Best homeowners insurance in Massachusetts for 2023

We looked at policy cost, coverage quality, and unique policy offerings for Massachusetts residents to find the best homeowners insurance companies in Massachusetts.

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Jessica OlivoFreelance contributorJessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.
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Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Certified Financial PlannerIan Bloom, CFP®, RLP®, is a certified financial planner and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius. Previously, he was a financial advisor at MetLife and MassMutual.

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Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

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Despite its size, Massachusetts is the most populated state in New England and offers something for everyone, which is what makes it a desirable place to live. With home insurance rates below the national average, homeowners have one more reason to enjoy living in Massachusetts.

Compare home insurance rates in Massachusetts

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The average cost of homeowners insurance in Massachusetts is $1,382 per year or $115 a month. This is around 31% lower than the national average of $1,899 per year. 

But there are other factors you should consider when choosing an insurer. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Massachusetts.  

Home

UPDATE: Home insurance premiums up 10.6% in Massachusetts

Home insurance premiums in Massachusetts increased nearly 11% from May 2021 to May 2022, according to our latest analysis of internal policyholder data. This is due to a mix of rising inflation, labor shortages, and severe natural disasters that have caused insurance companies to increase rates and establish stricter underwriting rules to offset the risks.

You can find all of the details in our Policygenius Home Insurance Pricing Report

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:

  • Dwelling: $300,000

  • Other structures: $30,000

  • Personal property: $150,000

  • Loss of use: $60,000

  • Liability: $300,000

  • Medical: $1,000

All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Best homeowners insurance companies in Massachusetts

Of the companies we evaluated, MAPFRE has the lowest rate in Massachusetts with an average yearly cost of $1,179, $200 less than the state average. Safety Insurance, The Andover, and Arbella Insurance also offer rates below the state average, providing several low-cost options in Massachusetts. 

Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest Massachusetts insurers to find the average cost of homeowners insurance with each company in 2022. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Massachusetts residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Massachusetts.

Company

Average yearly cost

J.D. Power Rating

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,179

--

Safety Insurance

$1,245

--

The Andover

$1,238

--

Chubb

$1,471

801

Arbella Insurance

$1,248

--

MAPFRE

MAPFRE logo

MAPFRE provides standard and atypical home insurance coverage that you can't get with most companies. This includes a specialized policy for historic or antique homes — something many Massachusetts homes need considering they're among the nation's oldest.

Pros

  • Flexible coverage options for standard, high-value, and antique homes

  • Excellent coverage add-ons, like water backup insurance and guaranteed replacement cost coverage

  • Offers a cash-out settlement option for total losses

  • Special home repair program offers emergency repairs in less than 2 hours and includes a 5-year warranty on work

  • Scores a near-perfect rating for customer service with Trustpilot reviewers

  • Industry-best digital claims services

Cons

  • Not much information about discounts available online

Why MAPFRE Insurance tops our best list

There are several perks to insuring your house with MAPFRE, including its Select Home Restoration program which expedites the process of getting your house back to normal as soon as possible after a covered loss. For customers living in one of Massachusetts' many historical homes, MAPFRE will work to restore houses to their original condition using knowledgeable craftsmen and authentic materials to maintain the antique quality of the home.

How to get a quote

Online through MAPFRE

Safety Insurance

Safety Insurance logo

Safety offers four distinct home insurance policy levels for most home types and coverage needs. And bonus: You could save up to 20% when you bundle your home and auto insurance policies together.

Pros

  • Higher policy tiers come with guaranteed replacement cost, service line protection, and equipment breakdown coverage

  • Save up to 20% when you bundle your home and auto insurance

  • Other discounts available include ones for new homes, signing up for e-billing, and having safety devices

  • Receives fewer customer complaints than the industry average

Cons

  • Can't file claims online — must speak to a Safety agent over the phone

  • Doesn't offer flood insurance — you'll need to take out a separate policy with another company

Why Safety Insurance tops our best list

While Safety Insurance’s average rates in Massachusetts are already below the state average, the company still offers ways to save their customers even more money on their policies. By bundling your home and auto insurance, you can save up to 20% on homeowners insurance, 5% on Personal Umbrella, and 5% on Dwelling Fire Protection. Safety also offers Home Cyber Protection to safeguard your personal devices and home technology.  

How to get a quote

By calling a Safety Insurance agent

The Andover

The Andover logo

With 200 years under its belt and a reputation for personalized and exceptional customer service, The Andover offers a slew of homeowners insurance coverage add-ons to ensure you're fully protected.

Pros

  • Excellent coverage add-ons, including guaranteed replacement cost, water backup, equipment breakdown, and home cyber protection

  • Good industry reputation

Cons

  • Can't file claims online — must call and speak to an agent

  • Not much information about discounts available online

Why The Andover tops our best list

Along with The Andover’s standard coverage options, it also offers several add-ons that will enhance any home insurance policy. Its identity theft coverage provides a case manager to limit and rectify the effects of identity theft as well as reimbursement for expenses associated with restoring your identity. The Andover also provides home cyber protection, water and sewer backup coverage, and guaranteed replacement cost coverage.

