Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law

On September 30, 2011 the Massachusetts Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law went into effect.  During the Summer we mailed a letter to each of our homeowners insureds containing the following:

If your home is heated by an oil heating system please take a moment to review the enclosed information regarding the Homeowner Oil Heating System Upgrade and Insurance Law which requires all home oil heating systems to be compliant by September 30, 2011.

In addition to the new requirements, coverage for heating oil spills is now available on your homeowner’s insurance policy. Current homeowner policies do not provide coverage in the event the tank gives way or there is an oil leak which requires cleanup or if the oil leak affects your neighbor’s property/groundwater. Premiums for this coverage range between approximately $50 and $100 per year depending on the coverage level selected and the insurance company. In order to qualify for coverage you will need to provide certification from a licensed oil burner technician (a service which is usually provided by your Heating Oil provider).

Please feel free to contact us If you have any questions or would like to add this coverage to your homeowner’s policy.

Following is a link to the MA DEP website with a full explanation of the law, including diagrams and a FAQ http://www.mass.gov/dep/cleanup/laws/hhsl.htm