7 Best Renters Insurance Companies in Massachusetts of 2023
Massachusetts is the 15th most populous state in the country but only the 44th by area, making it one of the most densely populated places to rent an apartment.
Many Massachusetts renters may not realize that their landlord’s property insurance doesn’t offer them any protection if their belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen.
Massachusetts law doesn’t require renters to buy insurance, but doing so is the only way to protect your property.
For that reason, PropertyNest recommends that anyone renting an apartment, condo, or home in Massachusetts cities such as Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, or Salem obtain renters insurance.
While Massachusetts isn’t prone to earthquakes, the state does experience heavy rain and snow and even the occasional hurricane.
The right renters insurance policy will protect you and your belongings.
According to PropertyNest research, Massachusetts's average basic renters insurance costs $16.02 a month.
We have researched Massachusetts's best renters insurance companies, so you don’t have to do the work yourself.
Compare Renters Insurance Rates in MA
Best Renters Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
- Lemonade – Best for Online Quotes and Services
- Liberty Mutual – Best Discounts on Renters Insurance
- Allstate – Best for People in Retirement
- State Farm – Best for Affordable Renters Insurance
- GEICO – Best for Customer Service
- Amica – Best for Coverage Customization
- Travelers – Best for Unique Coverage Options
Lemonade: Best for Online Quotes and Services
As a relatively new player in the renters insurance market, Lemonade doesn’t have a long history for us to explore.
What it does have is the ability to offer renters insurance in Massachusetts with a hefty helping of modern conveniences and online services.
Lemonade renters insurance is affordable and usually less expensive than the national average, and you can obtain a quote online in just a few minutes.
A bonus of choosing Lemonade is that the company does an annual charity, Giveback, where they donate unclaimed money from policyholders to charity.
Lemonade’s prices are undeniably low, with renters insurance premiums starting at only $5 per month and an average cost of just over $15.
Your cost will be determined based on where you live and whether you choose additional coverages to add to your Lemonade renters insurance policy.
Without the long history of the other companies on our list, Lemonade has not yet been rated by traditional sources such as Moody’s and AM Best.
However, it does have some positive ratings to indicate its strengths.
Read a full Lemonade home insurance review.
Lemonade Renters Insurance Discounts
Lemonade doesn’t pile on discounts the way some other companies do, but they offer two renters insurance discounts that can apply to almost every renter in Massachusetts.
- Safety device discount - Massachusetts requires smoke detectors in all rentals, so everyone can get the discount for an installed safety device.
- Bundling discount - Lemonade offers other types of insurance, including pet insurance, and you’ll get a discount if you bundle multiple policies with them.
| PropertyNest Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) Score | 853 |
| BBB Rating | B+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index Score | 1.94 |
Liberty Mutual: Best Discounts on Renters Insurance
Liberty Mutual Insurance was founded in Massachusetts in 1912, so it makes sense that we would choose it as one of the best companies for renters insurance in Bay State.
Receiving high ratings for its financial strength and reliability, Liberty Mutual offers renters insurance that includes standard coverage and add-ons.
Best of all, renters who buy insurance from Liberty Mutual can save money with an impressive array of discounts, including several that can apply to almost every renter.
Liberty Mutual’s prices start as low as $5 per month for basic coverage plus an impressive array of discounts, making them one of the most affordable companies for Massachusetts renters.
Companies that rate the financial strength of insurance carriers have awarded high ratings to Liberty Mutual.
Read a full Liberty Mutual home insurance review.
Liberty Mutual Renters Insurance Discounts
Discounts are what Liberty Mutual does best, so if you buy your renters insurance with them, there are five ways you can save, including two that every renter can qualify for.
- Online purchase discount - This is one of the easiest discounts you’ll ever get. Simply get your quote and buy your coverage online to save on your premium.
- Autopay discount - Another easy one, this discount allows you to save if you sign up for Liberty Mutual’s automatic payment option.
- Early shopper discount - If you already have renters insurance, buy a policy with Liberty Mutual before your existing policy expires to save.
- Bundle discount - Like most other carriers, Liberty Mutual provides a discounted rate if you bundle two or more policies with them.
- Claims-free discount - Renters who have never filed a renters insurance claim can save money with this discount.
| PropertyNest Rating | 4.5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) Score | 834 |
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index Score | 2.37 |
Allstate: Best for People in Retirement
We chose Allstate Insurance for our list because it’s one of the largest renters insurance companies in the US and a Fortune 500 company.
Allstate offers policyholders a convenient and well-designed mobile app plus an array of online options to simplify the process of buying renters insurance and filing a claim.
One thing that sets Allstate apart is that the company offers a special discount to renters who are 55 or older if they are not actively seeking employment.
People who are retired may not have the same disposable income as those who are still working, so that’s why we wanted to highlight the potential savings for retirees.
