Do you own an older or historic home in Massachusetts?
Are you sure your current insurance policy is giving you the right protection—without costing you more than it should?
Homeowners across the state are surprised to learn that standard home insurance often doesn’t account for the unique challenges of older properties. In this blog, we’re going to fix that.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
You’ll discover what makes Massachusetts homes special from an insurance perspective, which coverages you absolutely need (especially if your home was built before 1940), and a few smart ways to save hundreds on your premium.
What Makes Massachusetts Homes Unique
Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. In fact, over 30% of homes statewide—and nearly 50% in the Boston area—were built before 1940. That means they may have unique architecture, aging infrastructure, or outdated building codes.
Older homes like triple deckers, properties near the coast, or homes in neighborhoods like Beacon Hill, Charlestown, the South End, and the Back Bay require more than just standard home insurance—they need specialized coverage that takes these features into account.
Key Insurance Coverages You Need
To fully protect your older or historic Massachusetts home, your policy should include:
- Personal Property Replacement Cost Coverage
This ensures you’re reimbursed for new, undepreciated items if your personal belongings are lost. - Water Backup & Sump Pump Failure Rider
A must-have if you have a finished basement—it covers damage standard policies don’t. - Ordinance or Law Coverage
This rider helps pay for reconstruction that must follow current building codes, including demolition and required upgrades after a major loss. - HO-5 Endorsement (805.8)
Especially valuable in historic areas, this can increase your dwelling coverage by 25%, 50%, or even 100% to reflect the true value of restoring older homes.
How to Save Money on Home Insurance
Just because you need better protection doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Here are a few ways to reduce your premiums:
- Install a central-station monitored alarm system
This alone can save you 10–20% on your policy. - Add water leak detectors and hardwired smoke alarms
Insurers reward proactive risk reduction. - Bundle your home and auto policies
A multi-policy discount is often one of the biggest savings available. - Raise your deductible
Going from a $500 to a $2,500 deductible can save you over $500/year on a $500,000 home. - Consider flood insurance—even if you’re not near water
Standard policies don’t cover flood damage. The good news? Flood coverage for homes outside a federally mandated flood zone can cost less than $500/year.
What Does the Average Home Insurance Policy Cost in Massachusetts?
The average annual premium is about $1,500, but what you’ll actually pay depends on your home’s age, location, condition, security features, and the coverage levels you choose.
Absolutely! Here’s the final paragraph updated with a clear, friendly call to action including your agency name and phone number:
Get a Free Policy Review Today
Every home is different—especially in Massachusetts. Our experienced team can walk you through your current policy, spot any coverage gaps, and help you find discounts you may be missing. No pressure. No obligation. Just honest guidance.
🎥 Watch the video below to hear the full breakdown and see if your home is properly protected:
[Insert Video Embed]
And if you know someone buying or owning an older home in Massachusetts, feel free to share this with them—we’re always here to help.
📞 Call our team at Vargas & Vargas Insurance today at (617) 298-0655 for a free, no-obligation insurance review. We’re ready to help you protect your home—and your peace of mind.
