What Equipment Breakdown Insurance Requirements Apply in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts §45A exempts refrigeration and air-conditioning systems under 20 tons and specified systems by location or exclusive use; other systems need a division inspection and certificate or insurance by an authorized pressure-vessel company, periodic inspection and a certificate. At least annual inspection applies when a division certificate is required. Covered steam and qualifying hot-water boilers follow separate inspection cycles. These rules do not determine equipment-breakdown policy coverage.

What Is Equipment Breakdown Insurance?

Equipment-breakdown coverage can help repair covered machinery or building equipment after a mechanical or electrical failure. It fits businesses that depend on equipment to operate; check whether lost income, spoilage and utility failures are included. Read the national Equipment breakdown guide.

Massachusetts Equipment Breakdown Insurance Requirements

Requirement	Details
Steam boiler inspections	Steam boilers and their appurtenances, except those listed in §7, require internal and external inspection at least annually. On written application, the board may extend the interval by up to six months when the public interest and convenience require. ^1,²
Covered hot-water heating boilers	Under §70, covered hot-water heating boilers used for space heating, qualifying heat storage or process heating, and within ASME Code sections 1, 4 or 8, require external inspection at least annually and internal inspection at least every three years when construction permits; §7 exceptions apply. ^3,²
Refrigeration and air-conditioning systems	Section 45A exempts systems under 20 tons and specified location or exclusive-use categories. Other systems need either division inspection and a division certificate or insurance by an authorized pressure-vessel company, periodic inspection and a certificate. Only systems requiring a division certificate must be inspected at least annually. ⁵

What to Watch for With Equipment Breakdown in Massachusetts

Check refrigeration capacity and the listed exceptions
Section 45A’s capacity exception is strictly less than 20 tons; a system rated exactly 20 tons is not within that exception. Other exceptions cover systems in railway trains, motor vehicles, private residences and apartment houses with fewer than five apartments; systems on federal-jurisdiction property; and systems used exclusively for agriculture, horticulture or floriculture. For systems outside the exceptions, confirm whether the division or authorized-insurer inspection route applies and keep the certificate with the equipment records. ⁵
Plan around the boiler’s type and use
Section 6 sets an annual internal and external cycle for steam boilers subject to §7, with a possible board extension on written application. Section 70 covers hot-water heating boilers used for space heating, qualifying heat storage or process heating within ASME Code sections 1, 4 or 8, except §7 boilers; those units have annual external and three-year internal inspections when construction permits. Confirm the unit’s use, code scope and due dates before a facility handoff or shutdown. ^1,^3,²
Apply every part of the boiler exception that may fit
Section 7 excludes railroad locomotives, motor vehicles and steam fire engines brought in temporarily for emergency use; boilers in private residences; heating boilers only when pressure is no more than 15 psi and grate area is under four square feet; boilers of three horsepower or less; federally controlled boilers; and boilers used exclusively for horticulture or agriculture. A low-pressure reading alone does not establish the heating-boiler exception; confirm both limits and the boiler’s use. ²
Separate inspection service from insurance protection
For §45A systems, an authorized pressure-vessel company’s periodic inspection and certificate can be an alternative to division inspection; the annual-inspection sentence applies to systems requiring a division certificate. For a qualifying §70 hot-water boiler, an authorized insurance inspector may make the first installation inspection, and the department issues a certificate after the insurer inspector reports safe working order and the required fee is received. Ask who handles each inspection and review policy terms separately for equipment damage, interruption, spoilage and utility loss. ^5,^3,^4,⁶

Providers With Massachusetts License Records

No provider in our research has both a state license record and a listing for this coverage line. This does not establish that providers are unlicensed. Check the regulator’s license lookup and confirm availability with a provider when requesting a quote.

