Massachusetts Home Insurance Rates

Why is My Homeowners Insurance So High? And Ways to Reduce Your Rate

By Alyssa Little – Let’s Talk Openly, Openly Insurance Company

September 7, 2023

As with most things, prices for homeowners insurance are increasing. So if you find yourself asking “why is my homeowners insurance so high?” rest assured, you aren’t alone.

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection to the homeowner in the event of property damage or damage to their personal belongings, as well as liability for injuries or damages that occur on their property. But home insurance rates don’t remain static and can change over time, due to market conditions, natural disasters, and inflation (among other factors). And according to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners insurance rates have been on the rise, and are only expected to continue rising.¹

Keep reading to learn more about what can contribute to homeowners insurance rates and practical ways to reduce your insurance cost.

At a glance:

Choosing the wrong insurance company, low deductibles, and poor credit scores can contribute to high insurance rates.

Comparing rates, raising deductibles, bundling policies, and researching discounts are effective strategies for reducing insurance premiums.

Regularly reviewing your homeowners insurance policy can help minimize expenses down the road.

How has homeowners insurance changed in recent years?

Home insurance has adapted to evolving risks, market conditions, and consumer needs over the past several years, reflecting both the risk landscape and consumer demands. Notable changes include:²

An increased focus on natural disasters
Personal property coverage adjustments
Evolving liability coverage due to rising medical costs and legal expenses
Growing availability of optional coverages, like flood insurance

Homeowners insurance predictions for 2023

Although inflation has begun to slow in the second half of 2023, it is predicted that the inflation rate will continue to rise, affecting the cost of construction materials, labor, and replacement costs for damaged properties, which often lead to higher home insurance premiums.³

Along with inflation, certain states may experience more significant insurance changes due to added local factors such as weather patterns, increased property risks, or regulatory changes. While it’s challenging to gather predictions for rate changes in every state, here is a list of states/regions that may experience rate changes:⁴

Coastal states (Florida, Louisiana, and South Carolina, etc.)
Wildfire-prone regions (California, Oregon, and Washington, etc.)
Tornado Alley (Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas, etc.)
High-population-density states (New York, Illinois, and New Jersey, etc.)
States with high crime (Michigan, Louisiana, and New Mexico, etc.)

Factors that affect homeowner’s insurance rates

There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of insurance coverage, and wrapping your head around these factors is key to managing your insurance costs effectively.

Choosing the wrong insurance company

It’s important to compare insurance providers to find the one that best fits your needs. Some insurers may specialize in certain types of coverage, such as high-value homes or properties in flood-prone areas, while others may offer more competitive rates for more basic coverage.

Low deductibles

Opting for a low deductible may initially be appealing because it means paying less out-of-pocket. However, because insurance companies assume a greater portion of the financial risk when a low deductible is involved, they balance potential payouts with higher insurance rates.

Poor credit score

Insurance companies often consider credit scores an indicator of financial responsibility and risk. Individuals with higher credit scores are generally perceived as less likely to file an insurance claim, while those with lower scores are viewed as riskier investments.

Multiple insurance policies

Protecting your investments—home, life, auto—with different insurance companies is not always the best bet, financially speaking. Insurance companies often incentivize customers to consolidate insurance needs by offering multi-policy discounts.

High-risk location

If your home is in an area prone to natural disasters like hurricanes, windstorms, or tornadoes, or if it is located in a high-crime neighborhood, insurance companies may consider it a higher risk, leading to higher premiums.

Aging home

Older homes can often require repair, renovations, or additional maintenance in general, and subsequently have a higher risk of structural issues, and plumbing or electrical problems.

Additional features

Certain features of your home (swimming pools, trampolines, or wood-burning stoves, etc.) can increase the risk of accidents or damage. Insurance companies factor in these additional risks when calculating premiums.

High-valued items

If you own expensive personal belongings or valuable collectibles, you may need additional coverage beyond the standard policy limits, which can increase premiums.