The average cost of Allstate’s renters insurance is slightly higher than the national average at $16/month, but the company says policyholders pay as little as $4/month when they bundle auto insurance with renters insurance.
Let’s run through the pros and cons of buying your Massachusetts renters insurance with Allstate.
Allstate Renters Insurance Discounts
Allstate Insurance offers four renters insurance discounts that can be stacked to maximize your savings. These include two discounts that every Massachusetts renter can use.
- Safe home discount - If your rental unit has an installed fire alarm, smoke detector, or burglar alarm, you will get a discount – and Massachusetts law requires smoke detectors.
- Bundling discount - If you bundle more than one type of insurance with Allstate, then you can receive a discount on your renters insurance premium.
- 55 and retired discount - Any renter who’s 55 or older and not seeking employment may save up to 25% on their renters insurance.
| PropertyNest Rating | 5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) Score | 837 |
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index Score | 2.05 |
| BBB Rating | A- |
State Farm: Best for Affordable Renters Insurance
Like some of the other insurance companies on our list, State Farm got its start as an auto insurance carrier.
State Farm is the largest property and casualty insurance company in the United States, making it a good choice for Massachusetts renters who want the peace of mind of knowing their insurance company is strong and reliable.
We also like that State Farm offers some higher policy limits than other insurance companies and receives high marks for customer service.
Best of all, they offer coverage that’s both comprehensive and affordable.
While two discounts may not sound like much, we picked State Farm as the most affordable insurance in Massachusetts because their average premium is just $10/month, which is significantly lower than the national average of $15/month.
As the biggest property and casualty insurance carrier in the US, State Farm has received excellent ratings across the board.
Let’s take a minute to review the pros and cons of buying your Massachusetts renters insurance from State Farm.
Read a full State Farm renters insurance review.
State Farm Renters Insurance Discounts
State Farm offers only two renters insurance discounts, but they are both easy to qualify for.
- Policy bundling - Renters who also buy their auto insurance through State Farm can get a discount on their coverage.
- Alarm/security discount - If you rent an apartment, condo, or house that has installed security features, including a smoke detector (required under Massachusetts law), fire alarm, or burglar alarm, you’ll get a break on your premium.
| PropertyNest Rating | 5 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) Score | 836 |
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index Score | 1.77 |
GEICO: Best for Customer Service
GEICO was founded by husband-and-wife team Lillian and Leo Goodwin at the height of the Great Depression, all the way back in 1936, selling only auto insurance..
The company was first known as the Government Employees Insurance Company, offering insurance to federal employees and select members of the United States Military.
GEICO passed the one-million policyholder mark in 1964, thanks in part to an investment from billionaire Warren Buffett, who learned about the company from one of his college professors.
As of 1996, GEICO has been a wholly-owned subsidiary of Buffett’s company, Berkshire Hathaway Insurance, which is the 2nd-largest insurance carrier in the US.
We should note here that GEICO pairs renters with partner companies in some states, so you should be sure to read your policy carefully.
According to GEICO, renters insurance policies may start as low as $12 per month for basic coverage, with higher costs if you add additional services such as replacement coverage or scheduled valuables.
GEICO receives superior ratings for its financial strength and customer service.
These ratings indicate GEICO’s strong financial position and reliability, making it a safe choice for Massachusetts renters insurance.
GEICO Renters Insurance Discounts
GEICO offers three discounts that may be applied to renters insurance if you meet the qualifications.
- Bundling discount - If you own a car, you can save with GEICO by bundling your renters insurance with your auto insurance.
- Home security discount - Renters living in a space protected with a burglar alarm or with on-site security can get a discount on their renters insurance premium.
- Sprinkler/alarm discount - Any rental unit equipped with sprinklers, smoke detectors, or fire alarms can qualify for a reduced premium.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 869 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB | A+ |
Amica: Best for Coverage Customization
Amica Insurance is over 100 years old, having opened its doors in 1907 to offer auto, theft, and fire insurance.
The company has 44 locations across the United States and offers renters insurance in every state except Alaska and Hawaii.
Massachusetts renters can benefit from multiple discounts and flexible policy options, including high coverage limits.
Amica’s average monthly basic renters insurance premium is $15.17.
Here are the pros and cons of buying renters insurance from Amica.
Read a full Amica renters insurance review.
Amica Renters Insurance Discounts
Amica offers a total of five discounts for its renters insurance policyholders and includes two that most people can take advantage of right away.
- Paperless discount - You can save on your renters insurance if you agree to receive your policy and bills electronically.
- Auto-pay discount - Opt in to Amica’s automatic payment program and get a discount.
- Multi-policy discount - You can save up to 15% on your renters insurance if you bundle your policy with your auto insurance.
- Loyalty discount - Policyholders who keep their renters insurance with Amica for two years or more will save on their premium.
