Best homeowners insurance in Boston, MA (2024)

We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Boston.

Headshot of Andrew Hurst

By

Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
|

Reviewed by

Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Updated|4 min read

Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.

Policygenius content follows strict guidelines for editorial accuracy and integrity. Learn about our editorial standards and how we make money.

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Boston is $1,467 per year or $122 a month. This is 15% higher than the statewide average, but 16% lower than the national average of $1,754.

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.  

Compare home insurance rates in Boston

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Compare the best cheap homeowners insurance companies in Boston

The best home insurance companies in Boston are Andover CompaniesMAPFRE, Safety, Amica, and Chubb.

To find the best cheap homeowners insurance in Boston, Policygenius rated over a dozen insurance companies in Massachusetts across several categories, such as average policy cost, financial strength ratings with AM Best, customer and claims satisfaction scores with J.D. Power, available policy options, and more.

Company

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

The Andover Companies

$133

4.9 out of 5

MAPFRE Insurance

$102

4.9 out of 5

Safety Insurance

$94

4.7 out of 5

Amica

$164

4.6 out of 5

Chubb

$167

4.3 out of 5

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

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.

Compare home insurance rates in Boston

We don't sell your information to third parties.

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

The Andover Companies

The Andover Companies logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.9

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers extended replacement cost

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

New homebuyer discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

While rates are more expensive than average in Boston, the Andover Companies is the best home insurance company in Boston for its outstanding customer service, useful coverage options.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Excellent customer service and financial strength ratings

  • Choose from plenty of coverage add-ons, including water damage, equipment breakdown, cyber, business property, and identity theft protection

Cons

  • No online quote tool or mobile app for managing your policy

  • Can’t file claims online — must call or visit your local agent in person

  • Rates are more expensive than average in Boston

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose it

We chose the Andover Companies as the best home insurance company in Boston in part because of its extensive coverage offerings. You can add a range of coverages to a basic policy, including guaranteed replacement cost for your home, replacement cost for other structures and your property, water backup protection, service line coverage, and more.

Andover Companies also has a stellar customer service record. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Andover Companies receives only a fraction of complaints compared to average.

How do Andover Companies home insurance rates compare to the Boston average?

The average cost of home insurance from Andover Companies in Boston is $1,600 per year, which is 9% more expensive than the citywide average.

How to get quotes

You can get an Andover home insurance quote by contacting a local agent through the company's website.

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

MAPFRE Insurance

MAPFRE Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers classic car insurance

Mobile app

Why we chose itchevron icon

MAPFRE Insurance is a top insurer in Boston for its wide range of home insurance coverage add-ons, fewer customer complaints than other insurers, and affordable rates.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Cheaper rates than average in Massachusetts

  • Perks include cash-settlement option and a deductible waiver for claims over $50,000

  • Special program that pays to restore your historical home using authentic materials

Cons

  • Only offers four discounts to save on costs — fewer than other home insurance companies

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose it

MAPFRE is one of the best home insurance companies in Boston, especially if you own a historic home. MAPFRE's historic home restoration coverage pays to rebuild your home with authentic materials using restoration specialists and pre-vetted contractors — regardless of your policy's limits.

We also like the other coverages that MAPFRE offers. These include guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your property, and water backup protection, as well as a cash-settlement option, deductible waiver, and self-service claims program.

How do MAPFRE home insurance rates compare to average in Boston?

The average cost of MAPFRE home insurance in Boston is $1,227 per year, which is 16% cheaper than the citywide average.

How to get a quote

You can get a MAPFRE Insurance home insurance quote online or through a local agent. 

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Safety Insurance

Safety Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.7

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Insures older homes

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Offers extended replacement cost

Why we chose itchevron icon

Safety Insurance offers affordable, robust home insurance with excellent customer service and financial stability ratings to homeowners in Boston.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Excellent coverage add-ons, including water backup, service line, equipment breakdown, and ordinance or law

  • Receives fewer complaints than expected for its size

  • Much cheaper than average in Boston

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer flood insurance — a valuable coverage for New England homeowners

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose it

Safety Insurance is one of the best home insurance companies in Boston. Safety's rates are just a little cheaper than average in the state, but Safety also offers discounts that could help homeowners lower their rates even more. Among these discounts is one for bundling home and auto insurance (up to 20%).

Besides affordable rates and discounts, Safety also offers a range of coverage options that residents can add to a basic policy. Some of Safety's coverage options include extended replacement cost coverage for your home, water backup protection, equipment breakdown, and service line coverage.

