Massachusetts Renters Insurance

Average Renters Insurance Cost in Massachusetts

Renters in Massachusetts pay an estimated $179 per year ($15/month) for a standard policy, based on 2026 industry average data.

Renters Insurance Rates by City in Massachusetts

What Makes Massachusetts Renters Insurance Unique

Massachusetts bans credit-based pricing and has some of the highest property replacement costs in the country, both of which keep premiums above the national average despite relatively low disaster risk.

Risk Factors Specific to Massachusetts

Underwriters in Massachusetts weigh theft and liability claims tied to dense rental housing more heavily than in lower-risk states when pricing renters policies.

Renters Insurance Compared With Rent in Massachusetts

The median gross rent in Massachusetts was $1,848 a month in 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey), 24% above the national median of $1,487. Against that, our estimated renters premium of $179 a year — about $15 a month — equals roughly 10% of one month’s rent for a full year of coverage, below the middle share among the 50 states in our estimates.

The Coverage Detail That Matters Most in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, theft is the claim renters file most, and the biggest surprise is usually the sublimit: standard policies cap theft of jewelry, watches, and similar items at a low amount (often around $1,500 total) no matter how high your personal property limit is. Scheduling expensive items separately removes that cap. Theft of belongings from your car is covered under renters insurance, not auto.

How to Save on Renters Insurance in Massachusetts

• Massachusetts bans or restricts insurers from using your credit-based insurance score to price renters coverage, so your premium here is driven more by coverage limits and claims history than by your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is renters insurance required in Massachusetts?

No. No U.S. state, including Massachusetts, legally requires tenants to carry renters insurance. That said, individual landlords and property management companies in Massachusetts can — and often do — require proof of a policy as a lease condition, especially for larger apartment complexes.

How much does renters insurance cost in Massachusetts?

Renters in Massachusetts pay an estimated $179 per year ($15/month) for a standard policy, based on 2026 industry average data. Actual premiums vary based on coverage limits, deductible, credit history (where allowed), claims history, and the specific building or neighborhood.

Can insurers use your credit score to set renters insurance rates in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts is one of a handful of states that bans or significantly restricts the use of credit-based insurance scores when pricing renters insurance. Insurers must base your premium on other factors instead, such as coverage limits, claims history, and location.

What's the biggest renters insurance risk factor in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, theft is the leading risk factor. Dense urban areas see higher renters insurance claims for burglary and theft than rural areas, so confirm your personal property limit is high enough to cover electronics and valuables at replacement cost.

How much is renters insurance compared with rent in Massachusetts?

With a median rent of $1,848 a month (2024) and an estimated premium of $179 a year, a full year of renters insurance in Massachusetts costs roughly 10% of one month's rent.

Is jewelry fully covered by renters insurance in Massachusetts?

Usually not. Standard policies cap theft of jewelry and similar items at a low sublimit, often around $1,500 total. Scheduling valuable items separately removes that cap.

*No U.S. state legally mandates renters insurance, though individual landlords may require it as a lease condition. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages as of 2026. Insurance rates change periodically; always verify current pricing with a licensed insurance professional. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.