<![CDATA[Massachusetts Insurance Agent - Home, Auto, Business - BLOG]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:32:32 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[The Ma fair plan's rate cap lifts in march 2027: what cape cod homeowners should do now]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 18:57:27 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/the-ma-fair-plans-rate-cap-lifts-in-march-2027-what-cape-cod-homeowners-should-do-now

The MA FAIR Plan's Rate Cap Lifts in March 2027: What Cape Cod Homeowners Should Do Now

Cape Cod coastal home and vehicle representing homeowners insurance protection near the Massachusetts shoreline

If you own a home or condominium on Cape Cod, the Massachusetts FAIR Plan deserves your attention before March 2027.

The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association, commonly called the MPIUA or MA FAIR Plan, has not raised its base rates in approximately 20 years. However, a two-year prohibition on filing for a rate increase is scheduled to lift in March 2027.

That does not mean rates will automatically increase on that date. MPIUA has not filed for an increase as of October 2026, and any proposed rate change would require approval from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

Still, the timing matters. Approximately four in 10 homes on Cape Cod and the Islands are now insured through the FAIR Plan, up from about 33% in 2023. The plan’s enrollment exceeded 173,000 properties statewide in 2024-the largest single-year increase in policy count in approximately two decades.

The practical takeaway is simple: now is the time to review your options, not wait for a rate filing or renewal notice.

Why the FAIR Plan matters more on Cape Cod

The MPIUA was created in 1968 as Massachusetts’ insurer of last resort. It provides basic property insurance to eligible applicants who cannot obtain coverage through the voluntary market.

It is not state-funded. Every licensed property insurer writing basic property insurance in Massachusetts is required to participate, with results shared among member companies based on premium volume.

The FAIR Plan has become increasingly important because many standard insurers have reduced their coastal exposure. Statewide non-renewals increased from approximately:

  • 3,483 in 2022
  • 9,248 in 2023
  • More than 13,000 in 2024

Coastal non-renewals more than tripled during that period. In 2023, approximately one in 16 policies in Barnstable County was non-renewed. In Dukes County, the figure was about one in nine.

At the same time, homeowners insurance costs have increased substantially. Statewide premiums rose approximately 12.7% in 2024 and roughly 16% in 2025, compared with about 11.3% nationally.

This is why finding affordable homeowners insurance Cape Cod residents can rely on has become more complicated. The issue is not only price. It is availability, coverage quality, deductibles, flood protection, and the financial strength and underwriting approach of the carrier.

What the March 2027 window actually means

The rate-filing prohibition agreed to in 2024 does not lift in March 2026. It lifts in March 2027.

That distinction is important.

When the prohibition ends, MPIUA may be able to file for a rate increase. But MPIUA cannot simply change rates on its own. A proposed increase must be submitted to the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and reviewed under the state’s regulatory process.

There may be hearings, public participation, actuarial review, and potential intervention by other stakeholders. The Division of Insurance must approve any change before it becomes effective.

Therefore, homeowners should not assume that an increase is certain or that it would take effect immediately. But the combination of growing enrollment, coastal exposure, higher construction costs, and a rate structure that has remained largely unchanged for years creates a meaningful reason to plan ahead.

The FAIR Plan may continue to be the least expensive available primary option for some Cape Cod properties. That is especially true where the standard market has retreated. However, the lowest premium is not always the lowest total cost of risk.

Understand what MPIUA coverage does, and does not, include

The Massachusetts FAIR Plan generally uses an HO-3 homeowners form. That is stronger than some residual-market plans in other states, but it may still be narrower than the coverage available through a private carrier.

Under an HO-3 form:

  • The dwelling is generally covered on an open perils basis, meaning losses are covered unless specifically excluded.
  • Personal property is generally covered on a named perils basis.
  • Flood and earthquake are excluded.
  • Coverage A, the dwelling limit, is capped at $1 million.

New-business rules also changed on February 1, 2025. For new policies, MPIUA generally requires Coverage A to be at least 90% of the estimated reconstruction cost, compared with the prior 80% requirement.

For a condominium owner, the analysis can be more complicated. Your unit-owner policy may insure interior improvements, personal property, loss assessment, and personal liability, while the condominium association’s master policy addresses common elements and the building structure. A FAIR Plan or private policy should be reviewed alongside the association’s insurance documents.

Official Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association coastal property image

Five steps Cape Cod homeowners should take now

1. Request a side-by-side comparison across carriers

Do not assume that your current policy, or the FAIR Plan, is your only option.

An independent agency can compare multiple admitted carriers, specialty coastal markets, and, where appropriate, excess and surplus lines options. A qualifying property may be eligible for a private policy through a carrier with a better combination of coverage, deductible structure, and price.