How to lower your homeowners insurance

From comparing rates and raising your deductible to improving your credit score and exploring discounts, there are steps you can take to save on homeowners insurance.

Compare rates

One of the most effective ways to lower homeowners insurance premiums is to compare rates from multiple companies. Obtain quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure you’re getting the best possible rate, but keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always provide the best coverage.

Raise your deductible

The deductible is the amount you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. By opting for a higher deductible, you assume more financial risk in the event of a claim, so it’s important to choose a deductible amount that you can afford to pay.

Improve credit score

Maintaining a good credit score demonstrates financial responsibility and can help you secure lower insurance premiums. Paying bills on time, reducing debt, and managing your finances responsibly can improve your credit score over time.

Bundle insurance policies

Bundling policies can result in significant savings. However, it’s important to ensure that the bundled coverage still meets your needs and provides adequate protection for your assets.

Discover discounts

Some insurers may offer discounts for military affiliations, a good claims history, or for installing safety systems throughout the home.⁵ Be sure to ask your insurance agents about any potential discounts you may qualify for.

An informed approach to unraveling homeowners insurance costs

Understanding how insurance premiums are calculated can influence the decision-making when determining how to reduce your insurance costs. Remember to review your policy periodically and make adjustments, as needed, to ensure you have the best insurance coverage at the price you are willing to pay. If you still have questions, contact your insurance agent for expert advice and guidance.

* We provide this information to help you understand insurance. Any coverage is subject to the terms of your policy. Please refer to your policy and declaration page for complete coverage details.

¹Loretta Worters. “Insurer Premiums Did Not Keep Pace with Inflation for Years.” Triple-I. Published 9 February 2023. Accessed 19 July 2023. https://www.iii.org/press-release/triple-i-insurer-premiums-did-not-keep-pace-with-inflation-for-years-020923

²Debra Kamin. “Home Insurance Premiums Rise as Americans Flock to Weather-Worn States.” NY Times. Published 5 May 2023. Accessed 19 July 2023. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/05/realestate/home-insurance-climate-change.html#:~:text=Home%20insurance%20premiums%20are%20on,a%20data%
20and%20analytics%20provider.

³Jeff Cox. “Inflation rose just 0.2% in June, less than expected as consumers get a break from price increase.” CNBC. Published 12 July 2023. Accessed 19 July 2023. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/12/inflation-rose-just-0point2percent-in-june-less-than-expected-as-consumers-get-a-break-from-price-increases.html

⁴Kamin.

⁵Ashley Kilroy. “How To Get Homeowners Insurance Discounts.” Forbes. Published 3 November 2022. Accessed 19 July 2023. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/find-discounts/

How can I save money on my home insurance?

Save money on home insurance

How can I save money on my home insurance? If this were the Family Feud we’d say: 100 people surveyed, top 8 answers are on the board!

Let’s hear it for:

Consider larger deductibles. Different property deductibles are available for choosing; $250, $500, $1000 and $2,500 deductibles are available. Savings in increments of 10% are commonplace per deductible.

Try to remain in the Voluntary Market! Insurance Companies reserve the right to insure or renew properties. If you have had a few losses within the past couple of policy years your insurance company may decide to not renew you.

The MPIUA (Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association) offers insurance to properties that are not insurable on the voluntary market. The cost to insure with them is usually considerably more expensive than the consumer will find on the voluntary market.

Some of the credits that are available to insurers are:

Protective Device Credits … starting with deadbolt locks, extinguishers, and smoke detectors are available. Larger credits are available for Local and Central Station burglar and fire protection systems.

Non-smoker credits … if you and household members are non-smokers some companies offer discounts to non-smokers.

Loss Free Year Credits … if you have not had any losses in multiple years some companies offer “Loss Free Credits.” Check with your Independent Insurance Broker to see if you qualify for any companies’ programs.

