Hurricane threats are causing insurers to retreat from coastal areas in Massachusetts and around New England, leaving many looking for alternative protection.
"Many insurers have either pulled out or sharply restricted their underwriting in coastal areas, forcing more than 40,000 homeowners to scramble for coverage."
"But some insurers are now retrenching along the entire Massachusetts coast, even in areas that are not considered likely targets for a hurricane's full brunt."
"Conventional wisdom holds that a major hurricane approaching New England would come from the south and slam into the coasts of Connecticut, Rhode Island, and southeastern Massachusetts. The Cape and Islands would be particularly vulnerable."
"A hurricane could steamroll across the Cape toward Boston and the North Shore or head inland, but industry officials say in that case the storm would likely lose much of its power and probably cause less damage."
"Because of the Cape's perceived vulnerability, many insurers have retreated there, and homeowners have been left with no other choice for coverage than the Massachusetts Fair Plan, the state's insurer of last resort. The Fair Plan, which is operated as an independent insurance company but regulated by the state, now insures more than 40 percent of the homes on the Cape."
FULL STORY: More insurers backing away from coasts

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network
The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan
The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide
How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana
Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities
An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Moorpark
City of Tustin
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions