Bill > S2737

This bill amends Chapter 175 of the General Laws to require the Joint Underwriting Association and insurers licensed to write homeowners' insurance to provide first-party property coverage and third-party liability coverage for response action costs and property damage caused by releases of home heating oil. The minimum coverage is $75,000 per occurrence for first-party property and $250,000 per occurrence for third-party liability, subject to a deductible not to exceed $1,000 per claim. Insurers may include a reasonable charge for this coverage in homeowners' insurance premiums. The bill also allows insurers to exclude coverage if the heating oil release was due to the owner's failure to comply with certain requirements under Chapter 148, provided the insurer gives the insured annual written notice of those requirements. The bill applies to policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.