Home Renovation/New Home Credits … if you have renovated your home within the past 10 years some companies offer Renovation Credits. If you are buying a new home, some companies offer large New Home credits.

Account Discounts … some insurance companies offer 10% “Account Discounts” if you insure your home and auto with the same company … in addition, some companies may waive service charges.

Shop Around!

Different companies offer different discount programs for different properties and property owners. Shop around with different companies to see who is offering the best deals. HomeownerQuote utilizes the power of your local, independent Insurance Agent to find you the best rates & service!

Winter Storm Watch: Snow Removal Tips

homeownerquoteshoveltips

The Basics
Snow shoveling can be compared to weight lifting, and in some cases, the aerobic aspect of this activity is similar to a workout on a treadmill! To help your body function on demand, consider the following …

Be heart smart! Don’t eat or smoke before shoveling snow. Avoid caffeinated beverages. These are stimulants and may increase heart rate and cause blood vessels to constrict.
If you experience pain of any kind, stop immediately and seek assistance.
Pace yourself during shoveling activities. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water. Snow shoveling is strenuous work, and it is important to re-hydrate your body often.
If the ground is icy or slick, spread sand or salt over the area to help create foot traction. Be aware that some areas may be uneven and could cause you to slip, trip, or fall.

Dress for Success!

Consider the weather when choosing outerwear. Dress in layers. Wear clothing that is easy to move in.
Wear a hat—a great deal of body heat is lost through the head.
If it’s icy cold, consider breathing through a scarf, but don’t let it obstruct your view.
Proper boots are essential for keeping feet warm and dry while appropriate soles provide traction. Good boots can help you maintain your balance!
Choose gloves that will keep your hands warm, dry, and blister free—consider thicker gloves, which allow for a good grip on the shovel’s handle.

Select a Shovel that’s Right for You
Shovels are made from different materials and come in many shapes and sizes.

Choose a shovel that is ergonomically correct—a shovel with a curved handle. Many hardware stores and home centers stock ergonomically designed snow shovels. These shovels help you to keep your back straighter reducing spinal stress.
Consider a shovel with a plastic blade instead of metal—plastic is lightweight—isn’t the snow heavy enough?
Sometimes a smaller blade is better. You will not be able to shovel as much snow per shovel load, but the load will weigh less, which puts less strain on the spine.
Get a shovel made to push snow. It is far easier to push snow than to lift it. There are shovels made expressly for pushing snow. See what is available at your hardware or home center store.

Once you have your shovel, you might want to consider spraying a bit of silicon lubricant on the blade. This can help keep the snow from sticking to the shovel. The snow will slide off the shovel blade.

Technique. Technique. Technique.

Warm muscles work better. So take some time to stretch to prepare your body for activity.
Just like with a golf club, hand placement on the shovel handle is very important! Don’t put your hands (grip) close to one another. Create some distance between the hands. This will give you more leverage and make it easier to lift snow.
Think about good posture and maintaining the natural curve of your spine.
Address your task directly. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart to maintain balance. Try to keep the shovel close to your body. Bend at the knees—not the waist or back. Tighten your stomach muscles as you lift the snow. Lift with your legs—not your back. Do not twist your body. Dump the snow in front of you. If you need to move the snow to the side, move your feet—do not twist!According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “If you must lift the snow, lift it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal. Shovel an inch or two; then take another inch off. Rest and repeat if necessary.”
Don’t throw snow over your shoulder! Go forward with the snow.
Fresh snow is lighter in weight—so clear snow as soon as it has fallen. Snow becomes dense as it compacts on the ground. Wet snow is very heavy. One shovelful can weigh 20 pounds or more!
Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks to stretch your back and extremities.

Snowblowers
A snowblower is a terrific piece of machinery, but if it’s not used correctly, you can strain or injure your back. Snowblowers are designed to remove snow at a particular rate of speed. Pushing or forcing the equipment to go faster is defeating its purpose—to do the work for you!

