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Best homeowners insurance in Massachusetts for October 2024

Updated Oct 01, 2024

Bankrate’s research found that USAA, Allstate and Amica write some of the best homeowners insurance in MA.

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Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Massachusetts

Bankrate’s extensive home insurance research found USAA, Allstate and Amica to be among the best home insurance companies in Massachusetts. Most of the companies on our list offer average rates below the state average of $1,660 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, based on our study of quoted premiums sourced from Quadrant Information Services.

Additionally, these companies offer competitive coverage options, unique and varied opportunities for home insurance discounts and strong financial strength ratings from AM Best. In addition, most were ranked in J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Home Insurance Study.

881
/1,000
$99
$1,184
844
/1,000
$200
$2,397
Not rated
$113
$1,362
809
/1,000
$196
$2,352
790
/1,000
N/A
N/A
*Premiums are for $300K in dwelling coverage **USAA not officially ranked by J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions

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Advertising disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise

Read our full methodology

The home insurance market can be complicated, but Bankrate's insurance editorial team used our unique perspective to bring readers information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for home insurance.

46

years of industry expertise

122

carriers reviewed

34.5K

ZIP codes examined

1.2M

quotes analyzed

The top 5 home insurance companies in Massachusetts

Best for military-focused coverage

USAA

4.7

Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$99/mo

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$1,184/yr

Customer satisfaction

881/1,000

Best for customer satisfaction

Amica

4.6

Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$200/mo

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$2,397/yr

Customer satisfaction

844/1,000

Best for local agents

Arbella

4.2

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$113/mo

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$1,362/yr

Customer satisfaction

Not rated

Best for savings opportunities

Allstate

4.2

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$196/mo

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

$2,352/yr

Customer satisfaction

809/1,000

Best for customizable coverage

Travelers

4.1

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

Not available

Avg. premium for $300K dwelling

Not available

Customer satisfaction

790/1,000

Additional Massachusetts home insurance companies to consider

Plymouth Rock

Homeowners who prefer to work with a local agency

Like Arbella, Plymouth Rock is a local insurer that exclusively writes home insurance policies in the New England area. It operates through a network of local, independent agents that may offer special insight into your insurance needs. Plus, if you’re a sports fan, Plymouth Rock offers exclusive access to tickets to MA teams like the Bruins, Red Sox and New England Patriots. According to Bankrate’s analysis, the average annual cost of a policy from Plymouth Rock is $.

Chubb

Homeowners with high-value homes

Chubb earned a 2024 Bankrate Award for the Best Insurance Company for High-Value Homes. Its Masterpiece home insurance policy includes replacement cost coverage for your personal belongings, liability coverage up to $100 million and water backup coverage. Chubb may also pique the interest of owners of historical homes, as its Masterpiece plan comes with coverage to get your home up to local building codes if it is damaged in a covered loss. Bankrate found that $300,000 in dwelling coverage from Chubb costs an average of $2,180 per year. However, Chubb has strict eligibility requirements based on home value, which could mean you need more than $300,000 in dwelling coverage and thus a more expensive policy.

Vermont Mutual

Homeowners on a tight budget

At an average of $1,033 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, Vermont Mutual may be a great choice for cheap homeowners insurance in Massachusetts. The company operates through a network of independent insurance agents who may be able to offer extra insight into the insurance needs of Massachusetts homeowners. Endorsements are available in three packages — Enhancement, Advantage and Elite — to offer broader protection. The latter two include the Home Systems Protection package, which can provide up to $50,000 in coverage for a slew of items, from laundry machines to computers.

How Bankrate chose the best home insurance companies in Massachusetts

When it comes to finding the best Massachusetts homeowners insurance, Bankrate first reviewed average premium data from Quadrant Information Services. But price doesn’t give a full view of a carrier’s capabilities, so we also analyzed coverage offerings, discounts, digital tools and third-party ratings from organizations like J.D. Power and AM Best. We combined these metrics into our proprietary Bankrate Score model.

Scores are awarded on a scale from 0.0 to 5.0. The higher a company’s Bankrate Score, the more highly it ranked in the individual rating categories. You can use the Bankrate Score of each company to get a quick view of how competitive that company is across various metrics.

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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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Cheapest home insurance companies in Massachusetts

The carriers listed below all offer average rates that are not only below the Massachusetts state average for home insurance but also below $1,000. Keep in mind that these rates reflect policies with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. Purchasing coverage endorsements or raising the dwelling limit will likely mean more expensive premiums.

