⚠ A last resort — shop the private market first
Massachusetts runs a state FAIR plan
Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (the 'MA FAIR Plan') — a large residual market, especially on Cape Cod and the coast.
As property carriers pull back from higher-risk areas, more Massachusettshomeowners are being non-renewed or declined — and the state’s residual market is the safety net that must offer at least basic coverage. It matters most where catastrophe exposure is high; in Massachusetts, that includes Cape Cod and Islands, South Shore, North Shore coast, Connecticut River valley, Merrimack River basin. It keeps you insured (and satisfies your mortgage lender) while you keep looking for standard coverage.
Regulator: property insurance in Massachusetts is overseen by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance — where you can file a complaint.
FAIR Plan in Massachusetts — FAQ
Does Massachusetts have a FAIR plan?
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Massachusetts runs a state FAIR plan. Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (the 'MA FAIR Plan') — a large residual market, especially on Cape Cod and the coast.
How do I get a last-resort policy in Massachusetts?
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You generally must show you were declined by the private market first, and you usually apply through a licensed agent. These plans typically provide basic coverage (fire and a limited set of perils), so you may need endorsements — or a separate wind or flood policy — for full protection. Treat it as a bridge while you keep shopping the private market.
Does a Massachusetts FAIR plan cover flood?
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No. FAIR plans (and standard home policies) never cover flood — that requires separate flood insurance through the NFIP or a private flood insurer. In Massachusetts, higher-risk areas include Cape Cod and Islands, South Shore, North Shore coast, Connecticut River valley, Merrimack River basin, so flood coverage is worth pricing separately. In several coastal states, hurricane/wind is also handled by a separate wind pool rather than the FAIR plan.
Related guides and tools
Michael Torres
Editorial Lead, Catastrophe & Commercial Property
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed July 2026
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