Community Involvement
Not everyone is able to shovel snow or operate a snowblower. Consider the disabled and some in the senior population. Fortunately, many communities across the US have organized volunteers to help people who need assistance during the winter season.

Massachusetts Home Insurance

Homeowner insurance is designed to protect your home from certain perils such as fire, theft, wind, hail, falling objects, riot, vehicle damage, explosion, smoke and bursting of pipes. Notable exclusions are: flood, earthquake, mold, mildew, rot or animal damage.

When setting up your policy your Massachusetts Independent Insurance Agent will attempt to come up with The Replacement Cost of your home. Not to be confused with Market Value, The Replacement Value is the amount of money it would take to replace you home if it were destroyed by an insurance loss. The Coverage A, Dwelling, amount should represent this Replacement Value.

Protect Your Home-

Your home is one of the largest investments you will ever have. You want to make certain that your coverage is tailored to your individual home and personal needs. Your Independent, Massachusetts Insurance Agent will offer quality, basic coverage with many features and many coverage options to enhance your protection.

Homeowners Insurance Coverage Protects:

Dwelling (your home)
Other Structures, such as a detached garage, shed, fence, mailbox or doghouse
Personal Property, including furniture, clothing, appliances and much more
Loss of Use, for living expenses, when the home is damaged and uninhabitable
Personal Liability Coverage, protects you and your family against a claim or lawsuit if someone is injured or their property is damaged while at your home
Medical Payments to Others

Coverage Options:

Personal Property Replacement Cost Protection. Provides full replacement cost (no depreciation)for your personal belongings
Replacement Cost Protection on your Dwelling. Provides the extra insurance you need to rebuild your house if your coverage amount is inadequate
Personal Injury. Protects you against libel and slander
Schedule Valuable Items. Provides a blanket of coverage that is broader than what a basic Homeowners policy provides. It is the right coverage for people who own valuable possessions such as jewelry, fine arts, collectibles, antiques and other “special items”
Umbrella Policy. Offers an additional $1 million to $5 million of liability protection
Flood Coverage. Flood damage is typically not covered under a home
- insurance policy. This affordable coverage covers damage to your property and provides cleanup reimbursement
- Earthquake Endorsement
HomeownerQuote.com will find you products that are competitively priced & that offer great value with many money-saving discounts:
- New or renovated home discount
- Account discount when you insure both your auto and home with the same company
- Loss free credit
- Non-smoker credit
- Security discounts are available for homes with: smoke detectors, dead bolts, fire extinguishers or alarm systems.
Helpful site for Buyers, Sellers & Owners of Homes – Zillow.com

How Can I Save Money on my Massachusetts Insurance?

Consider larger deductibles. Different property deductibles are available for choosing; $250, $500, and $1000 deductible are available. Savings in increments of 10% are commonplace per deductible.

Some of the credits that are available to insurers are:

Non-smoker credits … if you and household members are non-smokers some companies offer discounts to non-smokers.

Account Discounts … some insurance companies offer 10% “Account Discounts” if you insure your home and auto with the same company … in addition, some companies may waive service charges.

Shop Around!

Different companies offer different discount programs for different properties and property owners. Shop around with different companies to see who is offering the best deals. Your local, independent Insurance Broker uses numerous companies to find you the best rates & service!

Protect Yourself with Home Insurance

You think it never will happen to you. Surely you never will have a fire, theft, storm, or accident in your home. But, if the unthinkable does happen, you’ll want to have homeowners insurance to protect you. Homeowners insurance is there during your times of greatest need to protect what is probably your biggest asset. So, is it necessary? By all means. Not only for you, but it’s usually required by your mortgage lender. Before we consider that, let’s look at what a typical homeowners insurance policy provides.

What’s In a Homeowners Insurance Policy?

Homeowners insurance provides coverage to your home, coverage for your personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses.

The House Structure Is Covered

Your homeowners insurance pays to repair or rebuild your home and other structures from damage that is covered in the policy, most often including theft, fire, storm, or other natural disasters.

