NAHANT HISTORIC - Insurance Edition

Architecture: Pomeroy & Co and Zephry and Ore

Interiors: Zphyre and Ore

Builder: Modern Heritage

Insurance Agency: NaVella Insurance LLC

You’ve chosen your architect, designer, and general contractor to build your dream home, but there is one other person you should think of before breaking ground: your insurance agent.

Two of our clients found themselves in a tight spot when planning their renovation.

Here is their story.

In middle February, we found ourselves in a dark forest of insurance. 

Having recently committed to a renovation, we were summarily fired by our home insurance company. (In their terse, registered letter, they called it, “discontinuation of coverage” but we all know it means “fired.”) I won’t name names here, but the letter told us we had four weeks until termination. 

We did not know what to do or where to turn. After all, isn’t home insurance almost guaranteed in America? Turns out, it’s not—even though we’re not the types of people who start truck tire bonfires, are into gunplay, or drive nitro-burnin’ funny cars. 

We were up a creek without flood insurance. 

But you can only be unlucky for so long. Even the insurance companies know this, and soon, the Monte Carlo Methods and Models turned in our favor. 

Enter Nadeen Vella and NaVella. 

Nadeen quickly assessed our needs and worked closely with us to come up with a plan under a tight deadline with great skill, responsiveness, knowledge—and humor. She listened to our situation and contacted multiple, reputable insurance companies—even the one (which still will remain nameless) who discontinued our policy. Nadeen knows the insurance world—and has deep working relationships with individuals in key positions at large insurance companies. That means she can make things happen quickly. Within a week, Nadeen had multiple options for us to consider, offering us elegant solutions for our complex issues with insuring a property built in 

1842 undergoing an extensive, 10-month renovation. Ultimately, we ended up going with two different companies that, individually, offered the best solutions for what we needed. 

Thanks to Nadeen, we are better covered than we were before. We were also able to begin our renovation on time due to her urgency and diligent work. If you are facing more complex insurance issues, including understanding Builder’s Risk, Home, Auto, Umbrella, and Renter’s policies (all of which we needed—look, it’s a long story) and the best options for your particular situation, NaVella is your company and Nadeen Vella is your person. Not only will your coverage be better than it was, but Nadeen will also take the time to help educate you about your options and help you come to an informed decision. 

Every once in a while, in life, someone comes through for you when you really need them. For  us, that person was Nadeen. I can’t possibly recommend her enough. 

THANK YOU, Nadeen!
— Mike H.

Our approach + philosophy.

Historic buildings undergoing renovation require a different type of insurance coverage that only select markets can provide - something that can be challenging for many homeowners to navigate. At Navella we understand this and work with our clients to make the process of obtaining insurance for their renovation smooth and trouble-free. Here is our process:

  • We work with you to understand the scope your project so we can be a good partner before, during, and after your project is completed.

  • We are transparent about changes to policy terms, conditions, and premiums resulting from the renovation.

  • We review your construction contracts to make sure that you do not inadvertently sign a “waiver of subrogation.”

  • We work directly with your contractor to obtain the necessary certificates of insurance to confirm that they have enough coverage in place and are adequately insured.

  • We will canvass the insurance market to help you secure comprehensive coverage at a competitive price point. We negotiate on your behalf so you get the best possible policy.

  • Once your insurance policy is issued, we will check in with you and work with your contractor to make sure adequate loss control measures are in place during the project.

  • We have close working relationships with a number of different architects, designers and contractors. Policy holders are welcome to use referral network if needed during the course of their renovation.

  • We take a proactive approach. Once your project is close to completion, your policy needs will change. We will meet with you to find you the best possible insurance coverage for you moving forward.

  • Should you need to place a claim, we will be your advocate, working with your insurance carrier to make sure you get adequate compensation for your loss.

In brief, by offering comprehensive guidance and support, we help our clients navigate the complexities of insurance before, during, and after a renovation project. After all, our business is your piece of mind.

Work with us.

NaVella was created out of equal parts love and frustration with the insurance industry, its complexities, and the ever-evolving market space.  We are on a mission to overdeliver and work with the most exclusive high-value insurance carriers in the world.

With more than 16 years of experience in multiple facets of this industry, 1000+ insurance policies analyzed and reviewed, and hundreds of customized insurance portfolios crafted, we are dedicated to giving you control over what and how you protect what you care about most. We are a woman-owned, progressive, independent insurance agency and consulting firm. We offer personal lines insurance solutions. Our product solutions include insurance for your: Home(s), auto(s), collection(s), Excess + Umbrella, boat, and term life. Our consulting and coaching services serve both personal and corporate clients. Headquartered in Massachusetts, and primarily focused on the Massachusetts and greater New England markets, we can write nationally.

 

If you’re ready to protect yourself now and in the years to come, please visit us at www.navellains.com, email us at hello@navellains.com, or call us at 617.399.3124.

Feel good about your insurance. Partner with us.

Previous
Previous

The phenomenon called the “Non-renewal.”

Next
Next

(Insurance) lessons we can all learn from the Scituate, MA fire.