[MassHistPres] Home insurance on NR listed properties

[Joyce Anderson]

Hello Michelle, 
We had a case in Princeton where the exact same thing happened to someone living in a house on the National Register of Historic Places in East Princeton. I know the owner of the house tried to convince his insurance company that there were no restrictions but I do not know what the outcome of the conversation was. I would certainly be happy to look into it if you would like. This is certainly going to hurt commissions who work so hard to seek NHR listings for properties. 
Joyce Anderson
Princeton Historical Commission

> On Jun 27, 2025, at 2:17 PM, Johnstone, Michelle via MassHistPres <masshistpres at cs.umb.edu> wrote:
> 
> Happy Friday, Preservationists 😊
>  
> Here in Worcester, we have been noticing an uptick in complaints from owners (particularly new buyers) of NR-listed buildings related to their inability, in some cases, to find an insurance company to cover them at all, and in other cases, rates being exorbitantly expensive (like in the $400/MONTH range). Is this something that a lot of you are seeing in your communities as well? I’m not sure what it is about National Register listing that has become their sticking point, because the NR is an honorary program only under most circumstances.
>  
> Does anyone know of any insurers that regularly provide insurance regardless of NR listing, and at a reasonable price? Also interested in if anything is being doing to address this issue.
>  
> Best,
>  
> Michelle H. Johnstone
> Senior Preservation Planner
> Executive Office of Economic Development | Planning & Regulatory Services Division
> City of Worcester | 455 Main Street, Rm 404, Worcester, MA 01608
> P: 508-799-1400 x31410
> C: 774-622-0695
> E: johnstonem at worcesterma.gov <mailto:johnstonem at worcesterma.gov>
> www.worcesterma.gov <http://www.worcesterma.gov/>
>  
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