- Claim-free discount. - Go three years without filing a renters insurance claim to qualify for this discount.
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | 854 |
|---|---|
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A+ |
| BBB | A+ |
| NAIC Complaint Index | 0.32 |
Travelers Insurance: Best for Unique Coverage Options
Travelers Insurance is the oldest renters insurance company on our list, having been founded in 1863 in Hartford, Connecticut.
The company issued its first policy the following year, and today, it’s the second-largest property and casualty company in the United States, sitting at #97 on the Fortune 500.
While the company got its start selling liability insurance for travelers, it now sells a wide array of coverage types, including renters insurance.
We chose it for our list because Travelers offers some unique coverage options that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Travelers Insurance has an average monthly renters premium of $17, which is higher than the national average.
Now it’s time to run through the pros and cons of buying your renters insurance with Travelers.
Travelers Renters Insurance Discounts
Travelers Insurance offers Massachusetts renters three ways to save on their premiums.
- Multi-policy discount - You can save 5% or more if you bundle your renters insurance with auto insurance, and savings are also available for bundling boat or umbrella insurance.
- Protective devices - If your rental unit has installed sprinklers or burglar alarms, you can save money.
- Smart devices - Save even more if you have smart or connected technology in your home to alert you of a fire or attempted break-in.
| PropertyNest Rating | 4 out of 5 |
|---|---|
| J.D. Power (out of 1,000) Score | 801 |
| A.M. Best - Financial Strength Rating | A++ |
| BBB Rating | A |
| NAIC Complaint Index Score | 3.88 |
| Company | PropertyNest Rating | J.D. Power (out of 1,000) | A.M Best Rating | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemonade | 5.0 | 853 | Not Rated | B+ |
| Allstate | 5.0 | 837 | A+ | A- |
| Liberty Mutual | 4.5 | 834 | A | A+ |
| State Farm | 4.5 | 836 | A++ | A+ |
| USAA | 4.5 | 886 | A++ | A+ |
| Erie Insurance | 4.5 | 851* | A+ | A+ |
| Travelers | 4.0 | 801 | A++ | A |
| Amica | 4.0 | 854* | A+ | A+ |
| Nationwide | 4.0 | 859 | A+ | A+ |
| Jetty | 4.0 | Not Rated | A | A+ |
Is Renters Insurance Mandatory to Rent an Apartment in Massachusetts?
Renter’s insurance is not required by law in the state of Massachusetts; however, landlords may make renters insurance a requirement when signing a lease.
While renters insurance isn't necessarily mandatory in Massachusetts, protecting yourself from unanticipated problems is highly recommended.
Why You Should Get Renters Insurance
You have the information you need about the best renters insurance companies in Massachusetts, but why should you buy renters insurance when it’s not required under state law?
Here are six reasons why every Massachusetts renter should have renters insurance.
- You may not have enough savings to replace all your belongings if they are lost or stolen, and renters insurance costs less than replacing everything.
- Renters insurance provides peace of mind by paying you to replace your belongings.
- Your landlord’s property insurance protects only their property – not yours.
- You’ll be covered if someone is injured in your rental unit because renters insurance will protect you.
- You can buy extra coverage for high-value items and special circumstances like identity theft.
- You’ll be covered even if your belongings are damaged or stolen when they’re not in your apartment.
The monthly cost of renters insurance in Massachusetts is low, about the same as the cost of a casual meal out.
In return for that relatively small amount, you’ll receive the coverage you need to replace your belongings and even to pay for you to stay somewhere else if your apartment is uninhabitable due to a covered event.
What is the Average Cost of Renters Insurance in Massachusetts?
Renters insurance is an important aspect of renters living in Massachusetts, yet many are unaware of the average cost.
According to PropertyNest research, the average cost of renters insurance in Massachusetts is $16.02 per month or $192.26 a year.
However, prices may vary depending on the type and amount of coverage and geographical location.
It is important for renters to become educated on the details of renters insurance before signing up for a policy to ensure that their possessions are properly and adequately covered at an affordable price.
Ultimately, renters insurance is relatively inexpensive, considering the security it provides to renters and belongings in Massachusetts.
What Are the Factors That Impact Renters Insurance Costs?
Renters insurance premiums are determined by four factors.
Deductible
Choosing a low deductible (with lower out-of-pocket expenses) will cost more than choosing a high deductible.
Coverage Limits
If you opt for a high coverage limit to cover your belongings, you should expect your premium to be higher than average.
Location
Renters in high-crime or high-cost areas should expect to pay more for renters insurance; for example, renters in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, where rents are high, are likely to pay more than renters in less expensive towns such as Athol and Bellingham.
Add-Ons
If you choose special coverage or other add-ons, then these things will increase the cost of renters insurance.
How Much Renters Insurance Coverage Do You Need?
Before you choose a policy, you should determine how much coverage you need by taking an inventory of your personal belongings, including the following items.