How to get a quote

By calling an Andover agent in your area

Chubb

Chubb logo

Chubb is a top-tier insurer ideal for high-value homes that need more robust coverage that goes beyond the run-of-the-mill options offered by traditional insurance companies.

Pros

  • Base policies include extended replacement cost coverage for your home and replacement cost coverage for your personal property — two perks that cost extra with most other companies

  • Helps you find temporary living arrangements if your home can't be lived in after a covered loss

  • No deductible on losses greater than $50,000

  • Cash-out claim settlement option means you can still get paid even if you decide not to repair your home after a covered loss

Cons

  • Rates are among highest in the industry

  • Will only insure high-value homes

Why Chubb tops our best list

While Chubb’s rates may be higher than the state average, their service and offerings for high-value properties make them a desirable choice for customers looking beyond typical insurance options. With that higher premium, you receive services such as extended replacement cost protection and water back up coverage, which typically have to be added on at an extra cost with other companies. Chubb prides itself on offering policies tailored to your needs.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Chubb

Arbella Insurance

Arbella Insurance logo

Arbella Insurance has provided comprehensive home insurance and personalized customer service to New Englanders for over 30 years. Our favorite perk? Its cyber protection that even pays for relocation costs if you're forced to move due to cyber bullying.

Pros

  • Offers home cyber protection, including coverage to remove viruses from your computer or expenses incurred due to cyber bullying

  • Optional home systems coverage to pay for repairs to your furnace, central AC system, and more after accidental breakdowns

  • Save up to 20% when you bundle your home and auto insurance

  • File claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

  • Not much information about coverages and discounts available online

Why Arbella Insurance tops our best list

Arbella makes insurance easy with several online and mobile options to pay your bill, file a claim, or make an inquiry with their customer service team. Their online billing offers different plans and options for making payments. Arbella also offers many ways to save money including up to 20% off with their “Switch and Save” discount.

How to get a quote

By calling an Arbella agent

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by city in Massachusetts

Looking at average home insurance costs for the 15 most popular insurers in Massachusetts, we found that one of the cheapest homeowners insurance company in the state is UPC Insurance. UPC offers rates under $1,000 per year in many Massachusetts cities, including Haverhill, Newton, and Worcester. 

As the table demonstrates, homeowners insurance rates fluctuate even within the same state. Larger cities like Boston with more densely populated neighborhoods and potentially higher crime will see higher insurance rates. Similarly, premiums in towns along Massachusetts’ coast will also be higher due to the possibility of storm damage. 

But despite these factors, there are still many affordable coverage options in the state. 

City

Company

Average yearly cost

Boston

Safety Insurance

$1,129

Brockton

UPC Insurance

$1,155

Cambridge

Safety Insurance

$865

Fall River

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,115

Framingham

UPC Insurance

$854

Haverhill

UPC Insurance

$774

Lawrence

UPC Insurance

$844

Lowell

UPC Insurance

$756

Lynn

UPC Insurance

$1,132

Malden

Vermont Mutual Insurance

$874

Medford

UPC Insurance

$867

New Bedford

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,330

Newton

UPC Insurance

$879

Quincy

MAPFRE Insurance

$747

Revere

UPC Insurance

$1,188

Somerville

Safety Insurance

$898

Springfield

UPC Insurance

$853

Taunton

UPC Insurance

$1,024

Waltham

UPC Insurance

$838

Worcester

UPC Insurance

$828

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Compare home insurance rates in Massachusetts

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Shopping for homeowners insurance in Massachusetts

With many reputable insurers available in Massachusetts, it’s important to shop around when looking for home insurance. Getting quotes from multiple companies will provide you with a wider set of coverage options and rates to compare. 

In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Massachusetts for different coverage and deductible levels, as well as the cheapest and most expensive home insurance companies in the state for individuals with a poor credit score, dog owners, and pool owners. Once you’re ready to shop, a Policygenius expert can help you navigate your coverage needs and help you find the best deal on homeowners insurance in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage is one of the most important aspects of your insurance policy. This is the amount your insurer will pay to repair or rebuild your home in case of a qualifying event, like a fire or windstorm. Your coverage should be based on the amount it would cost to replace your home — not its current market value or the price you paid for your house.

As demonstrated in the table below, homes that require more dwelling coverage generally cost more to insure. A policy with $100,000 in dwelling coverage costs an average of around $708 per year, but the price tag jumps up to an average of $2,103 per year for policies with $500,000 in coverage. 

Dwelling coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$708

$200,000

$1,052

$300,000

$1,382

$400,000

$1,731

$500,000

$2,103

Much like dwelling coverage, liability coverage is a vital part of your home insurance policy. If you’re sued for an injury on your property, liability coverage may cover your medical bills, legal fees, or whatever else you’re responsible for paying. 

This coverage should be enough to cover your total assets, as a court can assess your net worth when deciding how much you have to pay. 

Insurance premiums generally go up as you increase your personal liability coverage limits, but in Massachusetts, the difference in cost between a policy with $100,000 in coverage and $500,000 is only around $150 per year, so it’s worth choosing the maximum amount of liability protection. 

