Taunton manufactured-home residents press state action as premiums surge and insurers pull back

Dozens of residents of Taunton’s manufactured-home communities told city officials at a public forum in the Taunton City Council chambers that steep premium increases and shrinking insurer options are threatening their housing stability.

The forum, organized by the Taunton Manufactured Home Communities (TMHC) group, focused on homeowners insurance for manufactured and mobile homes after residents reported large annual rate increases, difficulty finding replacement-cost coverage and reports that major writers have stopped taking new business in Massachusetts. The attendees pressed for state-level action because insurers and rate-setting are regulated at the state level.

“Premiums have raised have been have raised up an average of 39.5%,” said Donna Dias, who leads TMHC’s insurance committee, summarizing the committee’s review of recent bills and company notices. Residents described individual increases and coverage denials during the meeting: Karen, a resident of Colonial Estates, said her policy rose from about $800 to $3,300 over two years before she switched…