[MassHistPres] Homeowners insurance in Local Historic Districts

[Breger, Benjamin]

Dear List-serv,

A homeowner in one of Amherst's 2 Local Historic Districts has indicated that when they recently changed to a new homeowners insurance company, the local agent added a 12.5% premium to the insurance policy due to the home being in a local historic district. This is the first instance of this I've heard happening in Amherst and I wonder if others have had any similar experience. If so, is there anything to be done? Luckily, this homeowner is a strong proponent of the historic district designation, as are most of the property owners in the districts but I worry that if higher insurance rates become the norm, attitudes could change.

The local insurance agent said, "since the house is part of the historic district, repairs would have to be of such a nature that replacement costs would be higher, thus the increase in annual fee."

Curious if this is normal practice for insurance companies and this is just the first instance in Amherst or if this is unusual?

Sincerely,
Ben


Ben Breger, Planner

AICP Candidate

Planning Department

Town of Amherst


413-259-3187

bregerb at amherstma.gov<mailto:bregerb at amherstma.gov>




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