Narragansett Bay
$55
$660
- $1,000
Andover
$57
$685
- $975
Preferred Mutual
$77
$928
- $732
$86
$1,033
- $627
$99
$1,184
- $476

How to get cheap Massachusetts home insurance

When you're looking for good cheap Massachusetts homeowners insurance, there are a few strategies you can use to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate. Consider these tactics to help you score a reasonably priced policy:

  • Shop around: Don't stop after asking for just one home insurance quote. Take a look at multiple Massachusetts insurers and get quotes from several.  You may be surprised at the range of options you receive. Just be sure that you're quoting similar coverage levels and options with each company so you can make a fair comparison.
  • Repair your roof: Most home insurers will ask you the age of your roof when you request a quote. An old or poorly maintained roof can result in a pricey claim, so you are likely to earn a lower rate if you have a newer roof. If your roof is made of storm-resistant materials, some insurers may even give you a discount.
  • Raise the amount you pay out of pocket: Increasing your deductible means you pay more up front if you file a claim, but your monthly premiums may decrease. Just make sure that the deductible you choose is an amount that you can comfortably pay on short notice.
  • Bundle your policies: Most insurers will offer you a substantial discount if you purchase multiple policies from them. Usually, this means homeowners plus auto insurance, but you could also earn a discount from some companies if you have another type of policy, such as renters or umbrella insurance.

Best home insurance discounts in Massachusetts

Most homeowners are able to save some money on their policy by taking advantage of discounts. These are some commonly offered discounts, and some are quite easy to earn.

If you install a burglar prevention system or alarm system, you may earn a discount from some insurers. Adding these protective devices shows you are taking steps to prevent break-ins and property damage, making you a lower risk to insure. Look for systems that have professional monitoring and alert services for the biggest discounts.
It can pay to gather quotes well in advance of when you need the policy to become active. Some insurers reward those who ask for a quote at least seven to 10 days or more before policy implementation with a discount.
If you just bought a newly built home, you may be eligible for savings on your policy. Some insurers will also give you a discount just for buying a home, even if it's not new.
Adding sprinklers, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, fire alarms and fire extinguishers may reduce your home insurance costs. Insurers especially reward systems wired to the fire department for fast response. Also, living close to a fire station may lower premiums. Preventing fires is a priority for providers.
If you have gone for a certain number of years — often three to five — without filing a claim, you may earn a small discount. Maintaining a loss-free record over time demonstrates you are lower risk. But don't avoid reporting damages just for the savings — it's important to be fully protected.
Completing the Home Safe workshop offered by the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) can qualify you for discounts from participating insurers. The program teaches fire safety, emergency preparedness and other best practices. Insurers typically encourage further education.

How to save on home insurance policy renewals in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, insurers cannot take your credit into consideration when calculating your home insurance rate, so improving your credit is not an effective method for saving on your insurance policy. However, the following strategies may help you keep some money in your pocket when it comes time for your policy renewal:

  • Be intentional about filing claims: Filing a home insurance claim will likely cause your premium to increase. To combat this surcharge, be mindful about when you file a claim. Many insurance experts recommend that you only file a claim if the repair costs are significantly higher than your deductible.
  • Improve your roof: Massachusetts sees its fair share of hurricanes and nor’easters, which can severely damage your roof. Fortifying your roof may earn you a discount from your insurance provider, as it is less susceptible to damage and becomes less likely you would need to file a claim for roof damage.
  • Meet with a licensed insurance agent before your policy renews: There may be some discounts or savings opportunities you missed when you first signed up for your policy. Setting aside time to speak with a licensed insurance representative may help you identify previously glossed-over ways to lower your premium.

How much is home insurance in Massachusetts?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Massachusetts is $1,660 per year for $300,000 in dwelling coverage, which is cheaper than the national average of $2,285 per year. The state’s average annual premium is slightly lower than some of its neighbors' rates. In Connecticut, the average cost of home insurance for $300,000 in dwelling coverage is $1,720 per year, while in Rhode Island, the average cost is $2,063 per year. All three states are susceptible to blizzards, ice storms, nor’easters and hurricanes along the coastline, which insurers take into consideration. Keep in mind that the amount of dwelling coverage you need to purchase to cover the cost of rebuilding your home will affect your insurance premium, as well.

Massachusetts homeowners insurance rates by city

Insurance risks are not spread equally throughout Massachusetts. Therefore, some ZIP codes will see higher average home insurance rates than others based on risk factors like extreme weather and crime statistics. With the interactive map here, you can compare your Massachusetts ZIP code to others across the state.

  • Williamstown: $1,221 per year — 26 percent below state average
  • Lee: $1,230 per year — 26 percent below state average
  • Adams: $1,231 per year — 26 percent below state average
  • Housatonic: $1,241 per year — 25 percent below state average
  • Dalton: $1,245 per year — 25 percent below state average
  • Chilmark: $3,561 per year — 115 percent above state average
  • West Tisbury: $3,484 per year — 110 percent above state average
  • Siasconset: $3,344 per year — 101 percent above state average
  • Nantucket: $3,334 per year — 101 percent above state average
  • Cuttyhunk: $3,321 per year — 100 percent above state average

*Rates are for $300,000 in dwelling coverage.