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Furniture
- Jewelry
- Books
- Home decor items
- Small appliances & kitchen items
Take pictures and compare the actual cash value of items with their replacement value to determine how much coverage you need.
What Does Renters Insurance Cover in Massachusetts
Renters insurance covers some basic things, which can be augmented by additional coverage for an additional cost.
Here are the things that are typically covered by renters insurance.
- Damage to personal property. If your personal belongings are damaged, lost, or stolen, your renters insurance will pay for the loss based on the coverage you select.
- Personal liability. Your liability will be covered if a visitor to your home is hurt or their property is damaged.
- Medical expenses. If someone is injured in your home, your renters insurance policy will pay for some of their expenses.
- Additional living expenses. If your home becomes unlivable, your renters insurance will pay for you to live elsewhere.
| Type | Items | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Cash or Other Forms of Currency | Bank notes, bullions, gold or silver (non-jewelry), coins, medals, smart cards, stored value cards. | Most renters insurance policies will only cover up to $200 in stolen cash. |
| Electronic Equipment | Phones (iPhones, Androids, etc.), computers, laptops, iPads, earbuds, smart watches, TV sets, gaming systems, Alexa or Google home devices, etc. | Standard renters insurance policies cover the loss or damage of electronic devices. |
| Clothing | Designer purse/handbags, shoes, jewelry, designer watches | Standard renters policies cover your personal clothing or designer handbags etc. |
| Power Tools | Drills & drivers, saws. | Covered under the personal property coverage. |
| Kitchen appliances | Refrigerators, microwaves, blenders, electric mixers, ice makers, coffee machines, and other appliances. | Renters insurance covers personal appliances if they are damaged, stolen, or destroyed by a covered peril. |
| Prescription drugs | Will not cover stolen prescription drugs. | |
| Personal information | Bank accounts, identity information stolen from documents, or stolen personal equipment. | Most companies do not include identity theft as a covered peril in a standard renters insurance policy. |
| Firearms | Pistols, rifles | Legal firearms are covered under personal property coverage. |
What Renters Insurance Does Not Cover
Now let’s review what renters insurance doesn’t cover.
- Damage over your policy limit. Your coverage limit determines how much your policy will pay; for example, if the replacement cost of your belongings is $16,000 and your coverage limit is $15,000, you’ll need to pay for the final $1,000 out of your own pocket.
- Damage caused by non-covered events. Certain events are not covered by renters insurance; for example, most policies don’t cover flood damage, and if your property is damaged in flood, it will not be replaced under your renters insurance policy.
- Loss or damage of unscheduled valuables. Any high-cost items you own, including art, jewelry, and electronics, must be scheduled separately at an additional expense; unscheduled valuables will not be covered.
We suggest reading the fine print of your renters insurance policy to be sure you understand your coverage.
Conclusion
At Property Nest, we recommend every Massachusetts renter obtain renters insurance to protect themselves and their property.
Whether you’re living in a big city like Cambridge, Massachusetts, or a small town like Ware out in the western part of the state, you should buy renters insurance.
Remember, the property insurance your landlord buys does not protect your property; it protects theirs.
Renters in Massachusetts may want to consider extra coverage beyond renters insurance, particularly flood insurance if they live near the water.
Read more: Does Renters Insurance Cover Water Damage?
We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three insurance companies to compare costs and discounts before you choose a policy.
Our Methodology
We thoroughly researched the state's top renters’ insurance companies and narrowed the list down to those that operated in Massachusetts. We rated them on criteria that included ease of use, ratings, financial strength, customer, and affordability. Read our full in-depth renters insurance methodology.
How We Ranked and Picked the Best Renters Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
PropertyNest chose companies for this review of Massachusetts renters insurance using the following criteria.
Costs
We always want renters to find affordable coverage, which is why the cost of insurance was a priority.
When we chose companies with higher-than-average costs, we made sure they were offset with available discounts or unique coverage options.
Discounts
Discounts offer renters the option to save money on their insurance premiums, so we prioritized companies that make discounts available – particularly discounts that are accessible by most renters.
Because paying for renters insurance adds to the expense of renting, we wanted Massachusetts renters to be able to save as much as possible.
Coverage Options
While basic renters insurance is similar from company to company, we recognize that some renters require additional coverage to protect themselves.
We chose companies that offer an array of add-on coverages, deductibles, and policy limit options to allow Bay State renters to find the coverage they need.
Customer Service
We don’t believe any renter should be frustrated when filing a claim when their property is damaged or stolen.
We selected Massachusetts renters insurance companies that receive good ratings for customer service and prioritize communication with their policyholders.
Technology
Today’s renters need the convenience of online and mobile services to make it easy to buy renters insurance and file claims.
We prioritized renters insurance companies that offer excellent online resources, mobile tools, and customer portals.