Ask for a comparison that shows more than the annual premium. Review:

  • Coverage A and replacement-cost provisions
  • Personal property coverage
  • Personal liability limits
  • Additional living expense coverage
  • Water backup and service line coverage
  • Wind and hurricane deductibles
  • Flood requirements
  • Exclusions and endorsements
  • Available home-and-auto package discounts

The right private policy may not be available for every property. But it should be evaluated before defaulting to the residual market.

2. Verify Coverage A and the 90% reconstruction-cost requirement

Your home’s purchase price, tax assessment, and market value are not the same as its reconstruction cost.

Rebuilding on Cape Cod can involve specialized labor, transportation costs, coastal building requirements, demolition, debris removal, and demand surge after a widespread storm. A historic home or custom property may cost significantly more to rebuild than a standard replacement-cost calculator suggests.

Ask your agent to review the valuation behind Coverage A. If your policy limit is too low, the problem may not be obvious until a major loss occurs.

For a condominium, confirm how your unit’s interior finishes and improvements are treated under both the master policy and your HO-6 policy.

3. Close the flood gap

A standard homeowners policy does not cover flood damage. Neither does the MPIUA policy.

Flood may include storm surge, tidal water, coastal overflow, and other forms of rising water. A property does not have to be directly on the beach to face flood exposure.

For new MPIUA business on properties in coastal Special Flood Hazard Areas, a separate flood policy is required as a condition of binding. Even outside those areas, flood insurance can be worth considering because FEMA maps do not eliminate risk; they only classify it.

Review both the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood markets. Depending on the property, private flood coverage may offer different limits, deductibles, waiting periods, and additional living expense options.

If FEMA map changes affect your property, continuous flood coverage may also help preserve grandfathering or other rating advantages. Letting a policy lapse can have consequences.

Learn more about flood insurance for Cape Cod properties.

4. Convert the hurricane percentage deductible into dollars

Coastal MPIUA policies carry hurricane percentage deductibles. The deductible is based on a percentage of the dwelling limit and applies to qualifying named-storm losses.

For example, if your Coverage A limit is $600,000 and your hurricane deductible is 5%, your out-of-pocket deductible could be $30,000.

That is not the same as a $1,000 or $2,500 flat deductible.

Ask your agent to show the deductible in actual dollars. Review whether your private-market alternatives offer a lower wind deductible, a different named-storm structure, or an endorsement that changes how the deductible applies.

The number on the declarations page deserves attention. It may represent a substantial portion of your emergency reserves.

5. Review excess coverage and whole-account bundling

If your property exceeds the FAIR Plan’s $1 million Coverage A cap, you may need a separate excess or E&S layer above the MPIUA primary policy. Another possible solution may involve the HO 04 56 Special Loss Settlement Endorsement, depending on the circumstances and underwriting requirements.

MPIUA amended its Other Insurance clause in 2025 so the FAIR Plan policy generally sits as the first layer. The coordination between primary and excess coverage should be reviewed carefully. Layering policies is not a place for assumptions.

Equally important, review your entire insurance account. Bundling home, auto, umbrella, boat, or other coverage may produce savings with a private carrier. It can also simplify claims and reduce the chance of coverage conflicts.

A home-only comparison may miss the best overall solution.

Can the FAIR Plan still be the right choice?

Yes.

The MPIUA is often the most practical, or least expensive, available primary market for a coastal Cape Cod property. It provides access to essential coverage when standard insurers decline or non-renew a home.

But it should be selected with a clear understanding of its limits. A FAIR Plan policy may require separate flood insurance, excess coverage, or supplemental protection to address gaps that a private package policy might handle more seamlessly.

The comparison should focus on coverage per dollar, not simply premium per year.

Frequently asked questions

Is MPIUA increasing rates in March 2027?

Not automatically. The two-year prohibition on filing for a rate increase lifts in March 2027. As of October 2026, MPIUA has not filed for an increase. Any filing would require approval from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

Is the Massachusetts FAIR Plan state-funded?

No. MPIUA is a residual-market association funded through participation by licensed property insurers writing business in Massachusetts. Member companies share results according to premium volume.

Does the FAIR Plan cover flood damage?

No. Flood and earthquake are excluded. A separate flood policy is required for flood protection.

Is private insurance always better than MPIUA?

Not necessarily. Private policies may offer broader coverage, more flexible deductibles, and package discounts, but availability varies by property. The FAIR Plan may be the best available option for some coastal homes.

Can a Cape Cod condo owner use the FAIR Plan?

