The average annual cost of home insurance in Massachusetts is $1,921 for a policy with a $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, according to Insurify data.
Having comprehensive home insurance coverage is critical in Massachusetts, as the state has seen increased extreme weather events over the last few decades. The state experienced 23 weather-related disasters between 1990 and 2019. Heavy downpours alone increased 71% from 1958–2010.1
Here’s what you should know about comparing home insurance quotes and finding coverage in Massachusetts.
Best home insurance companies in Massachusetts
Many insurance companies offer home insurance coverage in Massachusetts. The right one for your household will depend on your needs, budget, and preferences. Here’s a look at some of the top insurers.
Cheapest rates: AIG Insurance
Best insurer for personalized coverage: Narragansett Bay
For more hands-on, personalized insurance guidance in Massachusetts, Narragansett Bay is a good option. In addition to its wide range of coverages (including flood insurance policies), the company also offers its ShelterPride program.
With this program, a Narragansett representative visits your home to ensure you have the proper coverage for all its features and elements, based on the current market prices and replacement costs. If they find your home is over-insured, you may see a reduction in your premium.
Best insurer for discounts: State Farm
Best insurer for customer service: USAA
Cheapest home insurance in Massachusetts
Whether you’re in Boston, Cape Cod, or somewhere in between, the cheapest home insurance company in Massachusetts is USAA. Its average monthly premium is just $108 for $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
In the table below, you can see how USAA measures up to other affordable insurers in Massachusetts.
Cost of homeowners insurance in Massachusetts
The average cost of homeowners insurance for $300,000 in dwelling coverage is $1,716 annually in Massachusetts, according to Insurify data. The national average for the same amount of coverage is $2,532.
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
The more dwelling coverage you select, the higher your home insurance premiums will be. This is because your insurer takes on more of the responsibility and will have to pay out more if your home is a total loss and you have to rebuild.
Below, you can see how the coverage limit you select can affect how much you’ll pay for home insurance coverage.
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible
Your home insurance deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company will kick in and cover a claim. The higher the deductible you choose (meaning you pay more if you file a claim), the lower your home insurance premium will usually be.
How to get cheap homeowners insurance in Massachusetts
You have many ways to reduce your home insurance premium and pay less to protect your property. Some common strategies you might want to try include:3
Choose a higher deductible. You can opt for a policy with a higher deductible, as this lessens the risk for the insurer and will qualify you for a lower premium. Just keep in mind that you’ll be on the hook for more money if you file a claim, so be sure to have a stocked emergency fund to be safe.
Bundle your insurance policies. Most insurance companies will give you a discount if you have multiple lines of insurance with them. This means taking out your car and home insurance with the same company — or maybe your renters or life insurance, too.
Make your home safer. Making your home safer — and more resistant to damage and burglary — can reduce your premiums. You can add a security system or fire alarm, install hurricane windows, install a stronger door, or make other updates. Ask your insurance agent if they have any recommendations for safeguarding your house.
Compare insurance companies. Every insurance company approaches risk and pricing differently, so premiums can vary widely from one insurer to the next. To make sure you’re getting the lowest premiums possible, get quotes from several companies before settling on a Massachusetts homeowners insurance policy. You should also compare the discounts each insurer offers, as these can also lower your premium considerably.
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Massachusetts?
If you used a mortgage loan to purchase your home, your lender probably required you to have an insurance policy on the property. This protects the lender’s investment and ensures the property’s repair or replacement in the event of damaged or burglary.
That exact amount of coverage you need depends on the value of the house and the personal property you have in it, like furniture, clothes, and jewelry. You’ll typically want enough coverage to rebuild or repair your home — or any other structures on the property — in case of damage and to replace any personal belongings affected as well.
Standard homeowners insurance policies also include some level of liability protection and will cover living expenses if you’re displaced while your home undergoes repairs. Insurers refer to this as loss of use coverage.4
It’s always important to understand what a homeowners policy does and doesn’t cover before buying one. This will help you ensure you have proper protection.
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Massachusetts?
The most common weather and climate-related events in Massachusetts have been severe storms, floods, and winter storms, so you’ll want to make sure your home is properly insured against these.5