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.
Expert reviewed
Expert reviewed
This article has been reviewed by a licensed Policygenius expert to ensure that sources, statistics, and claims meet our standard for accurate and unbiased advice.
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.
The city of Boston is rich with history, arts and entertainment, colleges, and a vibrant nightlife. Whether you enjoy being on the water, exploring a museum, or taking a walking tour down the streets of our founding fathers, there’s something for everyone. Despite the abundant treasures of the city, New England winters, coastal flooding, and high crime rates are just some of the reasons why Bostonians should protect their homes with a good homeowners insurance policy.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Boston is $1,562 per year or $130 a month. This is around 12% higher than the statewide average of $1,382 per year, and about 19% lower than the national average of $1,899.
However, cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a home insurance company. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Boston.
Best homeowners insurance companies in Boston
Of the companies we looked at, Safety Insurance has the lowest rate with an average yearly cost of $1,129. This is $433 below the average cost of home insurance in Boston, and $253 below the Massachusetts average. MAPFRE Insurance and Arbella Insurance are also both below the average annual rate in Boston at $1,227 and $1,351, respectively.
In addition to cost, it’s important to consider other factors such as a company’s policy offerings and customer and claim satisfaction ratings with entities like J.D. Power.
Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest Boston 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 Boston residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Boston.
Company
Average yearly cost
J.D. Power Rating
MAPFRE Insurance
$1,227
--
Safety Insurance
$1,129
--
The Andover
$1,600
--
Chubb
$2,000
801
Arbella Insurance
$1,351
--
MAPFRE
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
With homes dating back to the 1600’s, Boston residents living in historical houses will love MAPFRE’s specialized policies. If your antique home is damaged and in need of repair from a covered event, MAPFRE will help find the contractors and materials needed to restore your home to its historical best.
How to get a quote
Online through MAPFRE
Safety Insurance
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
Not only does Safety offer multiple levels of coverage so you can find the best policy for your house and budget, they also have several discounts and credits available to save their customers money. You can save 20% for bundling home and auto, 18% for a new home, and 16% for a fire and burglar alarm.
How to get a quote
By calling a Safety Insurance agent
The Andover
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
The Andover has been in business since 1828 and prides itself on its customer service, quality coverage, and ability to personalize your policy to make it work for you. They have exceptional ratings with A.M. Best and a strong financial standing, making them a dependable, local expert for Boston residents.
How to get a quote
By calling a The Andover agent
Chubb
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
Boston is one of the most expensive cities in the US to live, making Chubb’s policies for high-value homes an advantage for the city. [1] Chubb’s Masterpiece Homeowners Coverage offers an array of extra services including temporary living arrangements if a covered loss has left your home unlivable and in-home risk consultations to make sure your house is fully protected.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Chubb
Arbella Insurance
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
Arbella’s top-notch customer service makes them a great choice for Boston residents looking for personal attention. Their experts are available around the clock and claims can be filed online or through their mobile app. They also offer extra protection for home repairs such as air conditioning and heating as well as services to combat cyber attacks.
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by ZIP code in Boston
Looking at average home insurance costs for 15 of the most popular companies in Boston, we found that the cheapest homeowners insurance in the city can be found in the 02108 ZIP code (Beacon Hill) with Narragansett Bay. The average Narragansett Bay rate in this area is $966 per year, which is almost $600 less than the city average of $1,562 per year.
While Narragansett Bay offers the lowest rate in the city, it’s only available in the Beacon Hill neighborhood. The cheapest rates in the remaining 17 zipcodes are through Safety Insurance, UPC Insurance, and MAPFRE insurance.
ZIP code
Company
Average yearly cost
02108
Narragansett Bay
$966
02109
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02110
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02111
UPC Insurance
$1,070
02113
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02114
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02115
UPC Insurance
$992
02116
UPC Insurance
$1,031
02118
MAPFRE Insurance
$1,244
02127
MAPFRE Insurance
$1,244
02128
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02133
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02163
UPC Insurance
$968
02199
UPC Insurance
$1,022
02203
Safety Insurance
$1,078
02210
MAPFRE Insurance
$1,244
02215
UPC Insurance
$1,007
02222
Safety Insurance
$1,078
The most affordable areas for homeowners insurance in Boston
With an average home insurance rate of $1,452 per year, the 02163 ZIP code (Allston), is the most affordable area for home insurance in Boston. Much of Allston is populated with young, unmarried residents with smaller homes and condos than the state average, which contributes to its affordable insurance rates. [2]
ZIP code
Average yearly cost
02163
$1,452
02133
$1,453
02215
$1,466
02199
$1,478
02114
$1,487
The most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Boston
With an average home insurance rate of $1,784, the 02210 ZIP code (West Broadway/South Boston) is the most expensive area for home insurance in Boston. Residents of this ZIP code tend to be affluent with home values that are above the local averages. Houses requiring more coverage will usually see higher insurance premiums.
ZIP code
Average yearly cost
02210
$1,784
02127
$1,783
02118
$1,711
02116
$1,596
02203
$1,591
Shopping for homeowners insurance in Boston
Home values in Boston average nearly $720,000 and prices are continuing to rise. [3] Residents of this expensive city would be wise to ensure their home insurance policies adequately cover the cost of repairing or rebuilding their houses in case tragedy strikes. Having the cheapest insurance rates won’t do much good if your dwelling coverage doesn’t pay for the cost of repairs. When looking for the best homeowners insurance for you, it’s best to shop around and compare policy options from several companies.
In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Boston 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 Boston.