How do Safety home insurance rates compare to the average in Boston?

The average cost of Safety home insurance in Boston is $1,129 per year, which is 23% cheaper than the city's average annual premium.

How to get a quote

You can get a Safety home insurance quote by contacting an agent.

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Amica

Amica home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.6

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Why we chose itchevron icon

Amica is the best home insurance company in Boston if you're looking for highly rated customer service. Amica also has many great ways to customize a basic policy and a unique dividend policy option that can reduce the cost of your insurance.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Earned #1 ranking in J.D. Power’s claims and customer satisfaction surveys

  • Lots of coverage add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage

  • Unique dividend policy option to earn up to 20% back on insurance premiums each year

Cons

  • Much more expensive than average in Boston

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Amica

Amica is the best insurance company for customer service in Boston. Amica has consistently been rated highly on J.D. Power's Claims and Customer Satisfaction Surveys. The company also has a superior A+ rating from AM Best and 20% fewer complaints according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners than other companies.

Amica's coverage options stack up well against other companies, too. Homeowners can get guaranteed and extended replacement cost coverage for their homes, replacement cost coverage for their personal property, water backup protection, coverage for computers and smart devices, and more.

Finally, Amica offers a unique dividend perk that could help you lower the cost of your home insurance. If you buy a dividend policy instead of a basic policy, you could earn back between 5% and 20% of the cost of your insurance each year, depending on how well the company does financially.

How do Amica home insurance rates compare to average in Boston?

The average cost of Amica home insurance in Boston is $1,962 per year, which is 34% more expensive than the citywide average.

How to get a quote

Online through Amica

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Chubb

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.3

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

All 50 states

Offers flood insurance

Offers extended replacement cost

Offers wildfire insurance

Smart home discounts

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

New homebuyer discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

Chubb is the best home insurance company in Boston for people with high-value and luxury homes, as well as other assets that need to be insured, like boats and luxury cars.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Extended replacement cost coverage

  • Cash-out claim settlements

  • Complimentary wildfire and hurricane mitigation services

Cons

  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings

  • Much more expensive than average in Boston

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Chubb

Chubb is the best home insurance company in Boston for high-value homes. While it's more expensive than average, Chubb's coverage offerings and specialized features make it our top pick for high-net worth individuals.

Chubb offers a range of robust coverages on top of its basic home insurance protections. These add-ons include extended replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your personal property, water backup coverage, blanket personal property coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, and more.

You can also get a few special features with Chubb, like property manager services for a second home, high-tech home inspections, and personalized claims services.

How do Chubb home insurance rates compare to the Boston average?

The average cost of home insurance from Chubb in Boston is $2,000 per year, which is 36% more expensive than the citywide average.

How to get a quote

Online through Chubb

How much is homeowners insurance in Boston?

The average cost of homeowners insurance in Boston is $1,467 per year, or $122 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This means insurance in Boston is 15% more expensive than the Massachusetts average of $1,275.

Boston home insurance rates by ZIP code

To help you find out how much home insurance costs where you live, we calculated average home insurance rates by ZIP code in Boston.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

02128

$1,407

10%

02127

$1,547

21%

02115

$1,542

21%

02118

$1,603

26%

02215

$1,466

15%

02116

$1,488

17%

02114

$1,372

8%

02111

$1,481

16%

02113

$1,405

10%

02210

$1,547

21%

Collapse table

Cheapest ZIP codes for home insurance in Boston

With an average home insurance rate of $1,367 per year, the 02108 ZIP code is the most affordable area for home insurance in Boston. The cost of home insurance in this area is 7% more expensive than the statewide average in Massachusetts.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

02108

$1,367

7%

02109

$1,371

8%

02114

$1,372

8%

02110

$1,397

10%

02113

$1,405

10%

02128

$1,407

10%

02163

$1,452

14%

02133

$1,453

14%

02203

$1,464

15%

Collapse table

Most expensive areas for homeowners insurance in Boston

With an average home insurance rate of $1,603 per year, the 02118 ZIP code is the most expensive area for home insurance in Boston. Rates here are 25% more expensive than Massachusetts's average.

ZIP code

Average annual cost

Difference from state average (%)

02118

$1,603

26%

02222

$1,566

23%

02127

$1,547

21%

02210

$1,547

21%

02115

$1,542

21%

02116

$1,488

17%

02111

$1,481

16%

02199

$1,478

16%

02215

$1,466

15%

Collapse table

Learn more >> Home insurance rates by ZIP code

Boston home insurance costs by coverage amount

Dwelling coverage protects the physical structure of your home against covered losses, and you should have enough of it to fully replace your home, while personal liability coverage covers medical bills or legal fees in the event someone is injured on your property.

Typically, your level of dwelling coverage has more of an effect on your policy's rate than your personal liability coverage.

Dwelling coverage limit

Average annual cost

$100,000

$766

$200,000

$1,123

$300,000

$1,467

$400,000

$1,881

$500,000

$2,293

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 $346 lower than the $2,000 option.

Deductible

Average annual cost

$500

$1,449

$2,000

$1,795

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Boston

We found that the cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Boston are Quincy Mutual, Foremost, Safety Insurance, UPC, and Plymouth Rock. That said, your rates depend on where you live and other factors like coverage amount, deductible, your credit, home's age, and claims history.

Company

Average annual cost

Quincy Mutual Group

$995

Foremost

$1,123

Safety Insurance

$1,129

UPC Insurance

$1,171

Plymouth Rock

$1,175

Vermont Mutual

$1,212

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,227

Narragansett Bay

$1,342

Arbella Insurance

$1,351

USAA

$1,497

The Andover Companies

$1,600

Amica

$1,962

Chubb

$2,000

Pure Insurance

$2,271

The Hanover

$2,923

Collapse table

Cheapest home insurance in Boston if you have an older home

It can be more expensive to insure older homes since they can be more prone to structural damage than newer homes. They're also often made with with materials and features that would be more expensive to replace after a claim.

The cheapest home insurance rates in Boston for an older home come from Quincy Mutual, which has an average cost of $1,068 per year.

Company

Average annual cost

Quincy Mutual Group

$1,068

Foremost

$1,119

Safety Insurance

$1,129

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,136

UPC Insurance

$1,171

Vermont Mutual

$1,212

Narragansett Bay

$1,342

USAA

$1,395

The Andover Companies

$1,600

Plymouth Rock

$1,667

Arbella Insurance

$1,699

Chubb

$2,000

Amica

$2,165

Pure Insurance

$2,271

The Hanover

$4,795

Collapse table

Cheapest homeowners insurance in Boston if you have a history of claims

Having a history of claims is one of the most likely reasons why your rates could be expensive. If you have multiple claims on your record, insurers will think you're more likely to file future claims than a homeowner without any past claims.

We found that UPC offers the cheapest home insurance rates in Boston for someone with three claims in a five-year period.

Company

Average annual cost

UPC Insurance

$906

Quincy Mutual Group

$1,122

MAPFRE Insurance

$1,380

Safety Insurance

$1,459

Narragansett Bay

$1,496

Vermont Mutual

$1,505

The Andover Companies

$1,600

Arbella Insurance

$1,825

USAA

$2,230

Chubb

$2,859

Pure Insurance

$3,370

Foremost

$3,731

Amica

$4,334

Plymouth Rock

$4,559

The Hanover

$6,278

Collapse table

Coverage options in Boston

When looking at how much each insurance company charges for different coverage levels and risks, you should also be aware of what your policy does and doesn’t cover.

Before you buy homeowners insurance in Boston, you should be sure you're protected against flooding and wintry weather.

Flood insurance

Homeowners insurance doesn't cover damage from floods, but for coastal homes flood insurance could be essential. You should consider getting a flood insurance policy if you live in a low-lying part of the city.

Some companies offer flood endorsements or even separate flood insurance policies. Boston homeowners can compare private flood insurance companies in the state with Policygenius, or choose a policy through a government entity like the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Insurance for wintry weather

Boston's winters could lead to conditions that damage your home, like heavy snow and fierce winds. Fortunately, most home insurance policies cover damage from wintry weather, like windstorms, frozen pipes, collapsed roofs, and more.

That said, it's always a good idea to make sure that your home is fully protected by adding extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage to your dwelling coverage if it's available. That way, you will have enough insurance to fully rebuild your home if it were damaged.

How to get homeowners insurance quotes 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:

5 steps to buying homeowners insurance in Boston, MA

  1. 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. 

  2. 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. 

  3. 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. 

  4. 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.

  5. 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. 

  6. 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. 

Compare home insurance rates in Boston

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Frequently asked questions

How can I save money on my homeowners insurance?

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.

Author

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Questions about this page? Email us at .