When deciding a coverage amount, it’s a good idea to make sure you have enough to completely rebuild your house. Get a quote from a local builder or real estate agent for an approximate amount.
Damages can be covered at cash value or replacement value. Cash value pays what the property is worth today with depreciation, while replacement value pays enough to replace what you lost.

Personal Belongings May Need to be Replaced

Furniture, clothes and other contents of your home that are stolen or otherwise destroyed by an insured event are covered by your homeowners insurance policy.

You can choose to have off-premises coverage so your items are covered anywhere in the world should they get lost or damaged.
Making a video or photographs of your home’s contents can be extremely helpful. If you ever need to submit a claim, it’s an easy way to remember and prove what you lost.

Liability Coverage Is Essential

The liability aspect of homeowners insurance covers your legal responsibility for injuries to others or their property. For example, let’s assume your neighbor falls down your front steps and breaks her arm.

Your liability insurance will cover her medical expenses up to the policy limit.

If she decides to sue you for damages, you also will be protected, up to the limits in your policy.
Liability insurance is not limited to your premises. So, if your dog bites your neighbor while out on a walk, your homeowners insurance policy will likely cover you.

Additional Living Expenses Will be Paid

If you’re unable to live in your home due to a fire or other insured incident, your homeowners insurance policy may offer additional living expenses, including hotel and meals, up to a certain limit detailed in your policy.

What’s Not Covered

There are limits to a homeowners insurance policy. Homeowners insurance doesn’t cover damage caused by flood, earthquakes, or normal wear and tear of your home. Be sure you review your policy so you know what’s covered.

Homeowners Insurance Is Not Just for You

Mortgage lenders require homeowners insurance to protect them. Should something happen to your home, they need a way to cover their large monetary loss. Lenders often require you to buy at least a minimal amount, usually the amount of the mortgage. But, as you consider your home and belongings, more than minimum protection may be a good idea.

Don’t Leave It to Chance

You love your home. Make sure you, your belongings, and house are protected should a disaster happen. Having homeowners insurance in place can help protect you should a theft, fire, or other natural disaster strike.

Contact HomeownerQuote.com

As your independent Massachusetts insurance agent, we have a wealth of knowledge that can help determine your exact needs for homeowners insurance. Contact us today for a free quote, and you can sleep tonight knowing your home is covered. Call or click us today.

Save Money on Home Insurance

Home ownership is part of the American dream, and often, homes are the largest investment most people make during their lifetimes. When you have a large part of your finances tied up in your home, you want the most cost-effective yet serviceable homeowners insurance policy possible. For some, this means having the right deductible in place.

Full protection is important for any homeowner, but raising your homeowners insurance deductible can save you money. Changing your homeowners insurance policy to have a higher deductible can lead to a lower premium.

The Deductible Amount That Works for You

Typically, homeowners insurance deductibles begin at $250. Depending on your policy, your premium can be reduced by changing your deductible with general savings of:

Up to 15 percent for a $500 deductible
Up to 25 percent for a $1,000 deductible
Up to 30 percent for a $2,500 deductible
Up to 35 or more for a $5,000 deductible

While the additional discount savings for a very large deductible may look appealing, deductibles of more than $1,000 are not permissible with most mortgage companies. Check with your mortgage lender first, if you are considering a deductible in excess of $1,000.Of course, large deductibles mean you are on the hook for part of the repair or replacement cost should you need to file a claim. So, unless you have the cash on hand, a large deductible could be a drawback at claim time.

Claim Frequency and Homeowners Insurance Deductibles

Typically, insurance claims are made infrequently so the amount saved on monthly bills makes up for the additional amount of deductible needed for a claim. A higher deductible can be especially advantageous if you have a history of limited claims. For people that have a history of filing a large number of claims or those that live in high risk areas, an increased deductible may not provide savings over time.

