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Best homeowners insurance in Massachusetts for October 2024
Bankrate’s research found that USAA, Allstate and Amica write some of the best homeowners insurance in MA.
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
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.
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881
/1,000 |
$99
|
$1,184
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||
844
/1,000 |
$200
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$2,397
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Not rated |
$113
|
$1,362
|
||
809
/1,000 |
$196
|
$2,352
|
||
790
/1,000 |
N/A
|
N/A
|
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyThe 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
4.7
4.7
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$99/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$1,184/yr
Customer satisfaction
881/1,000
-
Why USAA made our list: While USAA earned the highest Bankrate Score of the insurance carriers on this list, the company only offers insurance coverage to eligible active-duty members of the military, veterans and their immediate family members, so it won’t be an option for everyone. For those who qualify, the company offers highly-regarded customer service (although it doesn’t qualify for official ranking from J.D. Power) and coverage options tailored to the needs of the military community, like uniform coverage. If you fit the company’s demographic, USAA may be a good homeowners insurance company in Massachusetts for you to consider.
Who USAA may be good for: If you are stationed at Hanscom, Westover or any of Massachusetts' other military bases, USAA might be worth considering. Its coverage options include military-focused elements such as coverage specifically for your uniforms and gear.
Best for customer satisfaction
4.6
4.6
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$200/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$2,397/yr
Customer satisfaction
844/1,000
-
Why Amica made our list: Amica has the third-highest official customer satisfaction score in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Home Insurance Study and could be a great fit if you value service. One of Amica’s best perks is the ability to get a dividend returned to you on your policy of up to 20 percent of your annual premium. However, its average premium is higher than the Massachusetts state average.
Who Amica may be good for: If you place a high value on excellent customer service over cost, Amica is worth looking at. Its high rankings for customer satisfaction with J.D. Power indicate a company that values its policyholders and their insurance experiences. If you are interested in a policy from Amica, you can visit its website for a quote.
Best for local agents
4.2
4.2
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$113/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$1,362/yr
Customer satisfaction
Not rated
-
Why Arbella made our list: Arbella, a regional carrier headquartered in Quincy Massachusetts, only offers coverage in Massachusetts and Connecticut, which might mean it’s a good option for homeowners who prefer working with a local agency and company. Arbella offers a few optional coverage types to personalize your policy, but its digital tools are lacking compared to its larger competitors, so it may not be the best fit for those seeking a tech-forward experience.
Who Arbella may be good for: If you are looking for agents who have feet-on-the-ground knowledge of your local community, Arbella may be a good choice. The company sells insurance only in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and has numerous local offices in the two states.
Best for savings opportunities
4.2
4.2
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$196/mo
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
$2,352/yr
Customer satisfaction
809/1,000
-
Why Allstate made our list: When it comes to savings opportunities on Massachusetts home insurance, Allstate has many discounts to offer. There are at least eight potential discounts for homeowners, including a claim-free discount that awards up to 20 percent off your premium if you switch without a recent claim. Allstate also features a range of discounts and an innovative Claim RateGuard to help keep rates as low as possible after filing a claim. However, Allstate’s 2024 J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating is lower than the industry average, which may mean the company has room to improve on meeting policyholders’ needs.
Who Allstate may be good for: If you're pinching pennies after a home purchase, you may want to get a quote from Allstate. The company's average rate is below the state average and numerous discounts may help you to shave even more off your premium cost.
Best for customizable coverage
4.1
4.1
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
Not available
Avg. premium for $300K dwelling
Not available
Customer satisfaction
790/1,000
-
Why Travelers made our list: Travelers has several options for additional coverage for your home insurance policy, like scheduled personal property, contents replacement and additional replacement cost protection coverage for your property. The company offers several easy ways to potentially save on your policy, too, with multi-policy, protective devices and early quote discounts for eligible policyholders. However, Travelers scored well below average in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Home Insurance Study.
Who Travelers may be good for: If you want to be able to craft a policy that reflects your unique situation, Travelers may be a good choice. The company's coverage options allow you to pick and choose the type of insurance that works best for your own property.
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.
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.
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|
|
|
---|---|---|---|
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.
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:
Dwelling coverage
$300,000Other structures coverage
$30,000Personal property coverage
$150,000Loss of use coverage
$60,000Liability coverage
$500,000Medical payment coverage
$1,000The 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.
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Cost & ratings 50%
-
Coverage & savings 30%
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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.