[MassHistPres] Nonrenewal of insurance for historic property

[Dcolebslade at aol.com]

I think that this is a state-wide issue which might be researched  by MHC if 
it has not been already.   Perhaps consultation with the  state insurance 
regulators might be a good approach to learning the legal and  regulatory aspects 
of this "risk".
 
Betty Slade
Westport
 
 
In a message dated 5/7/2008 10:40:26 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
Mpayne at jonespayne.com writes:

I know  that this issue was brought up about a year ago, but I've just been  
informed by one of our aldermen that a constituent has come to him with a  
complaint that his homeowners insurance will not be renewed  because:

"The risk does not meet Arbella's underwriting guidelines due  to 
historical home designation." 

This notice came from the Quincy  office of the Arbella Mutual Insurance 
Company. 

This issue is  particularly vexing for Somerville since we are trying to 
get the Board of  Aldermen to approve the expansion of our local historic 
districts and  include an additional 170 properties.  The alderman who 
raised this  insurance question is an insurance agent and is not inclined 
to approve  the expansion.  He seems to be using this cancellation of 
insurance  as a way to persuade his fellow aldermen to vote against the 
expansion.  

Has anyone had recent similar experience with Arbella?   It  would be 
helpful to get feedback from others who have successfully dealt  with this 
issue.  Thank you.


Michael K. Payne,  AIA
Chairman
City of Somerville, Historic Preservation  Commission
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