Possibly, depending on the unit, building, association coverage, and eligibility. The unit-owner policy must be coordinated with the condominium master policy and any flood or wind requirements.

The bottom line for Cape Cod homeowners

The March 2027 deadline is not a reason to panic. It is a reason to prepare.

The FAIR Plan’s rate-filing prohibition lifts in March 2027-not March 2026-and no increase is automatic. Still, the market is changing. Enrollment is rising, non-renewals are increasing, and coastal homeowners are carrying more of the state’s property-insurance exposure.

A policy review now gives you time to:

  1. Compare MPIUA with private and specialty carriers.
  2. Confirm that Coverage A reflects current reconstruction costs.
  3. Understand your hurricane deductible in dollars.
  4. Add flood coverage where appropriate.
  5. Evaluate excess insurance if your property exceeds the FAIR Plan limit.
  6. Review whether whole-account bundling can improve your total cost.

At Calfee Insurance, we shop many leading carriers and help Cape Cod homeowners and condo owners evaluate coverage side by side. Our team can review your current policy, compare available markets, and explain whether MPIUA, a private admitted carrier, or a specialty option is the better fit.

Get a free home insurance quote or request a coverage review before any potential change lands. You can also learn more about our MPIUA alternatives and our experience as one of the local insurance agencies on Cape Cod.

Insurance coverage, eligibility, deductibles, and pricing vary by property and carrier. This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for reviewing your policy with a licensed insurance professional.

]]><![CDATA[Your Home's Purchase Price Isn't the Whole Insurance Story with Calfee Insurance]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:20:41 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/your-homes-purchase-price-isnt-the-whole-insurance-story-with-calfee-insurance
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When you buy a home, the purchase price is an important number, but it isn't necessarily the number you should use to determine your homeowners insurance coverage. A home's purchase price reflects several factors, including the value of the land, location, demand in the local real estate market, and the condition of the property. Homeowners insurance generally looks at something different: the estimated cost to rebuild the house after a covered loss.

The cost to rebuild a home can be higher or lower than its purchase price. For example, a property may have a high market value because of its desirable location or the value of the land, even though the cost to physically reconstruct the home is significantly different. Conversely, construction costs, labor, materials, and other factors can make rebuilding more expensive than a homeowner might expect based simply on the property's market value.

This is why dwelling coverage is an important part of a homeowners insurance policy. Dwelling coverage is generally intended to address the estimated cost to repair or rebuild the insured structure following a covered loss, subject to the policy's terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Factors such as the home's size, construction type, building materials, features, and local construction costs may all play a role in determining an appropriate coverage amount.

Your mortgage balance is another number that shouldn't automatically be used as your dwelling coverage amount. A mortgage balance represents what you owe your lender, while dwelling coverage generally focuses on the estimated cost to rebuild the insured structure. These figures can be very different, and your insurance coverage may be higher or lower than either one.

Your homeowners insurance also goes beyond the dwelling itself. Depending on the policy, there may be coverage for personal property, liability, additional living expenses, and other exposures. Each coverage has its own limits and conditions, so understanding the entire policy is important rather than focusing only on the dwelling amount.

It's also worth reviewing your coverage when something about your home changes. A renovation, addition, major improvement, or significant change in the property's features may affect its estimated rebuilding cost. Local construction costs can change over time as well. Keeping your insurance professional informed about meaningful changes can help ensure your policy information remains current.

At Calfee Insurance, we can help you understand how your dwelling coverage amount is determined and why it may differ from your home's purchase price or mortgage balance. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help you review your homeowners coverage based on your individual circumstances.

Your purchase price is only one part of your home's financial picture. Understanding the difference between market value, mortgage balance, and rebuilding cost can help you make more informed decisions about your homeowners insurance.
​
Your home's purchase price isn't the whole insurance story—understand your rebuilding coverage with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[Should You Insure Your Home for the Purchase Price? Understanding Dwelling Coverage with Calfee Insurance]]>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:06:00 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/should-you-insure-your-home-for-the-purchase-price-understanding-dwelling-coverage-with-calfee-insurance

​Your Purchase Price Isn't Necessarily Your Rebuilding Cost

Buying a home is a major investment, and one of the first questions homeowners may have is how much insurance coverage they need. It can seem logical to use the home's purchase price as the starting point. However, the amount you paid for your property isn't necessarily the same as the amount it could cost to rebuild the house after a covered loss.

The purchase price of a home reflects more than the physical structure. It can include the value of the land, the property's location, local real estate demand, and broader market conditions. These factors can significantly influence what a buyer is willing to pay for a property, but they don't necessarily determine the cost of reconstructing the house.