Liability coverage amount

Average yearly cost

$100,000

$1,305

$200,000

$1,347

$300,000

$1,382

$400,000

$1,249

$500,000

$1,457

Massachusetts home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your homeowners insurance policy premiums are also affected by your deductible amount. A higher deductible means lower rates, while choosing a lower deductible will increase your rates. 

Since you have to pay a deductible on each claim, you’ll want to consider your home’s risk and likelihood of claims when choosing an amount. If your house is on the coast and sees a lot of storm damage, a low deductible policy may be the smarter option. 

As shown in the table below, Massachusetts residents can save around $165 on home insurance by choosing a $1,000 deductible over the $500 option.

Deductible amount

Average yearly cost

$500

$1,547

$1,000

$1,382

$2,000

$1,577

Home insurance discounts in Massachusetts

Insurance companies incentivize customers to add protective features to their home by providing discounts if you install safety devices like security systems and fire alarms. When you make your house safer, you’re not just protecting your home and your belongings, you’re also lowering your chances of having to file a claim, which in turn reduces your policy premium. 

While you won’t get a huge discount if your house has one of the following features and nothing else, they can add up if you have several protective devices in your home. Here is the average annual rate and average discount percentage for homes in Massachusetts with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms. 

Discount

Average yearly cost

Dead bolt

$1,382

Smoke alarm

$1,376

Burglar alarm

$1,328

Home insurance companies in Massachusetts for dog owners

Certain dogs probably get a bad rap, but insurance companies have found that dog breeds such as rottweilers, German shepherds, and pit bulls contribute to a high number of dog bite-related liability claims. So if you own a dog that is considered dangerous, some insurers may increase your home insurance rate. 

With an average rate of $1,179 per year, MAPFRE has the cheapest home insurance rates in Massachusetts for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Chubb’s average yearly premium of $1,471 is the highest. 

Company

Average yearly cost

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,179

The Andover

$1,238

Safety Insurance

$1,245

Arbella Insurance

$1,248

Chubb

$1,471

Home insurance companies in Massachusetts for pool owners

Having a pool in your backyard is a great way to beat that summer heat, but it also increases the risk of injury on your property, and for that reason, insurance companies will generally charge extra if you have one. Keep in mind that some companies may not weigh pools or other attractive nuisances as heavily as others when calculating your premiums.

With an average rate of $1,179 per year, MAPFRE has the cheapest home insurance rates for Massachusetts homes that have a swimming pool, while Chubb’s average yearly premium of $1,471 is the most expensive.

Company

Average yearly cost

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,179

The Andover

$1,238

Safety Insurance

$1,245

Arbella Insurance

$1,248

Chubb

$1,471

How to buy homeowners insurance in Massachusetts

Even if you already know what you want out of a company and policy, it’s still important to shop around to see who has the best homeowners insurance to suit your needs. Here are a few tips that will come in handy when you shop for homeowners insurance in Massachusetts.

  1. Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Whether you have questions about what coverage is best for you or you need help deciding between a couple of different policy options, our team of licensed insurance experts are available to help. Our service is free of charge and will not impact your credit score.

  2. Consider special coverage options. Massachusetts is a diverse state with high-value homes by the coast, as well as historic houses in bigger cities. Ask a Policygenius expert if there are special coverage options you should consider adding to your policy.

  3. Ask about MPIUA insurance – Massachusetts' FAIR plan provider. If you’re denied coverage by several insurance companies due to your home’s damage or liability risk, consider last-resort coverage with the MPIUA.

  4. Figure out your deductible amount. If you don’t foresee yourself having to file many claims, consider a higher policy deductible to save money on insurance premiums

  5. Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. A Policygenius expert can go through your quotes to help you decide on a policy that is both affordable and provides the best possible coverage.

  6. Choose your policy, sign it, and pay your first premium. Your Policygenius agent can help with all of the paperwork involved with your new policy, as well as direct you in making your first payment. 

Compare home insurance rates in Massachusetts

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Frequently asked questions

Will my insurance cost more if I have a pool on my property?

While not all companies increase rates for pool owners, some do see pools as a liability. There are many factors that go into determining the cost of insurance, however, and you can still find affordable coverage if you shop around.

Why does the average cost of insurance vary so much in Massachusetts?

Like many states, Massachusetts has a variety of people and homes with different factors which determine insurance rates. Homes by the ocean are more susceptible to wind damage, while larger houses in the suburbs may need more dwelling coverage.

Why should I use a Policygenius agent when shopping for insurance?

The experts at Policygenius take the stress out of shopping for insurance. They can help to determine how much coverage you need and then assist in preparing quotes and completing your paperwork.

Author

Jessica Olivo is a writer living in Connecticut. She specializes in web and blog content in a variety of topics such as parenting, business, and culture, as well as serialized and short fiction.

After working in publishing and book publicity for many years, she transitioned to freelance writing full time.

Editor

Pat Howard is a managing editor and licensed home insurance expert at Policygenius, where he specializes in homeowners insurance. His work and expertise has been featured in MarketWatch, Real Simple, Fox Business, VentureBeat, This Old House, Investopedia, Fatherly, Lifehacker, Better Homes & Garden, Property Casualty 360, and elsewhere.

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