Massachusetts homeowners insurance

From its roots as an agriculture and trade-based colony to its current status as a hotbed for technology, engineering, and higher education, Massachusetts boasts a rich history of adapting to change. Honor your home's Bay State heritage and prepare for what life throws at you with customizeable, affordable homeowners insurance. Whether you already own a home in Massachusetts or are preparing to buy one, here's what you need to know about Progressive's property insurance coverages, discounts, and costs.

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How you're covered

Massachusetts doesn't require home insurance by law, but if you finance your home, your lender may require you to have a homeowners insurance policy in place. Your policy's coverages are designed to safeguard your property and assets. A typical policy will include the following:

Dwelling coverage protects your home's structure (roof, walls, etc.) as well as attached structures, like a porch.
Other structures coverage protects detached structures, such as a fence or shed.
Personal property coverage protects your personal belongings, including furniture, clothing, and electronics. Certain items, like jewelry, art, and collectibles, are often only covered up to a specific limit so you may want to purchase an endorsement to schedule these items on your policy at the coverage amount needed, also known as "adding a rider."
Personal liability coverage protects you financially if you're legally responsible for another person's injuries or damage to their property.
Medical payments to others pays for medical expenses due to a covered occurrence.
Loss of use coverage helps cover costs associated with an increase in living expenses, up to your policy's limit, if you're unable to stay in your home while it's being repaired or rebuilt due to a covered loss.
Keep in mind coverage under your policy is subject to exclusions and conditions within your policy. It is important to read your policy to understand the coverage provided.

Common homeowners claims in Massachusetts

Massachusetts' position on the Atlantic coast leaves it vulnerable to severe weather, including hurricanes and tropical storms. Harsh winters with blizzards and ice storms can also pose serious risks. Changes in average temperatures have resulted in shifting weather patterns in the area; the incidence of precipitation from heavy storm activity has increased by 70% since 1958, according to the EPA's 2016 Climate Change Indicators Report. Your homeowners policy may cover damage to your home and property caused by extreme weather events, up to the limits of your policy.

If you live near the Atlantic Ocean or any of Massachusetts' large rivers, floods from rising water levels can cause serious problems, especially when exacerbated by the state's rise in extreme precipitation. Learn what flood insurance can cover, and consider getting a flood insurance policy.

Helping you save

Progressive offers several discounts to help you save on homeowners insurance policies. Some of the most common discounts include:

Alarm System
Multi-policy
Quote in Advance
New Purchase

See more about the home insurance discounts we offer.

Pro tip:

Need more than a half million in personal liability coverage? Consider purchasing an umbrella policy from Progressive, which can provide up to an additional $5 million in liability protection.

How much is homeowners insurance in Massachusetts?

Your cost for Massachusetts homeowners insurance varies based on many components, including your location, type of home, and coverage limits. Learn more about factors affecting home insurance pricing.

Are you looking to rent out a home you've purchased in Massachusetts?

If you own a Massachusetts rental, make sure it's protected with the right type of property insurance. Learn more about landlord policies and insurance for vacation or vacant homes.

Fast facts about homes in Massachusetts

As the second colony, Massachusetts is the site of many historic and landmark homes, including the Witch House, where one of the judges in the Salem Witch Trials lived.
In the 1800s, prominent members of the literary community like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow lived in Concord, Massachusetts, and many of their homes can now be toured.
Homes in Greater Boston cost roughly 50% more than the statewide average of $480,000, according to Boston.com.