Back to All Events

Short Summary Innovative Insurance Solutions for Climate Risk

Bridging the Climate Insurance Gap: InnSure's Community-Based Solutions Monday, September 29, 2025 • Newburyport Senior/Community Center

Steve Brandt and Charlie Sidoti from InnSure, a Cambridge-based nonprofit, will share insights on innovative approaches to address the growing "protection gap" in climate-related insurance coverage. As traditional insurance markets face mounting pressure from escalating climate risks, InnSure is pioneering community-centered solutions that make coverage more accessible and affordable.

Their presentation will highlight Salem, Massachusetts' groundbreaking flood resilience pilot program—a partnership with the QBE North America Foundation launching in late 2025. This first-of-its-kind Massachusetts initiative combines comprehensive home resilience audits with community-embedded insurance solutions designed to recognize and reward climate adaptation efforts at both household and community levels.

The program represents a shift from traditional insurance models toward what Brandt calls a "community-up approach." Rather than relying solely on individual risk assessments, InnSure develops methods for calculating the total cost of risk for entire vulnerable communities, then works with insurance partners to create tailored solutions—including potential insurance discounts, group coverage options, or community mutual insurance approaches.

The speakers will cover the current state of climate-driven changes in insurance affordability and availability, the role of residual insurance programs, and practical steps homeowners and municipalities can take to reduce and manage flood risk. With plans to expand to Plymouth and other coastal communities, InnSure's model offers hope for communities nationwide struggling with the intersection of climate change and insurance accessibility.

Event Details:

  • Date: Monday, September 29, 2025

  • Location: Newburyport Senior/Community Center, 331 High Street, Newburyport

  • Time: Doors open at 6:30 PM for socializing and refreshments; presentation begins at 7:00 PM

Click RSVP to help us with planning.

Previous
Previous
June 12

High Stakes at High Tide: Understanding Coastal Flood Risks

Next
Next
October 21

Climate Change and Shellfishing in the Merrimack River: End of a Legacy or a New Beginning?