You don’t have to be a Harvard graduate to know that getting home insurance is important. Massachusetts is called the Bay State for a reason, so homeowners should be prepared to deal with the weather that comes with living so close to the ocean. But the pros far outweigh the cons of settling down in Massachusetts. 

Just bought your first home, or looking to make a switch on your current home insurance? Let us walk you through the process of getting modern homeowners insurance in Massachusetts from Chatham to North Adams and everywhere in between.

How much is homeowners insurance in MA?

Illustration of three houses with green doors and smoke coming out of the chimney of one

Homeowners insurance in MA runs an average of $1,672 per year, the same price you’d pay for over 196 dozen donuts at Massachusetts’ own Dunkin’ Donuts (known affectionately as Dunkies in the area). That might be enough sugar to send you bouncing off the walls of your home, but if you accidentally break anything in the process, your home insurance coverage will have your back.

Homeowners insurance in MA runs an average of $1,672 per year, the same price you’d pay for over 196 dozen donuts at Massachusetts’ own Dunkin’ Donuts (aka Dunkies).

What factors influence my home insurance rate?

Massachusetts premiums are about $400 more than the national average of $1,200 (and about $570 more than home insurance in New Hampshire) due to the state’s proximity to the coast and risk of severe weather — though your actual premiums will vary depending on your home’s location, size and condition. You’ll still be paying less to protect your home in Massachusetts than in places like Louisiana or Florida, the two most expensive states for home insurance.

Is home insurance mandatory in Massachusetts?

Home insurance isn’t mandatory in Massachusetts, but if you get a loan for your home, your lender will likely require it. To get ahead of the game, it’s a good idea to get a few quotes so you know how much your premium will cost you.

Massachusetts Home Insurance Premiums
$1,200
$1,672

What does home insurance in Massachusetts cover?

When you buy a home insurance policy in Massachusetts, your home, personal property, additional structures and liability will all be protected. So, after all that time searching for the perfect home, getting it inspected and moving in, you don’t have to worry about your home being underinsured.

To enhance your home’s protection, you may want to add insurance riders to your policy for specific weather events. Catastrophes such as floods, hurricanes and earthquakes are all possibilities in Massachusetts, so it’s essential to make sure you're financially protected from whatever damage these events might inflict on your home.

Massachusetts Insurance Coverage Options

Traditional coverage

Physical
Structure
Living
Expenses
Liability
Protection
Additional
Structures
Personal
Possessions

Supplemental coverage

Fire
Earthquake
Flood

Tips to lower your home insurance premium

Massachusetts is home to many firsts, from the first basketball game to the first public beach. But you don’t have to do something completely new and different to shave a few bucks off your premium. Typical home updates like installing smart home devices, replacing your roof and shopping for a new provider every few years can all lower your premium.

When shopping for a new home insurance provider, the best way to make sure you’re getting the best deal is by checking what each policy covers. While some outdated companies provide coverage for things most homeowners no longer have, newer providers will focus on what really matters (like your electronics and appliances), proving just how critical it is to work with a modern provider.

Massachusetts home insurance resources

Massachusetts is known for its rich history. While you may be familiar with some of it, such as the docking of the Mayflower, others like the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 may be brand-new information. While you no longer need to worry about protecting your home from a dangerous, slow-moving molasses flood, there are a few things you need to educate yourself on regarding life in the Bay State. 

First, you can check out the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to learn even more about home insurance. Then, read through the following programs to learn more about getting the proper home insurance protection.

National Flood Insurance Program

If all your Boston Red Sox gear gets damaged in a flood, the last thing you need is to have your insurance provider refuse to cover it. Unfortunately, unless you have a separate flood insurance policy, that could happen. Traditional home insurance policies don’t cover flood water damage, so getting coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program is necessary. You can learn more about the NFIP on FEMA’s website.

FAIR Plan

Bostonians expect things to be fair — and why wouldn’t they? Their state is one of 31 states that offer a FAIR Plan to get homeowners the coverage they need. However, this coverage will be limited, so it’s best to consider FAIR coverage as a last resort. To qualify for the Massachusetts FAIR Plan, run by MPIUA, you’ll need to show proof of three unsuccessful attempts to get insurance through traditional providers.

Whether you take the Pike into Boston five days a week or own a home in the heart of The Hub itself, Hippo’s got your back. Consider us a home insurance “spa” if you will, though instead of selling pizza, grinders (Boston's word for a hoagie) and medicine, we have plenty of well-rounded home insurance coverage options to choose from.

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