Who Regulates Insurance in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts Division of Insurance

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance licenses insurers and producers, reviews rates and forms, and handles insurance complaints. Use the State Based Systems lookup for producers, agencies, and surplus-lines brokers. For insurer status, use the DOI’s separate licensed or approved company lists, including the eligible surplus-lines company list. Before filing a complaint, contact the insurer or producer; if the response is unsatisfactory, submit the online form with supporting papers. The DOI says not to use the form for ongoing litigation. ^7,^8,^9,¹⁰

Website: Regulator website
License lookup: Search licensed producers
Complaints: File a complaint
Phone: 617-521-7794

Surplus-Lines Tax and Stamping Office in Massachusetts

Reported tax rate. 4% of gross premiums less gross return premiums on risks or exposures in Massachusetts or another state when Massachusetts is the insured’s home state. ^11,^12,^13,¹⁴

A diligent effort to place coverage with admitted insurers is generally required before surplus-lines placement through a specially licensed Massachusetts broker. The narrow §224 large-commercial exception is described in the note below.

Multi-state surplus-lines tax dates and exceptions: For this rule, home state means the state of the insured’s principal place of business or, for an individual, principal residence; if 100% of the risk is outside that state, home state is where the greatest percentage of taxable premium for that insurance contract is allocated. For multi-state policies effective on or after August 10, 2018, the Division of Insurance says the 4% tax applies to gross premium regardless of whether risks are inside or outside Massachusetts when Massachusetts is the insured’s home state. For earlier effective dates, Massachusetts risk portions are taxed at 4%, while out-of-state portions are taxed at the rates for their allocated premium. The Division lists exceptions for policies issued to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, federal credit unions when they are the purchaser, and tribal lands on reservations. Brokers still make required filings for exempt policies. Tax-exempt status alone is not specifically excluded. ^11,¹²
Narrow large-commercial placement exception: Section 168(b)(iv) exempts the diligent-effort affidavit and excess-placement condition in §168(b)(iii) only for a §224 qualifying commercial risk or policyholder. The policyholder must acknowledge in writing that the insurer is not admitted and that the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund will not pay an insolvency loss. Section 224 eligibility is limited to a corporation, partnership, trust, sole proprietorship, or other business or public entity with at least $30,000 in aggregate property-and-casualty premiums, excluding workers’ compensation. The holder must certify its election and understanding of limited regulatory oversight and certify at least two criteria: net worth of $10 million; net revenue or sales of $5 million; more than 25 employees per individual company OR more than 50 employees per holding company aggregate; a nonprofit or public entity with annual budget or assets of $25 million or more; a municipality with population of 20,000 or more; or retention of a risk manager who is either a full-time employee or retained by the policyholder; that person must be licensed and hold one of these qualifications: certified insurance counselor, chartered property and casualty underwriter, associate in risk management, certified risk manager, or licensed insurance advisor in property and casualty. ^13,¹⁴

Questions to Ask Before You Buy Equipment Breakdown in Massachusetts

Which boilers, refrigeration systems and other machines are scheduled, and how does the form define a covered mechanical or electrical breakdown?
For each boiler or cooling system, what inspection category, due date, certificate and installation records should we provide?
What limits, waiting periods and deductibles apply separately to equipment damage, business income and extra expense?
If refrigeration fails, does the quote cover spoilage and utility-service interruption, and what capacity, cause and time limits apply?

Equipment Breakdown Insurance in Massachusetts: FAQ

Does a Massachusetts inspection certificate prove the equipment is insured?

No. The cited laws use inspections and certificates to regulate safe operation; they do not decide whether your policy covers a breakdown, repair cost, lost income or spoiled stock. Check the policy schedule and terms. ^4,^6,⁵

Does a system rated exactly 20 tons fit Massachusetts’s capacity exception?

