Home Insurance Discount Offered Through Course

Worcester Insurance Co. is one of three companies to offer discounts on home insurance to urban homeowners who complete an educational program run by the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. But Worcester area homeowners may have to wait awhile before they will be able to take advantage of the discount offer.

Sonia Alleyne, community investment coordinator for the housing alliance, said homeowners who complete six hours of instruction on home protection and maintenance are eligible for discounts of up to 10 percent on their properties. Alleyne said the course provides information on how homeowners can safeguard their homes against crime, fire and lead paint exposure as well as instruction on basic repairs and landlord-tenant relations.
 

Worcester-based Hanover Insurance Co. and Arbella Mutual Insurance Co., with offices in Worcester, are also offering the discount, said Alleyne. "It's an effort to reach out to the urban marketplace," said Keith A. Fry, president of Worcester Insurance. "Our thought was that when we see people making an effort to make their homes more insurable, we should respond."

According to Alleyne, so far 32 Dorchester residents have completed the education program. Another program for Hyde Park homeowners is scheduled to begin soon. While MAHA intends to focus on the Boston area first, Alleyne said the hope is to eventually offer the program in Worcester and the state's other urban areas.