What is Homesafe?: FAQ
- What is HomeSafe and what will I learn in the workshops?
HomeSafe is MAHA's homeowner resource center and it includes Homeowner 201, a series of 3 free workshops to help make your home safe from unnecessary repairs, crime, fire, landlord/tenant disputes, lead paint, and foreclosure. In addition, graduates will learn about HomeSafe discounts, grants, low interest loans and other resources available to homeowners.
- How do I obtain discounts?
After completing three workshops, graduates will receive a HomeSafe certificate that is presented to participating insurance agents and a HomeSafe card that is presented at retailers to receive the discount. Currently, Norfolk & Dedham Insurance is offering a 15% discount. Arbella Mutual, Commerce, and Worcester Insurance are offering a 10% discount. Hanover Insurance, Holyoke Mutual Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Met Life Auto & Home, Premier (Travelers) and Quincy Mutual offer a 5% discount.
Norfolk Hardware, Harrison Supply and Franklin Field Lumber offer 10% discounts. Boston Building Materials Co-op and Mass Energy offer 1-year free memberships.
- Why are these insurance companies and retailers offering a discount?
Insurance companies are looking for low risk homeowners. They feel that homeowners who take the workshops will file fewer claims and have fewer losses than other homeowners have. The retailers are supporting the HomeSafe Education Initiative by offering a financial incentive to graduates of the workshops.
- Does taking the workshops guarantee that I will get insurance from one of these companies?
Not necessarily. Insurance companies will still underwrite a policy according to their standard guidelines. However, recent legislation has made it likely that there will be increased competition among insurance companies in urban neighborhoods and more homeowners have a better chance to secure an affordable insurance policy by participating in HomeSafe.
- How long will the discounts lasts?
MAHA will review our agreement with each participating company yearly. At that time the discounts may be adjusted based on the loss experience of the HomeSafe graduates.
- How much will I save with discounts?
In the city of Boston the prices of policies vary due to the type of house and the neighborhood in which you live. Here are two typical scenarios:
Single Family Base policy $649 @ 10% savings of $64/yr
Three Family Base policy $1,284 @ 10% savings of $128/yr
The discount only applies to the base premium. Additional coverage such as replacement costs on personal property is not included in the discount agreement.
- Other HomeSafe savings are estimated below:
Retailer Yearly spending Discount Savings Norfolk Hardware $250.00 10% $25.00 Mass Energy Free Membership $10.00 Total Savings $35.00
Total estimated annual savings for a single family homeowner: $99.00
Total estimated annual savings for a three family homeowner: $163.00
