As one of the oldest and most trusted insurance agencies in America, we provide Massachusetts families and businesses with trusted coverage. Whether you need homeowners insurance, general liability insurance, apartment building insurance, auto insurance, workers’ comp insurance– or something else– we are here to offer you the coverage you need at affordable and accessible rates. With generations of expertise behind us, we know how to protect what matters most to you!
Farquhar & Black is a local, family-owned insurance agency that’s been deeply rooted in the North Shore community for generations.
From devastating city fires and chemical explosions to severe storms, floods, and blizzards, we’ve helped Massachusetts families and businesses protect what matters most through some of the most challenging moments in history.
Today, we continue that legacy by offering dependable insurance solutions, including homeowners insurance, commercial auto insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and much more—always tailored to your unique needs.
We are also a Trusted Choice Agency. As a Trusted Choice Agency, we are dedicated to you and are committed to treating you as a person, not a policy. We work with carriers like Merrimack Mutual, Quincy Mutual, Travelers, and Zurich to find the right coverage for you.
Our agency is led by President Ned Breed, CIC, who has spent decades guiding Massachusetts families and businesses through complex insurance decisions. His experience, along with our seasoned team, means you receive honest, expert advice—not one-size-fits-all recommendations.
Want to know who you’ll be working with?
Meet the people behind the policies on our Meet Our Team page.
Farquhar & Black is a Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency. That means we work for you, not for a single insurance company. We’re committed to treating you as a person, not a policy number—and to finding coverage that truly fits your life or business.
As an independent agency, we partner with many respected carriers, including:
Our independent approach ensures you receive the best coverage at competitive rates, backed by decades of local experience. With deep knowledge of the Massachusetts insurance market and the freedom to work with multiple carriers, we help clients secure comprehensive protection that is both reliable and competitively priced.
From small businesses to larger commercial operations, we provide clear guidance on:
Protect your lifestyle with the right personal insurance solutions! We are proud to serve families and individuals with top-tier homeowners insurance, car insurance, and more! Whether you are in Marblehead, MA, Swampscott, MA, or Peabody, MA, we tailor your coverage and ensure that programs are designed to provide peace of mind and great value.
In addition to our comprehensive personal insurance portfolio, we provide:
Our goal is simple: coverage that provides peace of mind and real value.
Our mission is to be the trusted partner that protects what matters most to you—your home, your business, your family, and your future. Built on integrity, expertise, and a deep commitment to our community, we’ve earned a 94% customer retention rate. Generations of families and businesses choose to stay with us year after year because they know we’ll be there when it counts.
We were here for you yesterday, we’re here for you today, and we’ll be here for you tomorrow.
We are more than an insurance agency; we’re a local legacy built on trust! Get a quote today and let us be your partner in protection.
Trusted for Generations
Independent & Local
We shop the top carriers, not just one company, to find the right coverage for you.
Over a Century and a Half of Experience
Proudly serving families and businesses across Massachusetts since 1854.
Personalized Guidance
Our agents are real, honest people who offer clear advice and coverage tailored to your needs.
Hassle-Free Process
We respect your time and make getting insured simple and straightforward– every time!