Homeowners insurance generally focuses on the estimated cost to rebuild the dwelling after a covered loss, subject to the terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions of the policy. That means your dwelling coverage amount may be higher or lower than your home's purchase price.
​
Understanding this distinction can help homeowners avoid assuming that the price they paid automatically represents the appropriate amount of dwelling coverage.

​What Determines Dwelling Coverage?

Dwelling coverage is generally intended to address the cost of repairing or rebuilding the insured home following a covered loss. Estimating that cost can involve considering characteristics of the home itself rather than simply looking at its market value.

Factors such as the home's size, construction type, building materials, age, features, and other property characteristics can influence an estimated reconstruction cost. Local construction costs and labor prices may also be relevant because rebuilding a home can cost significantly more in one area than another.

For example, two homes with similar market values may have different reconstruction costs because they have different sizes, materials, layouts, or construction features. Likewise, a home in an expensive real estate market may sell for a high price partly because of its desirable location, even though the land itself would not need to be rebuilt following a covered loss.
​
This is one reason reviewing your dwelling coverage periodically can be important. Construction costs and property characteristics can change over time, and your insurance should continue to reflect the circumstances of your home as closely as possible.

​Your Mortgage Balance Isn't the Same as Your Coverage Need

Another common misconception is that homeowners should insure their property based on the amount they still owe on their mortgage. While lenders may have insurance requirements, your mortgage balance and your home's estimated rebuilding cost are two different figures.

Your mortgage balance represents the amount you owe your lender. Dwelling coverage, on the other hand, is generally intended to address the estimated cost of rebuilding the insured structure after a covered loss.
Because of this difference, your dwelling coverage may be higher than your mortgage balance. It may also differ from your purchase price.

Homeowners should also remember that dwelling coverage is only one part of a homeowners insurance policy. Other coverages may address personal property, liability, additional living expenses, and other exposures, depending on the policy. Each portion of coverage has its own terms and limits.
​
If you've renovated your home, added an addition, replaced major features, or made other significant changes to the property, it's worth discussing those changes with your insurance professional. Keeping your insurance team informed can help ensure your policy information remains current.

​Review Your Home Insurance with Calfee Insurance

Determining an appropriate dwelling coverage amount isn't simply a matter of looking at the home's purchase price or mortgage balance. It requires understanding the estimated cost to rebuild the property and how that estimate relates to the coverage provided by your policy.

At Calfee Insurance, we can help you understand how your dwelling coverage amount is determined and review the factors that may affect your home's insurance needs. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help homeowners explore available options based on their individual circumstances.

A home insurance review can be especially valuable after major renovations, improvements, changes to the property, or significant changes in construction costs. Reviewing your coverage doesn't necessarily mean that changes are needed, but it gives you an opportunity to understand what you have and ask questions about whether it still makes sense for your home.

Your home's market value, purchase price, mortgage balance, and rebuilding cost can all be different numbers. Knowing what each represents can help you make more informed decisions about your homeowners insurance.
​
Your home's purchase price doesn't tell the whole insurance story—understand your rebuilding coverage with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[When Your Team Is Protected, Your Business Is Better Prepared with Calfee Insurance]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:23:05 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/when-your-team-is-protected-your-business-is-better-prepared-with-calfee-insurance
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Your employees are an important part of what keeps your business running. Whether your team works in an office, retail location, workshop, or job site, workplace injuries can happen even when safety is a priority. Having workers' compensation coverage in place can be an important part of preparing your business for the unexpected.

If an employee suffers a work-related injury, workers' compensation insurance may help provide benefits such as medical care and a portion of lost wages, subject to applicable laws and the terms of the policy. The circumstances of each injury can be different, and the benefits available can depend on where your business operates, the nature of the injury, and other applicable requirements.

Workers' compensation coverage is designed to address certain work-related injuries and illnesses, but it is important for business owners to understand that requirements and benefits can vary. State laws may establish requirements for employers, while individual insurance policies may have their own terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Understanding these details before an injury occurs can help you know what steps may be appropriate if an employee is hurt.

Business owners should also remember that their insurance needs can change as their workforce changes. Hiring additional employees, changing employee responsibilities, expanding operations, opening another location, or taking on new types of work may affect the way workers' compensation coverage should be reviewed. A business with employees regularly working at construction sites may have different considerations from an office-based company, for example.

Regular policy reviews can help make sure your insurance information continues to reflect your current business. If your workforce has grown or the type of work your employees perform has changed, it's worth discussing those changes with your insurance professional. Keeping your insurance team informed can help them evaluate whether your existing coverage remains appropriate for your circumstances.