Boston home insurance costs by coverage amounts
As mentioned above, dwelling coverage is the part of your insurance policy that covers the actual structure of your home. If your home is damaged in a covered event, dwelling coverage pays for the necessary repairs, up to a certain amount laid out in your policy. The amount paid to repair or rebuild your home is determined by construction and labor costs in area.
As shown in the table below, higher dwelling coverage amounts will increase your annual premium. While $100,000 in dwelling coverage costs an average of $799 in Boston, houses that require up to $500,000 in coverage will see rates as high as $2,358 per year.
Dwelling coverage amount
Average yearly cost
$100,000
$799
$200,000
$1,216
$300,000
$1,562
$400,000
$1,947
$500,000
$2,358
Liability coverage is the part of your home insurance policy that pays for medical or legal bills if you’re held liable for someone else’s injury or property damage. To make sure you are fully protected in case of a lawsuit, your liability coverage should be enough to cover the total value of your home, vehicles, and liquid assets.
In most cases, the more liability coverage you need on your policy, the higher your premium will be. In Boston, the average home insurance rate for a policy with $100,000 in liability coverage is $1,485, while the average cost of a policy with $500,000 in liability coverage is $1,665.
Liability coverage amount
Average yearly cost
$100,000
$1,485
$200,000
$1,529
$300,000
$1,562
$400,000
$1,362
$500,000
$1,665
Boston home insurance costs by deductible amount
Your deductible is the set amount you have to pay on each claim before your insurance kicks in. Unlike medical deductibles, which are paid over the course of a year, home insurance deductibles are paid for every claim you make.
Usually, lower deductibles come with higher insurance rates, but, as seen in the table below, the average rate for a policy with a $500 deductible is actually $36 lower than the $2,000 option.
Deductible amount
Average yearly cost
$500
$1,749
$1,000
$1,562
$2,000
$1,785
Home insurance discounts in Boston
Many insurance companies in Boston offer discounts if you take steps to protect your home from damages caused by theft or fire. The more security measures you have in place, the less likely you are to file a claim — something that saves insurers money.
With Boston’s high crime rate, having features like a deadbolt or security system will not only keep you safe, but they will also lower the cost of insurance.
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 Boston with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms.
Discount
Average yearly cost
Dead bolt
$1,562
Smoke alarm
$1,555
Burglar alarm
$1,500
Home insurance companies in Boston for dog owners
Insurance companies deem certain dog breeds as liability risks due to the heightened chance of bites and attacks. Some insurers will raise rates to offset the risk involved with owning a dangerous dog, while others won’t cover you at all if you own one of these breeds.
With an average rate of $1,129 per year, Safety Insurance has the cheapest home insurance rates in Boston for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Chubb’s average yearly premium of $2,000 is the highest.
Company
Average yearly cost
Safety Insurance
$1,129
MAPFRE Insurance
$1,227
Arbella Insurance
$1,351
The Andover
$1,600
Chubb
$2,000
Home insurance companies in Boston for pool owners
Swimming pools are often seen as a liability by insurance companies because of the risk of someone getting injured on your property. Because of this risk, companies will often charge higher rates to offset potential claims. Some insurers factor this in less than others, however, and you can still find competitive premiums even if you have a backyard pool.
With an average rate of $1,129 per year, Safety Insurance has the cheapest home insurance rates for Boston homes that have a swimming pool, while Chubb’s average yearly premium of $2,000 is the most expensive.
Company
Average yearly cost
Safety Insurance
$1,129
MAPFRE Insurance
$1,227
Arbella Insurance
$1,351
The Andover
$1,600
Chubb
$2,000
How to buy homeowners insurance in Boston
With so many options to consider, deciding on the right homeowners insurance for your needs can seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below are some easy steps you can take to be on your way to a new policy in no time:
Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. No one expects you to be an insurance expert, which is why our experts are on hand to discuss your coverage options. At no charge to you, a Policygenius agent can help you find the right coverage for the right price.
Consider purchasing special coverage options. If you live in a historical or high-value home, there are several insurers in Boston who offer coverage specific to your needs.
Ask about MPIUA insurance. MPIUA is the Massachusetts FAIR plan which covers customers who are unable to obtain traditional insurance. Ask your Policygenius agent about this option if it applies to you.
Figure out how much you can afford to pay for your deductible. Considering factors like hurricanes and Nor’easters, Boston residents should decide how much they can pay out of pocket in case of frequent claims from a bad storm season.
Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Since one company might charge more for a pool on your property while another is more concerned about your pit bull, it’s important to shop around. Your Policygenius agent can give you the best options to compare.
Choose your policy, sign it, and pay your first premium. Once you’ve picked the policy that’s right for you, your Policygenius agent will prepare the paperwork for your signature. They’ll let you know how to make your first payment and even cancel your current policy for you.
Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, going from year to year without making a claim, and adding safety features to your home. Ask your Policygenius agent about more discounts you can apply to your new policy.
Why is insurance in my ZIP code more than others in Boston?
Insurance rates fluctuate from one part of the city to the next based on factors such as crime, proximity to flood zones, and amount of coverage required for the value of the home.
What is the best average rate in Boston?
Safety Insurance has some of the best rates in the city even if you own a pool or a dog breed considered to be dangerous.
Is my shed covered under my dwelling coverage?
No, dwelling insurance covers only the structures that are attached to your house. Your policy’s other structures coverage provides a limited amount of protection for detached structures on your property, such as sheds, fences, and detached garages.
Methodology
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.
References
Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of our
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.
