Know Your Neighborhood

Big 1-800 numbers treat you like a file, not a neighbor. With Edward, you get real local guidance right here in Frankfort.

Cheap Plans Disappear When You Need Them

Cheap online insurance looks good until the fine print leaves you stranded. Edward makes sure your coverage is there when it counts.

Don’t Wait Until Disaster Strikes

Too many families only find gaps after an accident or storm. Get protected now — before you’re paying out of pocket.

Meet Edward Wilkins — Your Local Guide in Insurance

Serving Frankfort & Southwest Suburbs Since 2012.

For more than a decade, Edward and his team have been helping families and businesses in Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena, and New Lenox protect what they’ve worked hard for.

As your local Farmers® Insurance agency since 2012, the team at Edward Wilkins brings national strength backed by personal attention. You’ll never be routed to a call center — when you call, you talk directly to The Wilkins Group, right here in Frankfort.

Coverage Made Simple for Local Families & Businesses

No matter where you live in Chicago’s southwest suburbs, Edward makes coverage simple:

Home/Renters Insurance

Safeguard your home, condo, or apartment with flexible protection for where you live.

Auto Insurance

Protect your car and family with reliable coverage and award-winning claims service.

Motorcycle Insurance

Ride with confidence thanks to coverage for your bike, accessories, and trip interruptions.

Umbrella Insurance

Add an extra layer of security that shields you from life’s unexpected and costly “what ifs.”

Life Insurance

Plan ahead with term or whole life options designed to protect your loved ones long into the future.

Business Insurance

Secure your business with property, liability, and Buy-Sell Agreement protection you can count on.

Every year, rates change. Don’t miss the chance to lock in coverage before premiums rise.

Specialty & Adventure Coverage

From boats and personal watercraft to RVs, ATVs, and 5th wheels — Edward offers specialized coverage designed for the way locals in Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena, and New Lenox actually live. Don’t find out too late that your weekend toys weren’t fully covered.

Boats & Watercraft

Protection for your boat, jet ski, or personal watercraft so you can enjoy the water worry-free.

RVs & Motorhomes

Coverage for your RV, camper, or motorhome whether you’re parked, in storage, or on the move.

ATVs & Off-Road Vehicles

Specialized protection for your four-wheelers and off-road vehicles built for recreation and adventure.

Trailers & 5th Wheels

Coverage for travel trailers and 5th wheels so your getaways go off without a hitch and stay on track.

Why Your Neighbors Choose The Wilkins Group

Trusted by families and businesses across Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena, and New Lenox since 2012.

Local Service, National Strength

Backed by Farmers® but rooted right here in Frankfort.

Trusted for More Than a Decade

Serving families and businesses since 2012.

Always Here, Always Accessible

Available Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM.

Personalized Policy Quotes

Every policy tailored to your needs.

Focused On the Local Community

Serving Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena & New Lenox.

Real People, No Call Centers

When you call, you talk to Edward’s team directly.

Comparing market value and replacement cost home insurance in Illinois

Market Value vs. Replacement Cost: Decoding Home Insurance for Illinois Homeowners

October 20, 20250 min read

Market Value vs. Replacement Cost:
Decoding Home Insurance for Illinois Homeowners

A Common Coverage Confusion

Choosing the right amount—and type—of coverage is the most important decision homeowners make regarding their largest investment: their home. At Edward Wilkins Insurance, we’re often asked: What’s the difference between insuring my home for market value versus replacement cost?

Navigating this can prevent unexpected out-of-pocket costs and heartbreaking coverage gaps. Here's why it matters—especially for Frankfort and surrounding Illinois communities:

1. What Does Market Value Mean?

  • Market Value = What your house could sell for today, including the land.
  • It’s influenced by location, neighborhood, local real estate trends, and amenities.
  • Often lower than true rebuild cost—especially in areas with lower housing prices or older construction.

If you insure your home for market value, you may not have enough to actually rebuild after a loss.

2. What is Replacement Cost?

  • Replacement Cost = The cost to rebuild your home—at today’s prices—using similar materials and craftsmanship.
  • It ignores the land value, focusing only on rebuilding what was lost.
  • Includes factors like up-to-date building codes, labor, and materials (which can change rapidly!)

Rebuilding often costs more than the property’s market value—especially after major storms or fires that affect material costs and local demand.

Real-World Example: Why the Difference Matters

A Frankfort homeowner buys in 2018 for $275,000. A storm destroys their home, but rebuilding in 2024 costs $360,000 (labor + materials have risen).

If insured for Market Value: Payout = $275,000.
If insured for Replacement Cost: Payout = $360,000.

The $85,000 difference could break the bank!

Here’s the Wilkins Advantage—Powered by Local Expertise & Trusted AI Tools

Our agency uses the latest AI-driven valuation tech—backed by Farmers® Financial strength—and combines it with deep knowledge of local construction costs and codes specific to Will County and Chicagoland.

  • No shortcuts, no call centers—real advice, real people
  • We educate you on how inflation, rebuilding complexity, and Illinois weather trends impact what you need—today and tomorrow.
  • Custom quotes are just the start. We help you keep pace as prices and risk shift, so you’re never underinsured.

Bottom Line: Protection, Not Just a Policy

When it matters most, you need coverage that pays for a full rebuild—not just what the real estate market says your house is worth.

At Edward Wilkins Insurance, clarity, trust, and local expertise come first.

Take 15 minutes to review your home insurance with a local expert.
Is your policy leaving you exposed?


Schedule Your Home Insurance Checkup

Want more expert tips?

  • Follow our blog for local insurance insights and coverage checklists
  • Email [email protected] for a free policy review

Serving Frankfort, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Mokena, New Lenox and beyond—because protecting your home isn’t just about insurance, but peace of mind.

blog author image

Emily Carter

Emily Carter is a results-driven marketing strategist with a passion for building authentic connections between brands and their audiences. With expertise in digital advertising, content strategy, and client relationship management, she has helped businesses across multiple industries increase visibility and revenue. Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving skills, Emily thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys mentoring colleagues to achieve both personal and organizational goals.

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Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it, hear what our happy clients have to say...

"I have worked with the SLP team for years. They have always provided me with great advise and there service as be the best around."

Nathan Klug

"I always hate having to renew my insurance, but the SLP Insurance team has made it easy for me to take care of all my needs in one place. Thanks!"

Kenneth McCreery

The right coverage can’t wait until after an accident or storm. Protect your family and business today with Edward Wilkins — your local Farmers® Insurance agent in Frankfort.

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