It's also important to know what to do if an employee is injured. Businesses should follow applicable workplace injury reporting requirements and notify the appropriate insurance professional or carrier as soon as practical. Prompt communication can help begin the claims process and make sure the necessary information is provided.

At Calfee Insurance, we understand that every business has its own workforce, operations, and insurance considerations. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help business owners review their coverage based on their individual needs.

Whether you're hiring your first employee, expanding your team, or simply reviewing your current business insurance, our team can help you understand your workers' compensation options and identify areas worth discussing.

Protecting your employees and preparing your business go hand in hand. Workers' compensation insurance is one part of a broader business insurance strategy, and keeping that coverage current can help you feel more prepared as your company grows and changes.
​
When your team is protected, your business is better prepared—review your workers' compensation coverage with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[What Happens If an Employee Gets Hurt on a Job Site? Understanding Workers' Compensation with Calfee Insurance]]>Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:07:18 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/what-happens-if-an-employee-gets-hurt-on-a-job-site-understanding-workers-compensation-with-calfee-insurance

​When a Work-Related Injury Happens

Running a business means looking after many moving parts, from customers and equipment to employees and daily operations. For businesses with employees working in offices, stores, job sites, or other work environments, workplace injuries are an important risk to consider. Even with proper safety practices in place, accidents can happen.

If an employee suffers a work-related injury, workers' compensation insurance may help provide certain benefits, including medical care and a portion of lost wages, subject to applicable laws and the terms of the policy. Workers' compensation is designed to address certain employee injuries and illnesses that arise out of and in the course of employment.

The circumstances surrounding an injury can vary significantly. An employee could be injured while operating equipment, lifting materials, traveling between work areas, performing physical tasks, or carrying out other job-related responsibilities. The appropriate response and available benefits can depend on the situation, the applicable state requirements, and the specific workers' compensation policy.
​
For business owners, understanding how their workers' compensation coverage works before an accident occurs can make it easier to know where to turn when an employee is injured.

​What Workers' Compensation May Provide

One of the primary purposes of workers' compensation insurance is to help provide benefits for eligible work-related injuries. Depending on applicable laws and the circumstances of the claim, these benefits may include medical care related to the injury and a portion of the employee's lost wages while they are unable to work.

However, workers' compensation coverage is not identical in every situation. Requirements, benefits, limits, and procedures can vary based on the state where the business operates and other factors. The terms and conditions of the policy also matter.

This is why business owners should avoid assuming that every workplace injury will be handled in exactly the same way. If an injury occurs, the employer should follow applicable reporting requirements and contact the appropriate insurance professional or carrier as soon as practical.
​
Having a workers' compensation policy in place is an important part of managing employee-related risks, but understanding the policy is equally important. Knowing how to report a claim, what information may be required, and what responsibilities the business has can help make the process more organized when an unexpected injury occurs.

​Your Workforce Can Change Your Insurance Needs

Your business today may not look the same as it did when you first purchased your insurance. You may have hired additional employees, changed job responsibilities, expanded into new locations, or taken on different types of work.

These changes can affect your workers' compensation considerations. Requirements may vary depending on where you operate, the number of employees you have, the nature of your business, and how your business is structured.

For example, a growing construction company with employees regularly working on different job sites may have different risks from a small office-based business. Changes in the type of work employees perform can also be worth discussing with your insurance professional.
​
That's why reviewing your workers' compensation coverage when your business changes can be valuable. Rather than assuming your existing policy automatically reflects your current workforce, take time to discuss significant changes with your insurance team.

​Review Your Workers' Compensation Coverage with Calfee Insurance

Workers' compensation is an important part of protecting a business and its employees, but the right approach depends on the individual business and applicable requirements. Reviewing your coverage regularly can help you stay informed about your responsibilities and the protection available through your policy.

At Calfee Insurance, we understand that businesses grow, change, and take on new challenges. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and help businesses review their insurance needs based on their individual circumstances.

Whether you're hiring your first employees, expanding your workforce, changing the type of work your employees perform, or simply reviewing your current business insurance, our team can help you understand your options.

Workers' compensation is about more than having a policy in place. It's about making sure your coverage continues to reflect the people and operations that make your business work. Taking time to review your policy can help you stay prepared for the unexpected while supporting your employees and protecting your business.
​
Your workforce is an important part of your business—make sure your workers' compensation coverage keeps up with what matters, with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[Your Rental Property Is an Investment: Review Your Coverage with Calfee Insurance]]>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:10:58 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/your-rental-property-is-an-investment-review-your-coverage-with-calfee-insurance
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Owning a rental property can be a valuable investment, but protecting that investment involves more than simply insuring the building. Landlord insurance is generally designed to address some of the risks that come with renting out a property, including the rental dwelling, certain structures and property you own at the premises, and liability exposures. Depending on the policy, protection for lost rental income after a covered loss may also be available.

