Homeowners insurance in Boston averages $2,133 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, according to Insurify data.
Homes in the Boston area are some of the oldest and most expensive in the nation, which keeps premiums elevated. Boston’s exposure to extreme weather also plays into the higher premium prices. Harsh winters, hurricanes, and flooding all pose major risks to homes in the area because of their location on the northeastern coast.
But it’s still possible to find affordable coverage in the Massachusetts state capital. Here’s what you should know about comparing homeowners insurance quotes and finding a home insurance policy in Boston.
AIG, Commerce Group Inc., and Narragansett Bay Insurance are some of the cheapest home insurance companies in Boston, all with annual premiums of less than $1,000.
Boston home insurance for $300,000 in dwelling coverage is 14% more expensive than the state average of $1,863 per year for the same coverage level.
A standard policy doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to add a flood policy to your coverage if you live in a high-risk area in Boston.
Best home insurance companies in Boston
You have plenty of options for homeowners insurance coverage in Boston. The best home insurance company for you depends on your unique needs, budget, and preferences. Here’s a look at some of the top insurers.
Cheapest rates: AIG
Best insurer for older homes: Narragansett Bay Insurance
The housing stock in Massachusetts has a median age of 57 years, and some homes even date back to the 1600s.1 If your home is on the older side, Narragansett Bay Insurance’s home systems endorsement could come in handy. This coverage pays for repairs or replacement when major home systems and appliances break down. A standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t include this type of protection.
Through the ShelterPride program, the company also helps ensure you have the proper coverage for all your home’s features and elements. An insurance agent will visit your home and base your coverage on current market prices and replacement costs.
Additional coverage options include major home systems
Savings possible through ShelterPride program
Policies not available online
Not rated by AM Best for financial strength
Best insurer for business owners: Vermont Mutual
Best insurer for military members: USAA
Cheapest home insurance in Boston
AIG offers the cheapest homeowners insurance coverage in Boston, with an average annual premium of $755. In the table below, you can see how AIG stacks up to other affordable insurers in Boston.
Cost of homeowners insurance in Boston
The average cost of home insurance in Boston is $2,133 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage with a $1,000 deductible. That’s 10% lower than the national average of $2,377 for the same coverage.
Several factors affect the price of your policy, including the location of the house, its safety features, and personal information such as your claims history.
Cost of homeowners insurance by dwelling coverage amount
Your dwelling insurance covers the physical structure of your home along with permanently attached structures, such as your garage, porch, or deck. If certain covered perils damage your home, dwelling coverage can help with the costs of repairing or rebuilding the home.
The table below shows the average annual premiums for homeowners insurance in Massachusetts based on different coverage limits for policies with a $1,000 deductible.
Cost of homeowners insurance by deductible
A homeowners insurance deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket when filing a claim. Deductibles usually range from $500 to $2,000 for homeowners insurance, though you may find higher amounts with some companies. When the insurance company approves a claim, it subtracts your deductible from the payout. Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium, and vice versa.
In the table below, you can see how different deductible amounts can affect your home insurance premiums in Boston for policies with $300,000 in dwelling coverage.
How to get cheap homeowners insurance in Boston
It’s possible to save on your home insurance premium while still protecting your property. Consider trying these strategies:3
Raise your deductible. Homeowners insurance policies with higher deductibles come with lower premiums because they pose less risk for the insurer. Just remember to keep your emergency fund well-stocked since you’ll have to pay more when filing a claim.
Look for discounts. Insurance companies may offer discounts to lower your premium without reducing coverage. For example, you may save money by bundling your home and car insurance or by paying in full.
Make your home safer. Making your home more resistant to damage and theft can help lower your premium. Consider installing an alarm system, adding hurricane windows, installing a stronger door, or making other updates. Then, share the information with your insurance company.
Shop for low prices. Insurance companies have different ways of assessing risk, so premiums can vary widely from one insurer to the next. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies before settling on a Boston homeowners policy.
Massachusetts homeowners insurance rates by city
Home insurance quotes can vary widely in different cities and even within each ZIP code. That’s because every area has a different set of homes and a unique history of losses. Boston, in particular, has older homes located near the coast, where severe storms, floods, and winter storms routinely hit. So you’ll want to make sure you properly insure your home against these threats.
In the table below, you’ll find the average annual premium for homeowners insurance for different cities in Massachusetts.
How much homeowners insurance do you need in Boston?
Homeowners insurance can protect you financially after a covered loss. And if you take out a home loan, your mortgage lender will require it. Understanding what a standard policy covers can help you figure out what coverage you need.
Home insurance includes dwelling coverage, which pays to repair or replace the physical structure of your home. Personal property coverage, also known as contents coverage, repairs or replaces your personal belongings. Home insurance policies also include personal liability coverage, which pays for legal and medical costs if an injury happens on your property. And loss of use coverage can help pay for a hotel and other expenses if you have to move out of your home temporarily during repairs.
What are some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Boston?
Massachusetts residents routinely deal with extreme weather events, including severe storms, floods, and heavy snowfall. If you live in the Bay State, you’ll want to make sure you have enough protection for your property.
Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest risks when owning a home in Boston:4
Boston homeowners insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for a home insurance policy in Boston, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options.
How much is home insurance in Boston?
Home insurance in Boston costs an average of $2,133 per year for a policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage and a $1,000 deductible, Insurify data shows. But your rates will vary depending on many factors, including your ZIP code, the age of your home, the square footage of your home, and the coverage levels you choose.
Which company has the cheapest homeowners insurance in Boston?
AIG has the cheapest homeowners insurance in Boston, with an average annual premium of $755. Other affordable insurers include Commerce Group Inc. and Narragansett Bay Insurance, with respective annual premiums of $841 and $893.
Does Massachusetts require homeowners insurance?
No. Massachusetts doesn’t require homeowners insurance, but your lender will require it if you have a mortgage on your home. Home insurance protects you financially if something damages or destroys your home and you have to make costly repairs or rebuild.