Massachusetts FAIR Plan · MPIUA

Massachusetts FAIR Plan (MPIUA): how a policy works, from eligibility to the $1 million limit.

If the standard market has turned you down, MPIUA is the state’s FAIR Plan, available statewide. A dwelling limit of $1 million, a mandatory named-storm deductible on the coast, and the forms and add-ons you choose shape what you actually get. Here’s how it works, and the order to work through it in.

$1M Dwelling coverage cap MPIUA’s maximum dwelling (Coverage A) limit on its homeowners forms, per its producer quick reference.

Who it’s for: MPIUA provides basic property insurance to eligible applicants who have been unable to get insurance through the voluntary market. The Commissioner of Insurance designated the whole state an “urban area,” so FAIR Plan coverage is available statewide.

Getting a quote

You can't buy this one yourself, and the deductible matters.

MPIUA policies are placed through Massachusetts-licensed agents, and on the coast a percentage named-storm deductible applies. Know both before you compare quotes.

Go through a Massachusetts-licensed agent

Your agent submits MPIUA’s application forms. MPIUA is for applicants who have been unable to get insurance in the voluntary market, so be ready to explain where you’ve already tried. MPIUA underwrites and inspects the properties it insures, like a regular insurer.

Verify any agent's license through the Massachusetts Division of Insurance's producer licensing lookup before signing anything.

Get the replacement-cost estimate right

For its broad, special and comprehensive homeowners forms, MPIUA requires a Home Cost Estimator worksheet, and the dwelling limit must generally be at least 80% of the estimated replacement cost. That estimate also tells you whether your home is above the $1 million limit below.

Plan for the $1 million limit and the storm deductible

MPIUA’s homeowners forms top out at $1,000,000 of dwelling coverage, with personal liability up to $500,000. If your home would cost more to rebuild, ask your agent how to insure the difference before you bind.

On the coast, MPIUA applies a mandatory minimum named-storm deductible: 1% to 5% of the dwelling limit, depending on the county (Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket are treated separately), how close the home is to the coast, and how much coverage you buy. On a $600,000 dwelling limit, a 5% deductible is $30,000. Ask your agent which percentage applies to your address.

Policy forms

Homeowners HO 00 02 (broad), HO 00 03 (special) and HO 00 05 (comprehensive); dwelling fire, tenant and condo-unit forms

Optional add-ons

Earthquake, water backup and sump overflow, ordinance or law, scheduled personal property and more, by endorsement

Above the $1M limit

MPIUA won’t write more than $1,000,000 of dwelling coverage; ask your agent how to insure the rest

The paperwork, in order

Sequence matters here.

Any coverage above MPIUA’s limit is easiest to arrange once you know MPIUA’s declared limits and effective date, so it comes second.

Step 1

Keep a record of where you applied. MPIUA is for applicants who couldn’t get insurance in the voluntary market, so keep any declination or non-renewal letters.

Step 2

Submit the MPIUA application through your agent with the Home Cost Estimator worksheet. MPIUA inspects the properties it insures.

Step 3

If your replacement cost is over $1 million, arrange coverage for the difference with your agent as soon as you have MPIUA’s declarations page.

Step 4

Confirm lender acceptance. Verify with your mortgage servicer that MPIUA, plus any excess layer, satisfies your loan's insurance covenant before you consider this done.

Common questions

What people ask before they call an agent.

How much does an MPIUA (Massachusetts FAIR Plan) quote cost?

MPIUA doesn’t publish a rate table on its public website, and the premium depends on the property, the coverage form and the limits you choose. On the coast, budget for the mandatory named-storm deductible as well: MPIUA sets a minimum of 1% to 5% of the dwelling limit, depending on county, distance from the coast and the amount of coverage. Get a real quote from a Massachusetts-licensed agent.

Do I need an agent to get MPIUA coverage, or can I apply directly?

Apply through a Massachusetts-licensed insurance agent or producer, who submits MPIUA’s application forms for you. MPIUA says it provides basic property insurance to eligible applicants who have been unable to get insurance through the voluntary market.

What does the Massachusetts FAIR Plan cover?

MPIUA writes homeowners policies on the standard broad, special and comprehensive forms (HO 00 02, 03 and 05), plus dwelling fire, tenant and condominium forms. Optional endorsements in its producer reference include earthquake, water backup and sump overflow, and ordinance or law coverage. Check the exact form and endorsements on your policy with your agent.

What happens if my home is worth more than MPIUA’s $1 million coverage limit?

MPIUA’s maximum dwelling (Coverage A) limit on its homeowners forms is $1,000,000. If your home would cost more to rebuild, ask your agent how to insure the difference before you bind.

Is MPIUA a state agency?

No. MPIUA was created by Massachusetts law (Chapter 175C) and is regulated by the Division of Insurance, but it says it is not a state government agency and uses no taxpayer money. Insurers that write basic property insurance in Massachusetts must take part, and share its losses.