The rental dwelling is typically one of the primary areas addressed by landlord insurance. Depending on the policy, coverage may help protect the building against certain covered losses. Some policies may also provide coverage for other structures located on the property. However, coverage varies between insurance companies and individual policies, so it's important to understand what causes of loss are covered, what exclusions apply, and what limits and deductibles are in place.

Landlords may also have property at the rental premises that they own and are responsible for. This could include certain appliances, equipment, furnishings, or other items used in connection with the rental. Whether these items are covered, and to what extent, depends on the specific policy. Reviewing your coverage with an insurance professional can help you understand what property is included and whether additional options may be available.

Liability is another important consideration for rental property owners. Because tenants and their guests occupy the property, landlords may face liability exposures associated with the premises. Landlord insurance may provide liability protection for certain covered claims, subject to the policy's terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. Understanding this portion of your policy can help you better understand the protection available if an unexpected situation occurs.

Some landlord policies may also provide coverage for lost rental income following a covered loss. If a covered event makes a rental property temporarily uninhabitable, applicable coverage may help replace certain rental income during the period specified by the policy. This coverage is not necessarily included in every policy and may be subject to specific limits and conditions, making it important to review the details rather than assume it is automatically available.

Your rental property and insurance needs can also change over time. You may renovate the property, purchase additional belongings, change how the property is rented, make improvements, or acquire another rental property. These changes may be a good reason to review your insurance and make sure your policy information remains current.

At Calfee Insurance, we understand that rental properties are investments that deserve thoughtful protection. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help you review your landlord coverage and understand available options.

Your rental property is an investment, and your insurance should reflect what matters most to you. Taking the time to review your coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and available options can help you better understand how your property is protected.
​
Your rental property is an investment—make sure your coverage keeps up with what matters, with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[What Does Landlord Insurance Typically Cover? With Calfee Insurance]]>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:50:10 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/what-does-landlord-insurance-typically-cover-with-calfee-insurance
Owning a rental property can be a valuable investment, but it also comes with responsibilities and insurance considerations that may be different from those of a home you live in. Landlord insurance is generally designed to address some of the risks associated with owning and renting out a property.

One of the primary areas of protection is the rental dwelling itself. Depending on the policy, coverage may help protect the building against covered losses. This can include the structure of the property and, in some cases, certain other structures located on the premises.

The specific causes of loss covered by a landlord policy can vary, so it's important not to assume that every type of damage is automatically covered. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and deductibles all play a role in determining how a claim may be handled.
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If you've purchased a property that you plan to rent out, or if you have converted an existing property into a rental, it's a good time to review your insurance. The way a property is used can affect its insurance needs, making it important to make sure your insurance professional knows that the property is being rented.

​Protecting Property You Own at the Rental

Landlord insurance may also provide coverage for certain property you own at the rental premises. Depending on the policy, this could include items or structures that belong to the property owner and are used in connection with the rental.

Understanding what is and isn't covered can be especially important for landlords because not every item at a rental property necessarily receives the same protection. Some property may have specific limitations or may require additional coverage depending on its purpose and value.

For example, a landlord may own appliances, equipment, furnishings, or other property at the rental. Whether and how those items are covered depends on the specific policy. Reviewing these details with an insurance professional can help you better understand where your current coverage applies and whether additional options may be available.
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At Calfee Insurance, we can help rental property owners review their policies and discuss the coverage that may be appropriate for their individual circumstances.

​Liability and Potential Lost Rental Income

Landlord insurance can also address liability exposures associated with owning a rental property. Liability coverage may help protect the property owner when a covered claim alleges that the landlord is legally responsible for certain injuries or property damage, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy.

Liability is an important consideration for landlords because renting a property means other people may regularly occupy the premises. Tenants, guests, contractors, and others may have different reasons for being at the property, creating exposures that should be considered when reviewing insurance.

Some landlord policies may also provide protection for lost rental income following a covered loss. If a covered event makes a rental property uninhabitable, applicable coverage may help address certain lost rental income during the period specified by the policy.
​
However, this coverage is not necessarily included in every policy, and it may have specific limits, conditions, or eligibility requirements. That's why reviewing the actual policy is important rather than assuming that lost rental income or another particular expense will automatically be covered.

