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.
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.
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 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 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
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 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
Read our full Chubb homeowners insurance review here
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 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
