Equipment Breakdown Coverage in Massachusetts

WHAT IS IT? WHO NEEDS IT? COVERAGES OFFERED

Equipment breakdown coverage is specialized commercial property coverage for essential equipment. Instead of protecting against fire, wind, theft, vandalism and similar perils, this coverage usually only provides protection against malfunction.

Apartment Complexes, which need furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters to work
Breweries, which are need tanks for brewing and fermenting beer
Coffee Roasters, which need a roaster to roast green coffee beans

Operator error
Mechanical malfunction
Electrical arcing

What is Equipment Breakdown Coverage?

Commercial property insurance policies that protect equipment against damage and theft are widely available in most cases. Sometimes businesses need other protection for their equipment, though. For Massachusetts businesses that rely on essential equipment, equipment breakdown coverage generally extends protection to breakdowns and malfunctions.

What Massachusetts Businesses Should Carry Equipment Breakdown Insurance?

Any Massachusetts business that relies on essential equipment and wouldn’t be able to operate without the equipment might want to consider this coverage. For example, the coverage may be appropriate for the following businesses:

TESTIMONIALS

Customers Love Us

I love Paul Murphy insurance. I have been a customer since 2004 upon first getting my license. I wouldn't dream of working with any other insurance agency. Paul Murphy insurance as far as I'm concerned is part of my family. I do more personal registration and insurance transactions through them per year then any normal sane human being should be a part of. They have known me on a first name basis for quite a while and know exactly what it means when I walk in the door. They have been above & beyond helpful and I've learned so much from them. I'll bet my bottom dollar when they see this review they'll know who this is. Have a wonderful day Paul Murphy crew you'll probably see me in about 2 months.

Sikla wolfy, Google Review
We had an absolutely fantastic experience with this company. They truly are a one-stop-shop, sorting out every single thing from car and house insurance to even managing the process of getting our plates directly from their office. This is an excellent, all-encompassing business; you simply can't go wrong choosing them. They are our exclusive insurance provider in New England.

DC, Google Review
I've been with Paul T Murphy since 2005. My home, car and business liability insurance has gone through this agency. I've had a series of unfortunate matters over the past 2 years and they've helped me every step of the way. Stephanie is my usual point of contact. She is encouraging, caring and extremely informative. She always gets me the answers I need. Whatever help I need, she is always willing to provide support and instruction. Most importantly, she cares. She often just asks how things are going and provides warm customer service.

Nika Hollingsworth, Google Review

Winchester, MA
I have been with Paul T. Murphy insurance for years. I have recommended several friends and family members who are very happy with this company. We have our home ins., Liability ins., commercial vehicle coverage and also our personal auto coverage. Just recently my husband was involved in an accident and I was getting no where with the insurance carrier so I called Greg. He did everything he could for us. In the end it worked out due to him and all his hard work. I have also worked with Brian and Du on numerous occasions. They have always worked so hard at getting us the best insurance coverage for a best rate. The customer service there is a 5 star!

Erin McCabe, Google Review
Paul T Murphy Insurance is like having a team of friends in your corner who are always there when you need them. The entire staff is genuinely sincere and incredibly responsive, especially my agent, James. He’s a total pro—always on top of things, super informative, and makes everything easy. Whether it’s a quick question or something more urgent, they’re always ready to help. Can’t recommend this group enough for all your insurance needs!

Pat McCarthy,Google Review
I’ve been a customer of Paul T Murphy Insurance for almost 20 years and have never had to worry about my insurance needs because they always go above and beyond. The staff are incredible and work tirelessly to ensure that they do their very best to support each and every one of their customers. I’ve never encountered a more helpful staff that work around the clock to get the best rates and ensure their customers are happy and taken care of with the best coverage!

Lindsay Porziella, Google Review
James at Paul T. Murphy insurance company was amazing to work with! He helped my husband and me out with our auto and home insurance and was able to save us money for a better policy than our current provider. He was prompt to respond and answered all of our questions! I am so impressed with his knowledge and expertise in the insurance industry! Thank you James

Ashleigh Cregan
Paul Murphy Insurance is the best. The people I've had the pleasure of dealing with were professional, helpful, friendly, made sure that all my questions were answered, and were able to find the best policies for my needs. Most recently, Stephanie, went above and beyond to take care of my issues. I definitely recommend them.

Jessie Bowen
Paul Murphys is the best of the best! Steph is amazing and so sweet! I got into an accident last year and she was there to help with any questions I had and always called to keep me updated and keep in the loop with everything. She makes sure I get the best deal and on top of it all

Anna Marguerite
I’ve only been working with Paul T. Murphy insurance for a short time and I can say with confidence, I made the right choice by choosing their agency. My agent Mike Kulch has been extremely helpful, informative, and always follows up quickly. Sherri in customer service has also been great to work with. As soon as I answered her questions and sent my documents I had a quote within minutes. Thank you Mike and Sherri for helping me lower my home owners insurance

Ashlyn Tuffy

Apartment Complexes, which need furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters to work
Breweries, which are need tanks for brewing and fermenting beer
Coffee Roasters, which need a roaster to roast green coffee beans
Manufacturers, which may need specialty machinery in order to produce goods
Restaurants, which need ovens, stoves, refrigerators and freezers for food prep and food storage
Retailers, which need point-of-sale (POS) systems to process customer purchases
Warehouses, which may need special equipment for managing inventory

There are still many more businesses that could benefit from equipment breakdown insurance.

Any business that’s not sure whether this coverage makes sense for them can talk with an insurance agent who knows equipment breakdown insurance well. A specialized agent will be able to review a business’ equipment and make an informed recommendation regarding coverage.

What Kinds of Malfunctions Are Covered by Equipment Breakdown Insurance?

Allowing for variances among specific policy language, most equipment breakdown insurance policies extend coverage to a variety of potential malfunctions. Depending upon its terms, a policy might cover breakdowns caused by:

Operator error
Mechanical malfunction
Electrical arcing
Power surge
Explosion

How Are Equipment Breakdown, and Boiler and Machinery Insurance Different?

Boiler and machinery insurance policies are often similar to equipment breakdown insurance policies, and the two generally have the same purpose of protecting against malfunction. The two insurances aren’t quite identical, however.

Compared to boiler and machinery policies, equipment breakdown policies typically have broader language that allows them to cover more diverse equipment. Boiler and machinery policies have historically only insured boilers and industrial machinery, and many still limit their coverages to these items. Equipment breakdown policies might cover HVAC equipment, food processing equipment, POS systems and many other kinds of equipment.

Because they’re often able to cover more diverse equipment, equipment breakdown insurance policies frequently also have more detailed coverage stipulations. The extra detail helps precisely identify what equipment is covered and what’s not covered.

Can Businesses Combine Equipment Breakdown Insurance With Other Coverages?

Equipment breakdown insurance can be purchased on its own, but it’s also widely available through package policies. A variety of commercial package policies readily offer the coverage, and some more basic business owners' policies might too.

Purchasing the coverage through a package policy frequently nets businesses a premium discount. Since most businesses need other insurance coverages too, package policies tend to be an obvious choice. Many businesses that have expensive and essential equipment end up purchasing a commercial package policy that has equipment breakdown within it.

How Can Massachusetts Businesses Get Equipment Breakdown Coverage?

For help insuring essential equipment against malfunction, contact the independent insurance agents at Paul T. Murphy Insurance. Our Massachusetts agents will help you find the equipment breakdown coverage that your business needs, and we can assist with many other commercial insurances too. With our assistance, you can have confidence that your business’ equipment and the business itself are well protected.

Proud Partner of

This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication.