Dwelling Insurance in Massachusetts
Own a rental, seasonal home, vacant property between tenants, or a home under renovations? A standard homeowners (HO-3) policy usually isn’t the right fit. A Dwelling Fire (DP) policy is designed for non-owner-occupied and specialty situations—so your property is protected the smart (and affordable) way.
At
Vargas & Vargas Insurance in Dorchester/Boston, we compare top carriers to tailor the right DP form and endorsements for your property, your risk, and your budget. Call
617-298-0655 or request a quick quote—our local team makes it easy.
What Is Dwelling (DP) Insurance?
Dwelling insurance—often called a Dwelling Fire policy—covers the structure itself and (optionally) other structures, landlord furnishings, loss of rent, and liability for non-owner-occupied homes. Policies come in three common forms:
Understanding Coverage & Smart Add-Ons
Dwelling (Coverage A)
Pays to repair or rebuild the structure itself after a covered loss—foundation, roof, walls, and built-ins.
Other Structures (Coverage B)
Detached garages, sheds, fences, and driveways on the premises.
Landlord Personal Property (Coverage C)
Limited coverage for items you own and keep for tenant use—appliances, carpeting, window treatments.
Loss of Rents (Coverage D)
Reimburses fair rental value while the property is uninhabitable due to a covered claim.
Premises Liability & Medical Payments
Helps protect you if someone is injured on the property or you’re held responsible for damage to others.
Replacement Cost on the Dwelling
Upgrades settlement from Actual Cash Value to Replacement Cost—crucial for avoiding depreciation shortfalls.
Vandalism & Malicious Mischief
Adds protection often limited or excluded on vacant or long-unoccupied homes.
Flood & Earthquake (Separate Policies)
Standard dwelling policies exclude these perils—ask us to quote standalone options.
Equipment Breakdown
Coverage for sudden, accidental mechanical or electrical breakdown of systems like HVAC or boilers.
What We’ll Ask to Get You the Best Rate
- Property address & occupancy type (tenant/seasonal/vacant)
- Year built, updates (roof, plumbing, electrical, heating)
- Construction type & square footage
- Landlord-owned appliances/furnishings
- Desired liability limits and loss-of-rents needs
- Any prior claims or known issues
What Does Dwelling Insurance Cover?
Core protections (customized by form and carrier):
- Dwelling (Coverage A): Your home’s structure
- Other Structures (Coverage B): Garages, sheds, fences
- Personal Property (Coverage C): Limited, typically for landlord-owned items (appliances, carpeting)
- Loss of Rents (Coverage D): Reimburses lost rental income after a covered claim
- Premises Liability & Medical Payments: Protects against third-party injuries/property damage claims
- Ordinance or Law: Helps pay for code-required upgrades after a covered loss (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Dwelling Insurance
What is dwelling insurance and what does it cover?
Dwelling insurance protects the structure of your home-including walls, roof, foundation, and attached fixtures like garages or decks-from covered risks such as fire, wind, hail, lightning, or vandalism. It does nottypically cover your personal belongings or detached structures unless added as part of a broader homeowners policy.
Not sure if your policy offers full dwelling protection? Contact our team for a policy review.
Is dwelling insurance the same as homeowners insurance?
Not exactly. Dwelling insurance is one part of a standard homeowners insurance policy. It specifically covers the physical structure of your home, while homeowners insurance includes additional coverage for liability, personal property, and additional living expenses.
If you only have dwelling insurance (common with landlords or rental property owners), you may need other coverage. Reach out to us to make sure you're fully protected.
What does dwelling insurance not cover?
Dwelling insurance generally does not cover:
- Flood or earthquake damage (requires separate policies)
- Routine wear and tear
- Maintenance issues
- Mold or pests
- Personal property inside the home
We always advise reviewing the exclusions section of your policy. Call us if you'd like help understanding what is and isn't covered-and what options you have to close any gaps.
Do I need dwelling insurance if I own my home outright?
Yes! Even without a mortgage, protecting your home's structure is essential. Rebuilding a home after a fire or storm can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, you'd be responsible for all of it out of pocket.
Contact us to get a quote or ensure your current coverage still meets your home's needs.
How much dwelling coverage do I need?
You need enough coverage to rebuild your home from the ground up using today's construction and labor costs-not the home's market value. This amount is called the replacement cost.
We can help calculate this number accurately. Reach out to us directly-we'll walk through it together.
Does dwelling insurance cover detached structures like sheds or fences?
Not usually. Standard dwelling coverage only applies to the main structure of the home. Coverage for detached garages, fences, or sheds is typically added under "Other Structures" coverage.
If you're unsure whether these structures are covered, give us a call. We'll help you find out and adjust your policy if needed.
Is water damage covered by dwelling insurance?
It depends. Sudden and accidental water damage-like from a burst pipe-is usually covered. But water damage from flooding, sewer backups, or long-term leaks is often excluded.
To know for sure, check your policy or contact us directly. We'll help you understand your protection and suggest additional endorsements if needed.
Can I change my dwelling coverage amount?
Yes, you can request a change at any time, especially if you've renovated, added on to your home, or made major upgrades.
To ensure your policy reflects your home's current value and features, contact our office. We'll review your dwelling coverage and update it as needed.
What's the difference between actual cash value and replacement cost?
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays out the depreciated value of your home after a loss.
- Replacement Cost pays what it would cost to rebuild your home brand new.
Replacement cost offers much better protection. Want to know which one you have? Reach out to us and we'll review your current policy.
How do I file a claim under my dwelling policy?
If your home is damaged:
- Document the damage with photos or video
- Prevent further damage if possible
- Call us right away-we'll guide you through filing the claim and advocate on your behalf
Don't go straight to the carrier-let us help first to ensure everything is handled correctly.
Let’s Get Your Condo Coverage Right
Share your bylaws and a quick inventory of improvements—Vargas & Vargas Insurance will tailor your HO-6 to your building and your budget.