No. Section 45A says less than 20 tons, so a system rated exactly 20 tons does not qualify for that capacity exception. Other listed location and use exceptions may still apply. ⁵

Sources for Equipment Breakdown Insurance in Massachusetts

1
Massachusetts General Laws c. 146, § 6. Massachusetts General Court; Opening paragraph: annual internal/external inspection of steam boilers; written board extension up to six months; §7 exceptions apply. Page showed 194th General Court and September 28, 2026; accessed 2026-09-29. Accessed 2026-09-29.
2
Massachusetts General Laws c. 146, § 7. Massachusetts General Court; Complete operative text: exceptions to § 6 by use, location, equipment, pressure/grate area, horsepower and federal jurisdiction. Page showed 194th General Court and September 28, 2026; accessed 2026-09-29. Accessed 2026-09-29.
3
Massachusetts General Laws c. 146, § 70. Massachusetts General Court; Opening sentence: covered hot-water heating uses and ASME Code sections 1, 4 or 8; §7 exceptions; inspection cycle. First-installation sentence permits division or authorized insurance inspector. Page showed 194th General Court and September 28, 2026; accessed 2026-09-29. Accessed 2026-09-29.
4
Massachusetts General Laws c. 146, § 71. Massachusetts General Court; Operation rule for boilers required to be inspected under §70; insurance-inspector report; department certificate after required fee. Page showed 194th General Court and September 28, 2026; accessed 2026-09-29. Accessed 2026-09-29.
5
Massachusetts General Laws c. 146, § 45A. Massachusetts General Court; Opening paragraph: exact system exceptions; division-inspection/certificate route or authorized pressure-vessel company periodic-inspection/certificate route; annual inspection only for division certificates. Page showed 194th General Court and September 28, 2026; accessed 2026-09-29. Accessed 2026-09-29.
6
Massachusetts General Laws c. 146, § 73. Massachusetts General Court; Authorized insurance-company inspectors for hot-water heating boilers and appurtenances; out-of-state boiler-shop proviso. Page showed 194th General Court and September 28, 2026; accessed 2026-09-29. Accessed 2026-09-29.
7
Division of Insurance. Massachusetts Division of Insurance; Official DOI overview: insurer/producer licensing, rates/forms review, complaints and solvency oversight; Contact Us / phone. Page text retrieved in search rendering; direct fetch returned 403. Accessed 2026-09-29.
8
Find Insurance Agents, Agencies and Other Licensees. Massachusetts Division of Insurance; SBS online-verification description and enumerated classes: producers, agencies, public adjusters, appraisers, advisers, reinsurance intermediaries, surplus-lines brokers, life-settlement brokers; insurers are not listed. Page text retrieved in search rendering; direct fetch returned 403. Accessed 2026-09-29.
9
Massachusetts Licensed Insurance Companies. Massachusetts Division of Insurance; Directory headings distinguish Massachusetts Licensed or Approved Companies and Massachusetts Eligible Surplus Lines Companies. Page text retrieved in search rendering; direct fetch returned 403; no company row checked. Accessed 2026-09-29.
10
DOI Online Insurance Complaint Form. Massachusetts Division of Insurance; Introductory instructions: contact insurer/producer first; if unsatisfied complete form and attach papers; not for ongoing litigation. Page text retrieved in search rendering; direct fetch returned 403; interactive form not opened/submitted. Accessed 2026-09-29.
11
M.G.L. c.175, §168. Massachusetts General Court; Current statute directly opened: §168(a) home-state definition and greatest-taxable-premium fallback if 100% risk outside principal-business state; §168(d)(2) 4% on gross premiums less gross returns for risks/exposures in MA or elsewhere if MA is home state. Accessed 2026-09-29.
12
Surplus Lines Insurance. Massachusetts Division of Insurance; Official FAQ: “What is the premium tax rate on surplus lines insurance written in Massachusetts?” (complete answer: post-Aug. 10, 2018 flat 4% gross-premium rule and pre-date state allocation); “Are any surplus lines premiums exempt from the 4% surplus lines tax?” (complete answer: MBTA, federal credit unions when purchaser, tribal lands on reservations); “If an insured is granted tax-exempt status…” (complete answer: §168 does not specifically exclude tax-exempt organizations). Complete relevant FAQ answers appeared in official page body returned by search rendering; direct URL open returned 403. Accessed 2026-09-29.