What does home insurance cover in Massachusetts?

Before we dive into additional coverage options Massachusetts homeowners should consider, it’s helpful to understand what you’re already covered for. The most common type of home insurance policy is an HO-3 form, which covers your dwelling and other structures on an open-peril basis. It sounds complex, but this means they are protected from every kind of peril except what is specifically excluded from your policy. Your personal property is protected on a named-peril basis, meaning only damage that is specifically listed in your insurance policy will be covered. Any other type of damage will need to be paid for out of pocket.

An HO-3 home insurance policy covers a total of 16 different types of perils. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common home insurance claims in Massachusetts and shown how a standard home insurance policy addresses them:

  • Burst pipes: Massachusetts winters see average lows of 16 degrees, which can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. Thankfully, home insurance covers burst pipes in most instances.
  • Liability from falls: If a guest slips, falls, injures themself on your property and sues you for damages, the liability portion of your home insurance policy should offer financial protection.
  • Wind damage: Wind damage is a common concern for homeowners along part of Massachusetts’ 1,500 miles of coastline. If high winds damage your home, your insurance policy should help cover the damage.

Additional home insurance coverage types in Massachusetts

While home insurance covers quite a bit, there are some glaring gaps. A few major perils, like floods, are almost always excluded from a home insurance policy. Without additional insurance, your home could be at serious risk. You may want to consider adding optional home insurance coverage options to your Massachusetts homeowners insurance coverage for more tailored financial protection that speaks to the particular needs of residents in the state. For instance, you may want to think about purchasing:

  • Flood insurance: Standard home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by flooding. You would need to purchase a separate flood insurance policy from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Even if you aren’t in a high-risk flood zone, it might be useful to get a Massachusetts flood insurance quote to decide if the coverage is right for you. During a 30-year mortgage period, one in four Massachusetts homes are expected to flood.
  • Identity theft coverage: As we live in an increasingly digital world, identity theft is becoming more common. Many Massachusetts homeowners insurance companies offer this endorsement, which can help pay for legal fees and services like credit monitoring in the wake of identity theft.
  • Sewer backup coverage: Sewer backups can occur when water or drain lines can’t properly funnel water away from your house, leaving it to back up into your living space. This commonly happens in basements or crawl spaces when sump pumps can’t keep up with heavy rains, but it can happen from any water line. Standard home insurance does not cover this type of damage, so you may want to ask your insurance agent about purchasing this endorsement, which typically costs less than $100 per year in additional premium for $5,000 of coverage, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).

Related content:

Common Massachusetts home insurance problems

While Massachusetts homeowners may not face the same insurance woes as Florida or California, there are still some hurdles to watch out for. If you’re a Massachusetts homeowner seeking insurance coverage, keep the following on your radar while you shop:

  • Historical home coverage: As one of the oldest states in the country, Massachusetts is also home to some of the oldest houses. There are over 60,000 registered historic buildings across the state, which can present some insurance challenges. If you live in a historic home, you might need an HO-8 insurance policy as opposed to HO-3 or HO-5. You might also consider adding ordinance coverage, which can bring your home up to local building codes following a covered loss.
  • Economic inflation: Home insurance is not immune to economic inflation. Rising labor costs and increased prices of construction materials can all make your insurance bottom line more expensive. As such, some Massachusetts homeowners may struggle to secure affordable coverage.
  • Climate risk: As weather patterns worldwide become more extreme, home insurance could become more expensive. A study from First Street Foundation, an organization that focuses on climate risks, reported that 20 to 73 percent of homes around the Boston area could face higher insurance costs in the near future due to elevated risk of wind damage.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze October 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates for our base profile are based on the following characteristics and coverage levels:

User Icon
40 year old
Married male and female homeowners
Logo for Brand name
2016 build year
Primary home
Credit Good Icon
Good credit score
Home Insurance Guide Icon
Clean claim history

Dwelling coverage

$300,000

Other structures coverage

$30,000

Personal property coverage

$150,000

Loss of use coverage

$60,000

Liability coverage

$500,000

Medical payment coverage

$1,000

The homeowners also have a $1,000 deductible, a $500 hail deductible and a 2 percent hurricane deductible (or the next closest deductible amounts that are available) where separate deductibles apply. 

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes will differ.

Additional profiles:

  • Coverage A, Dwelling: $150,000, $350,000, $450,000, $750,000
  • Coverage B, Other Structures: $15,000, $35,000, $45,000, &75,000
  • Coverage C, Personal Property: $75,000, $175,000, $225,000, $375,000
  • Coverage D, Loss of Use: $30,000, $70,000, $90,000, $150,000
  • Coverage E, Liability: $500,000
  • Coverage F, Medical Payments: $1,000

Bankrate Scores 

Our Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

5
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Overall Score
  • Cost & ratings 50%
  • Coverage & savings 30%
  • Support 20%
  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways a home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.