Protect What You Own with Renter's Insurance in Massachusetts

Purchasing a renter’s insurance policy is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to protect yourself and your belongings while renting your home in Massachusetts. A typical policy costs only $10 to $20 per month and can save you much more should unexpected damage or liability occur. 

But despite its affordability and practicality, only about half (55%) of U.S. renters currently have renter’s insurance, most of whom must have a policy per their landlord’s requirements. 

We’ve prepared this article to help you understand why you need renters insurance in Massachusetts and how to obtain a policy in this state—from cost and coverage to additional policies you may need.  

What is Renter’s Insurance? 

Renter’s insurance is insurance that covers specific types of losses suffered by renters during their occupation of a rental property. A typical renter’s insurance policy covers personal property, liability, and additional living expenses. Renter’s insurance often kicks in after damage from natural disasters, accidents, or other incidents.  

An important note: Renter’s insurance does not cover the actual building itself. The physical building you live in should be covered by your landlord’s insurance company. Renter’s insurance protects you and the belongings you own within the property that may be damaged or stolen. 

Why Do I Need Renter’s Insurance? 

Everyone who rents their home—whether that be a single-family home, studio apartment, mobile home, townhome, condo, or other type of property— should have a renter’s insurance policy. This is because even though you don’t own the physical building you are renting, the items you keep within it (or even in your car, or elsewhere) could still be damaged or stolen. 

For example, imagine that a fire occurred in your apartment complex. Your landlord’s insurance would cover the damage to the actual building, appliances, and building systems. However, your landlord is not responsible for replacing all your lost clothes, furniture, electronics, and other belongings. That’s what renter’s insurance is for.  

Renter’s insurance can also cover medical or legal expenses if you are sued. For example, your renter’s insurance would apply if someone gets injured in your rental unit and you are responsible for their medical bills. 

An average renter’s insurance policy includes $20,000 – $30,000 of personal property coverage and doesn’t cost you more than a $20 bill each month. It’s a small price to pay for the great financial security renters insurance offers. 

Is Renters Insurance Required in Massachusetts? 

Renter’s insurance is not required by any state or federal laws. However, many individual landlords have policies requiring tenants to have an active Massachusetts renters insurance policy as a stipulation of the lease. 

What Does Renters Insurance Cover? 

Renter’s insurance has three main categories of coverage. 

• Personal Property: Personal property refers to any belongings like clothes, furniture, electronics, etc. Your personal property is subject to limits and requires a deductible. However, your insurance will reimburse you should your personal property get damaged by disasters such as the following:  
  • Fire and smoke 
  • Storms, lightening, wind, hail 
  • Theft 
  • Vandalism 
  • Explosions 
  • Winter weather damage 
  • Damage from infrastructure tearing, cracking, burning, etc. 
  • Sudden, accidental damage from electric currents 

• • Liability Insurance: Liability coverage pays for your medical or legal bills should you be responsible for an injury on the property or damage to the property itself. 

• Loss of Use/Living Expenses: Loss of use insurance kicks in if the property you rent becomes uninhabitable due to damage or repairs. It pays for your hotel bills and even certain food expenses while you wait for repairs to be completed. 

There are a few disasters renter’s insurance doesn’t cover, like flooding. It’s important to read your renter’s insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t included. If you need coverage that isn’t included, you can purchase add-on policies, such as water backup coverage, theft extension coverage, scheduled valuables coverage, or earthquake and volcano coverage. 

Massachusetts Renters Insurance 

Renters insurance in Massachusetts protects you and your belongings from a range of perils. Massachusetts experiences several extreme weather conditions, such as nor’easters, blizzards, and winter storms. If your personal property suffers damage from any of these severe weather events, your renters insurance policy can cover the replacement cost or actual cash value. Renters insurance in Massachusetts can also pay for legal or medical expenses if you are responsible for an injury in your home (up to your coverage limits and minus your deductible). 

What Does Renters Insurance Massachusetts Cost? 

Many renters are concerned about what renters insurance costs. Fortunately, renters insurance in Massachusetts is very affordable. According to NerdWallet, the average Massachusetts renters insurance policy in 2024 is $140, or about $12 per month. Massachusetts’s average monthly rates are actually the same as the national average rate. At such a small price, renters in Massachusetts can secure the best financial protection in case of damage or other losses. 

What Are the Most Common Claims in Massachusetts? 

Common renters insurance claims in Massachusetts include damage from storms and losses from property crime. In 2022, Massachusetts experienced over 10,000 burglaries, in addition to other property crimes. If your property is stolen, vandalized, or damaged due to property crime, your Massachusetts renters insurance can ensure that you are reimbursed for the loss.  

What Additional Policies Do I Need in Massachusetts? 

Massachusetts renters may also choose to purchase flood insurance. Flooding can occur after heavy rains or rising water levels near large bodies of water. 

FEMA data from the past decade shows that Massachusetts has a high historical flood risk. Every county in Massachusetts has experienced at least 50 flood events between 1996 and 2019.  

If your home is within a floodplain or has previously flooded, investing in flood coverage is a smart decision. Flood coverage is typically excluded from most renter’s insurance policies, so a separate policy is necessary. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) helps renters find a flood insurance policy customized to their individual needs and coverage preferences. 

How to Get Renters Insurance in Massachusetts 

Most major insurance providers offer renter’s insurance, often bundled with auto insurance for a lower price. To determine your policy and coverage details, your insurer will typically ask you a few questions about the rental unit (such as the type of building, year it was built, and address) and the dollar value or replacement cost of high-value personal belongings you own. You’ll be able to tailor your policy and coverage details to your needs. 

Get Renter’s Insurance with Innago 

Innago offers renter’s insurance through our partnership with Viaffinity. If you’re a renter, regardless of whether your landlord uses Innago, you can purchase a policy and get protection for you and your personal belongings. You can get quick and affordable quotes, customize your coverage, and add an additional person onto your policy at no extra cost.