Teagle Insurance Agency Inc.
6802 Teagle Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061
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6802 Teagle Lane, Gloucester, VA 23061
View this agency's profile to learn more about their services.
Learn about insurance coverage options specific to Gloucester residents.
Essential insurance guide for Gloucester, MA covering 2025 auto requirements, coastal flood risks, fishing industry coverage, and historic home protection.
Flood insurance is mandatory only if your home is in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (high-risk flood zone) and you have a federally backed mortgage. However, even if you're not in a high-risk zone, it's worth considering—FEMA flood maps have been updated through 2025, reclassifying many previously low-risk areas. Over half of all flood insurance claims come from moderate- and low-risk areas, and with sea levels rising and severe weather becoming more frequent, voluntary flood coverage can be a smart investment.
Waterfront properties in Gloucester face significantly higher premiums than inland homes due to Atlantic exposure and storm surge risk. While the Massachusetts average for home insurance runs around $1,142-$1,400 annually, coastal properties can pay $2,000-$2,500 or more depending on location and coverage limits. Expect additional costs for separate flood insurance, which varies based on your specific flood zone but averages over $1,100 annually. Hurricane deductibles of 1-5% also mean higher out-of-pocket costs before coverage kicks in.
Historic homes require guaranteed replacement cost coverage and ordinance or law endorsements. Standard policies severely undervalue historic properties because they use modern construction costs, but authentic restoration with period-appropriate materials can cost 50-300% more than standard rebuilding. Ordinance or law coverage is critical because Massachusetts building codes often require expensive upgrades during repairs—modern electrical, fire suppression, structural reinforcements—that standard policies won't cover. Work with an insurer experienced in historic properties who understands the specialized restoration requirements.
Homeowners insurance covers hurricane wind damage—roof damage, broken windows, fallen trees—but it does not cover flooding, which is often the most devastating part of coastal storms. You need separate flood insurance for storm surge, heavy rainfall flooding, and coastal inundation. Massachusetts allows percentage-based hurricane deductibles (1-5% of home value), meaning you'll pay significant out-of-pocket costs before coverage applies. On a $750K home with a 2% hurricane deductible, you'd pay nearly $15,000 before insurance covers anything.
The Massachusetts Property Insurance Underwriting Association (MPIUA), known as the FAIR Plan, provides basic property insurance for homeowners who cannot obtain coverage through standard insurance companies. This typically happens with high-risk coastal properties, older homes with challenging conditions, or properties that insurers consider too risky. Coverage is more limited than standard policies and premiums tend to be higher, but it ensures you can meet mortgage requirements and maintain basic protection when the voluntary insurance market won't cover your property.
Be cautious about simply lowering coverage to match decreased market values. While Gloucester home prices dropped 9% in 2025, insurance coverage is based on replacement cost—what it would cost to rebuild—not market value. Construction costs, labor shortages, and specialized materials can mean rebuilding costs exceed market value, especially for historic or waterfront properties. Instead, get a detailed replacement cost estimate that accounts for current construction costs, your home's specific features, and any historic elements that require specialized restoration. Then adjust coverage based on that analysis, not just market trends.
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