Wind Turbines and Your Insurance

LETTER: Beware turbines' impact on insurance, 12-25-09
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Posted Dec 24, 2009 @ 02:38 PM

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Many cities and towns in Massachusetts are allowing commercial wind turbines by special permit within hundreds of feet of residential homes.

In some cases, these turbines are as high as the Statue of Liberty.

Setbacks are new to residential home owners as well as your insurance company.The insurance companies currently set rates for distance to fire hydrants and fire stations.

They set residential rates, commercial rates, flood rates, single family, two family, etc.
If you called your insurance agent today about commercial wind turbines, they would have no idea what you are talking about in regard to rate increases/changes.

Residential insurance rates are a valid consideration, and one that ought to be examined, especially by those homeowners who will be directly affected by the turbines, which will include living within the blade throw, ice throw, fire, lightning, environmental spill hazards, etc. of a commercial wind turbine.

Since this setback issue is new for the insurance companies, actuaries for the insurance companies will be figuring out the exposure to commercial wind turbines only after they are installed in your neighborhoods.

As the state moves forward, Massachusetts residents within the commercial wind turbine zone should be advised how to insure against a commercial wind turbine and tower.

Frank Haggerty