​Review Your Landlord Coverage with Calfee Insurance

There is no single landlord insurance policy that works exactly the same for every rental property. The property's location, construction, use, value, type of rental, and other circumstances can all affect the insurance considerations.

Your coverage limits and deductibles are also important. A policy with lower limits or different deductibles may provide a different level of financial protection than a policy with higher limits or different terms. Exclusions and available endorsements can also affect what protection is available.

That is why reviewing your landlord insurance periodically can be helpful, especially when something changes. You may have renovated the property, purchased additional rental properties, changed how the property is rented, made improvements, or acquired additional property for use at the premises. These changes may be worth discussing with your insurance professional.

At Calfee Insurance, we're here to help you understand your landlord coverage and the options available to you. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can help you review your coverage based on your individual circumstances.

Whether you're an experienced landlord or you're renting out a property for the first time, understanding your insurance can help you make more informed decisions about protecting your investment.
​
Your rental property is an investment—make sure your coverage keeps up with what matters, with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[Selling Your Car? Keep Your Auto Insurance Up to Date with Calfee Insurance]]>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:19:35 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/selling-your-car-keep-your-auto-insurance-up-to-date-with-calfee-insurance
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Selling a vehicle is a major change, but updating your auto insurance is an important step that can sometimes be overlooked. Once you've sold or transferred ownership of your car, it's a good idea to notify your insurance professional so your policy can be reviewed and updated appropriately. Keeping your insurance information current helps reduce confusion and makes sure your policy reflects the vehicles you actually own and use.

When you sell your car, your insurance policy may need to be updated to reflect the change. Simply assuming that everything will automatically adjust can create unnecessary complications. Your insurance professional can help determine what information needs to be updated and whether any changes should be made to your policy based on the sale. It's also a good idea to keep documentation showing that the vehicle was sold or ownership was transferred.

If you're replacing the vehicle you sold with a new one, don't forget that your new car may have different insurance considerations. The vehicle's value, how it is used, financing or leasing arrangements, and the coverage selected can all affect your policy. Your new vehicle may also have different safety or technology features that are worth discussing with your insurance professional. Before driving your replacement vehicle, contact your insurance team so you can understand what needs to be updated and help avoid an unintended gap in coverage.

Selling a vehicle can also be a good opportunity to review your overall auto insurance. Your driving habits, household vehicles, mileage, and other circumstances may have changed since your last policy review. If you're buying another vehicle, adding or removing a driver, or making another significant change, reviewing your policy can help make sure your insurance information remains current.

It's important to remember that auto insurance requirements and procedures can vary by state and depend on your individual policy. Coverage, limits, deductibles, and other policy terms also differ between policies. Your insurance professional can explain how the changes may affect your specific coverage and what steps may be appropriate.

At Calfee Insurance, we understand that changing vehicles is part of everyday life. Whether you've sold an older car, purchased a replacement, or simply need to update your policy, our team can help you review your coverage and understand your options. As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts for more than 45 years, we work with multiple insurance carriers and can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.

Don't let selling your car become an insurance afterthought. Once ownership changes, take a moment to contact your insurance team and make sure your policy keeps up with the change. If you're replacing your vehicle, reviewing your coverage at the same time can help you move forward with greater confidence.
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Sold your car? Make sure your auto insurance keeps up with the change—with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[What Should You Do If You Sell Your Vehicle? A Simple Insurance Checklist with Calfee Insurance]]>Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:58:38 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/what-should-you-do-if-you-sell-your-vehicle-a-simple-insurance-checklist-with-calfee-insurance
Selling a vehicle involves more than finding a buyer, signing the necessary paperwork, and handing over the keys. One important step that can sometimes be overlooked is updating your auto insurance. Once you've sold or transferred ownership of a vehicle, letting your insurance agent know can help make sure your policy accurately reflects the vehicles you currently own and drive.
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Whether you're selling an older car, upgrading to a newer vehicle, or simply reducing the number of vehicles in your household, a change in your vehicles is a good opportunity to review your auto insurance with Calfee Insurance.

​Let Your Insurance Team Know After the Sale

Once ownership of your vehicle has been transferred, contact your insurance agent or insurance company and provide the appropriate information about the sale. Your insurance professional can then review the policy and determine what updates may be needed.

Keeping a vehicle on your insurance after you've sold it can create confusion because your policy may continue to show a vehicle you no longer own. Depending on the circumstances and policy, you may also continue paying for coverage that you no longer need.

It's important not to assume that the policy will automatically update simply because you've sold the vehicle. Insurance policies contain specific terms, conditions, and requirements, so communicating the change directly with your insurance team is an important part of keeping your policy information current.
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You may also want to keep documentation related to the sale or transfer of ownership for your records. The specific documents you need can depend on your state and situation.

​Replacing Your Vehicle? Review Your Coverage

Many vehicle sales happen because the owner is purchasing another car. If you're replacing your vehicle, don't forget that your new car may have different insurance considerations.

The make, model, year, value, safety features, financing arrangements, and intended use of a vehicle can all affect the insurance review. A newer or more expensive vehicle, for example, may have different coverage considerations than the vehicle you're replacing.

Before driving your replacement vehicle, contact your insurance team to discuss the change and make sure the appropriate coverage is in place. Depending on your circumstances and policy, your agent can help explain what information is needed and what coverage options may apply.
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This is also a good opportunity to review your deductibles, liability limits, and other parts of your auto policy. Your insurance needs can change over time, and replacing a vehicle provides a natural opportunity to make sure your policy still fits your current situation.

​Avoid Confusion During a Vehicle Change

When you're selling one vehicle and purchasing another, there can be several moving parts at once. The timing of the sale, ownership transfer, purchase of the replacement vehicle, registration, financing, and insurance updates can all happen within a short period.

Keeping your insurance team informed throughout the process can help reduce confusion.

If you're unsure about when to contact your agent, it's better to ask before making the change rather than waiting until afterward. Your insurance professional can explain the applicable process based on your policy and circumstances.
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It's also important to remember that insurance requirements and procedures can vary by state. Whether you're insured in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Florida, or New Hampshire, your agent can help you understand the steps that apply to your situation.

​Update Your Auto Coverage with Calfee Insurance

At Calfee Insurance, we know that vehicles are constantly changing. You may sell an older car, purchase a new vehicle, add another driver, remove a vehicle from your household, or make another change that affects your auto insurance.

As a family-run independent insurance agency serving Massachusetts since 1980, Calfee Insurance works with multiple insurance carriers and can help you review your coverage as your circumstances change.

If you've sold a vehicle, let your insurance team know so your policy can be updated. If you're replacing it, we can help you review the appropriate coverage for your new vehicle and explain the available options.
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Keeping your auto insurance current is a simple step that can help make sure your policy reflects what you actually own and drive. When your vehicle changes, take a moment to update your coverage and review your policy with Calfee Insurance.
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]]><![CDATA[New Communities, New Opportunities: Calfee Insurance Expands to Rhode Island]]>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:47:35 GMThttps://www.calfeeinsurance.com/whatdoeshomeinsurancecover/new-communities-new-opportunities-calfee-insurance-expands-to-rhode-island
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New communities, new opportunities, and the same commitment to personalized insurance—with Calfee Insurance.

After more than 45 years of serving Massachusetts, Calfee Insurance is excited to expand into Rhode Island. This expansion gives us the opportunity to bring our independent approach and personalized insurance guidance to more homeowners, families, and businesses.

While every community has its own characteristics, one thing remains the same: insurance works best when it reflects the individual needs of the person, property, or business being protected. That's why our approach starts with understanding what matters to each client.

Rhode Island homeowners may have a variety of insurance considerations depending on where they live and how their property is used. Coastal and waterfront properties, for example, can have different exposures related to severe weather, wind, flooding, and storm conditions. Homeowners may also need to consider their home's age, construction, location, belongings, and other factors when reviewing their coverage.

Flood insurance can be an important consideration for some Rhode Island properties. Standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage, so homeowners should understand the difference between their homeowners policy and separate flood protection. Coverage needs can vary based on the property and its location, making an individual review important.

Insurance needs also extend beyond the home. Rhode Island residents may be looking for auto insurance, umbrella coverage, business insurance, or other forms of protection. Business owners, in particular, may have different insurance needs depending on their industry, property, employees, equipment, vehicles, and day-to-day operations.

As an independent insurance agency, Calfee Insurance works with multiple insurance carriers. This allows our team to explore available options based on a client's circumstances rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our goal is to help clients understand their coverage, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions about their insurance. Whether someone is purchasing a home, reviewing an existing policy, protecting a coastal property, or looking for coverage for a growing business, having an insurance professional to help navigate the options can make the process easier.

Expanding into Rhode Island is an exciting new chapter for Calfee Insurance, but our commitment remains the same. For more than 45 years, we've worked to provide personalized insurance guidance to the communities we serve. Now, we're bringing that same approach to new communities across Rhode Island.
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If you're a Rhode Island homeowner, driver, or business owner looking to review your insurance, our team is ready to help you understand your options and identify coverage that fits your needs.

New communities, new opportunities, and the same commitment to personalized insurance—with Calfee Insurance.
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