13
M.G.L. c.175, §168. Massachusetts General Court; Official statute directly opened: §168(b)(iii)–(iv), lines 62–66. Complete scope: affidavit of diligent admitted-market effort and placement only of the amount unavailable from admitted companies; clause (iii) does not apply to a §224 qualifying commercial risk/policyholder with written understanding of nonadmitted status and no Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund payment for insolvency. Accessed 2026-09-29.
14
M.G.L. c.175, §224. Massachusetts General Court; Official statute directly opened: §224(a), lines 49–62. Complete large-commercial definition and all six criteria reviewed, including criterion (3): more than 25 employees per individual company OR more than 50 employees per holding company aggregate. Accessed 2026-09-29.
15
Licenses. At-Bay; Current producer introduction and state table; At-Bay Insurance Services LLC; P&C and surplus-lines identifiers. Accessed 2026-09-21.
16
Licenses and Carriers. Coalition; Licenses and Carriers, re-read 22 September 2026: Insurance Licenses table for Coalition Insurance Solutions, Inc., national producer number 18419475, with producer and surplus-lines numbers for all 50 states and DC including California 0L76155, Georgia 196479, Texas 2199630 and 2205589, Pennsylvania 815731 and 817452, Colorado 539028 and Wisconsin 3000108852. Insurance Carriers table naming, with NAIC numbers, Allianz Underwriters Insurance Company 36420, Arch Specialty Insurance Company 21199, Ascot Specialty Insurance Company 45055, Ascot Insurance Company 23752, Aspen Specialty Insurance Company 10717, Chaucer Insurance Company DAC, Coalition Insurance Company 29530, Fireman's Fund Indemnity Corporation 11380, Fortegra Specialty Insurance Company 16823, Lloyd's of London, MSIG Specialty Insurance USA Inc. 34886, MS Transverse Specialty Insurance Company 41807, Steadfast Insurance Company 26387, Vantage Risk Specialty Insurance Company 16275 and Zurich American Insurance Company 16535. Accessed 2026-09-22.
17
Insurance Producer Licenses. Corgi Insurance; Current complete Insurance Producer Licenses table for Corgi Insurance Services, Inc.; 50 rows covering 49 states and DC (DC 3003091619); no New Mexico row; no NPN or as-of date shown. Accessed 2026-09-28.
18
About Hiscox US Insurance. Hiscox; Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. NAIC 10200 as Chicago, IL domiciled insurer admitted or licensed in all 50 states and D.C.; Hiscox Inc. as general agent and Lloyd’s coverholder for Syndicates 33 and 3624; surplus-lines placements through licensed surplus-lines brokers; A.M. Best rating statement. Accessed 2026-09-16.
19
Licenses. ERGO NEXT Insurance; Current entity-by-state license table reopened 28 September 2026: 50 rows under Next First Insurance Agency, Inc., including Washington, DC; New York rows instead list Next Insurance Services PC-1423070 and AP Intego BR-1198885. Accessed 2026-09-28.
20
About Risklytics. Risklytics; What we do; Who we insure; Licensing; Agency licenses table dated 2026-09-10. Accessed 2026-09-16.
21
Insurance Licenses by State. TechInsurance; Current state table; identifies TechInsurance as a division of Specialty Program Group LLC d/b/a SPG Insurance Solutions; lists DC 3000041536 and labels Rhode Island “Individual licenses,” without an agency license number. Accessed 2026-09-28.
22
Licenses. Vouch; Effective 16 January 2025: Vouch Specialty Insurance Services, LLC, NPN 19926463; P&C table (50 states and DC); surplus-lines table includes Idaho 870820; footnote says Georgia and Idaho do not issue agency-level surplus-lines licenses; Idaho retained as producer-only due to conflict. Accessed 2026-09-15.

What Equipment Breakdown Insurance Requirements Apply in Massachusetts?

What Is Equipment Breakdown Insurance?

Massachusetts Equipment Breakdown Insurance Requirements

What to Watch for With Equipment Breakdown in Massachusetts

Check refrigeration capacity and the listed exceptions

Plan around the boiler’s type and use

Apply every part of the boiler exception that may fit

Separate inspection service from insurance protection