Keeping an Emergency Fund to Cover Your Deductible

Larger deductibles can be advantageous, but you also agree to accept the financial obligation of having a higher deductible. Be sure you can afford to pay the amount of your deductible if needed. It is important to be prepared and have the finances available to cover the cost of your deductible if you have to file a claim.

Since you have to pay the cost of a deductible upfront before your coverage begins, an emergency fund can be helpful. The money you save can by having a higher deductible can be put into a savings account or other safe easy-to-access place. If you ever need to file a claim, an emergency fund can eliminate unnecessary financial strain. No one ever knows when something will happen and a claim will be needed. Having safeguards in place in the form of an emergency fund can bring peace of mind.

Other Homeowners Insurance Deductible Considerations

The price of homeowners insurance can vary with the deductible amount included in the policy. Deductibles vary depending on what kind of homeowners coverage you have and other factors. If you live in what is considered to be a disaster-prone region, certain forms of damage including, hail storms, windstorms, earthquakes may have a separate deductible.

Reviewing Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

One way to save money on your homeowners insurance is to carefully review the deductible amount on your policy. You can then evaluate the deductible amount you currently have to see what savings a lower deductible could provide.

Contact HomeownerQuote.com to discuss your Massachusetts home insurance options. We have been insuring homes in Massachusetts for over 20 years. We can help you find the protection you need at a price you can afford. Call or click us today.

Homeowner Insurance and Mold

Mold is nasty wherever it is. That said, mold of some type can crop up in any home anywhere. It is typically not dangerous; however, that does little to diminish its perceived toxicity and associated expensive repair procedures.

The fact is, mold is rarely included in most standard homeowners insurance policies. An exception to this could be made depending upon the underlying root causes for the outcropping of mold.

Mold requires a certain level of moisture to proliferate. If it can be determined that the mold damage is a result of some kind of peril covered by your insurance, like a burst water pipe, you will probably be covered. If, however, it is a result of neglected maintenance or similar causes, chances are pretty slim that your policy will cover any resulting damages.

Your best defense against mold is to learn what exclusions (types of losses not covered by your policy) are written into your coverage relating to damage brought on by pollution, deterioration, rot, and wear and tear.

Uncovering Your Homeowners Coverage

Sometimes the simplest answers are also the best ones. If you have questions or concerns regarding whether or not your homeowners insurance covers mold and the damage it causes, you can read your policy. Online research may provide basic information as well. The easiest way to learn more about MA home insurance is to contact us at HomeownerQuote.com.

The insurance industry as a whole has been on the front lines in the battle against mold for so long that its war wounds have turned into visible scars, running through many of its individual companies’ policies.

These figurative battle scars have taken the form of policy changes many insurance companies have made in order to minimize mold claims, some of which include:

Exclusion of coverage for all damages relating to mold outcroppings, with the possible exceptions of unpredictable events, such as lightning or
Offering buy-back endorsements instead of covering mold-related damages.
Inclusion of limited coverage for mold damage claims in the form of payments to cover certain related expenses, like repairs and subsequent mold testing procedures; or in the form of limited coverage for mold-related damage claims, such as a pre-set $5,000 maximum
Offering to cover claims related to mold damage for an additional
Denying coverage to previously water-damaged homes or those constructed out of specific materials, like synthetic

Plan for the Worst, Hope for the Best

Homeowners insurance, if nothing else, gives you financial protection from many of Mother Nature’s unpredictable temper tantrums, including some of Her more subtle and devious attacks, like mold. But, just like a real shield provides better protection to those who know how to use it, your insurance coverage will protect you from nasty things like mold better if you know how it works.

HomewnerQuote.com Can Help

Mold may be a fact of life, but fortunately, it’s also a fact that HomeownerQuote.com has been helping homeowners in Massachusetts online since 1999. We can review your homeowners insurance and help you determine whether you have the coverage you need. Call us today at 781-246-8699.

Massachusetts Dog Insurance Coverage

Owning a pet can bring both many joys and much financial responsibility. Pet owners may not know that they can be held liable for any harm pets cause to people, property and other animals. The relationship that you have with your pet is an important part of your life, and knowing that you have the right coverage can bring peace of mind.

While deaths caused by pets are relatively rare, bites are not uncommon and some can be very serious causing painful personal injury. In the event some unfortunate incident should occur, standard homeowners insurance may not provide the amount of coverage needed and can even exclude some exotic species of animals or breeds of dogs or dogs that have been declared dangerous.

No one wants to believe an otherwise lovable pet could cause serious injury or property damage, but if something serious were to happen you want to have the coverage needed to handle compensation claims attributable to the incident. If you own a pet, additional pet insurance may be needed to fully cover an accident, loss or other incident.

Dog Ownership and MA home insurance

Sadly, dog bites are a common cause for claims on homeowners insurance. With dogs, anything from playful nips and serious, provoked biting attacks can cause injuries. As any dog owner knows, every dog has a threshold that can trigger the animal to bite. Some breeds of dogs are considered to be more at risk and harder to insure than others, including:

Akita
Doberman pinscher
German shepherd
Pit bull
Rottweiler
Staffordshire bull terrier

Do you have coverage for your Dog?

In addition to certain breeds, your homeowners insurance may have exclusions for dogs that have been designated as dangerous or even exclude coverage for dogs altogether, regardless of their reputation or lineage. Before you get a dog, find out what your policy covers for canine liability and consider additional pet insurance to make up for any gaps or exclusions.

Animal Liability Coverage

At times, under the wrong circumstances, things can get out of hand with any household pet, but certain species and breeds of dogs are often considered more of a risk. Standard homeowners insurance may not cover animals, including:

Alligators
Amphibians: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts
Apes, non-human primates
Bears
Cockatiels
Coyotes, fox, hyenas, wolves and wolf-dog hybrids
Hares
Hedgehogs
Raccoons, skunks
Sugar gliders
Wild felines: lions, tigers, bobcats and ocelots
Reptiles: lizards, snakes, tortoises, turtles

Find out Your Options for Insuring Your Home and Your Pet

If you own a pet in Massachusetts, contact HomeownerQuote.com to discuss your policy and options making sure your pet is covered, either with your homeowners policy or pet insurance. We share your fondness for your pet and we understand the need to protect you and your pets. Call us at 781-246-8699.

The Inside Scoop on MA Home Insurance

Massachusetts home insurance can be complicated, especially if you add a vacation home to the equation. Take one look at your policy, and you may wonder what it all means. And yet, homeowners insurance is essential to protect the property you’ve worked so hard to acquire.

HomeownerQuote.com will be happy to explain everything you need to know about MA homeowners insurance, starting with these five tips:

You’re generally insured for up to 80 percent of your home’s value. You may choose to purchase an additional rider for the remaining percentage, and raise your deductible to offset the premium.

Many factors determine your homeowners insurance and vacation home insurance premiums. It starts with what the home is worth, and is followed closely by what the home is made of, its age and proximity to a fire station, and its general location, to name a few.

Title insurance and homeowners insurance are two different things, and you need both.
- Title insurance involves ensuring the title on your home is valid, and without defects or
- Homeowners insurance is for property, possessions, and liabilities of guests on your
- Tip: You may supplement your homeowners’ insurance with riders if need be for extra possessions, including items that are extremely valuable, such as jewelry; watercraft or other recreational vehicles you store in your home; as well as additional properties, such as rental or vacation homes.

Your neighbor’s homeowners insurance policy should cover expenses involving items on their property doing damage to items on your For example, if your neighbor neglects to take down a tree that is known to be diseased, and it falls on your fence, you can file a claim with your neighbor’s home insurance provider.

Put some thought into how much insurance you need. HomeownerQuote.com can help you determine homeowners insurance and vacation home insurance values, and find the most appropriate coverage of insurance for you, at the most competitive rates.