Massachusetts Auto Insurance Guide
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Massachusetts Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Car insurance is required in Massachusetts, but you may need more than the minimum limits to protect yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Car insurance is mandatory in Massachusetts and all drivers must carry some minimum levels of coverage
- Your auto insurance rates differ greatly based on where in the state you reside
- Massachusetts is one of a few states that does not use gender or credit score as rating factors in auto insurance
- With so many insurance companies competing for your business, shopping around to compare rates helps you find the best rate possible
Introduction
From Stockbridge to Gloucester, Fall River to Lowell, Massachusetts has thousands of miles of roadways. They’ll take you from downtown Boston to Cape Cod, from the Berkshire Mountains to the Charles River. They’re used by more than 4.7 million licensed drivers, who each put in an average of 8,300 miles a year.
Coverage Descriptions
Massachusetts state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties that may include monetary fines and jail time. Massachusetts is a no-fault state. That means your insurance will pay your injury claims up to a specified limit, regardless of who caused the accident. Under a no-fault system, you lose some of your rights to sue for damages.
Minimum insurance requirements
The bare minimum car insurance requirement for Massachusetts drivers is:
- $20,000 bodily injury per person per accident
- $40,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability
- $8,000 personal injury protection
These state minimums may not be sufficient to protect you, though, so make sure to review your coverage needs with your agent.
New Driving Laws and Regulations
Texting while driving in Massachusetts is illegal. Using your phone for hands-free calls is allowed if the driver is over 18 years of age.
Your license could be suspended or revoked for driving under the influence convictions. Massachusetts now allows the recreational use of marijuana, but not for those driving vehicles.
Vehicles in Massachusetts must pass annual safety and emissions tests. State laws limit certain vehicle modifications, like excess tinting to the windows.
Penalties for Failure to Carry State Auto Insurance
Failing to carry the state minimum required auto insurance is a bad idea. It’s considered a civil motor vehicle infraction and could result in steep penalties —a $5,000 fine, up to one year in jail, and a license suspension for a year.
How to Get the Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance Policy
Massachusetts is one of a few states that doesn’t allow the use of an applicant’s credit score in the underwriting process to deny auto insurance. The commonwealth also doesn’t use gender in rating auto policies, one of only six states to remove gender as a rating factor.
Shopping around and comparing rates at each renewal is one of the best ways to get the cheapest car insurance policy. Remember if you haven’t shopped for car insurance in several renewal periods, your current carrier may no longer be giving you the lowest price.
You may also be able to lower the cost of your premiums in the following ways:
- Ask about available discounts for good driving habits, anti-theft devices, multiple cars on one policy, bundling your car insurance with your homeowners or renters policy, automatic or online payments, and driving a hybrid or electric car
- Compare quotes from a variety of providers on this website
- Eliminate unnecessary coverage
- Check to see if you qualify for any low-cost auto insurance program your state may offer
- Consider a usage-based or pay-per-mile policy if you don’t drive often
Read More: 8 Simple Ways to Save You 90% On Your Car Insurance
Massachusetts Car Insurance Premiums
The average cost for auto insurance in Massachusetts is $1167.16, placing it 13th in the country for costs, based on 2018 data from the NAIC. Vehicle insurance premiums are regulated by the Massachusetts Office of Insurance Regulation – when insurance companies want to change prices they need to file with the state.
Auto insurance companies use individual characteristics, called factors, to price your car insurance policy. Some of the most significant factors used in Massachusetts include:
Your age. Massachusetts only allows your age to be used as a rating factor once you’re 65 years or older. If you are a younger driver, age doesn’t factor into rating.
Your location. Whether you reside in a more urban or rural part of Massachusetts makes a difference with your premiums. Massachusetts has a relatively low percentage of uninsured drivers, which helps keep premiums lower for everyone. The commonwealth does see its fair share of winter weather, and storms can increase costs along with the frequency of winter accidents. Massachusetts also enjoys a low incidence of car theft, which helps keep premiums lower.
The type of vehicle you drive. A newer vehicle with more safety features like antilock brakes and an anti-theft system can score you discounts. But newer vehicles also can be more expensive to repair or replace in an accident, which can drive your premium up.
Your driving records. Your driving history makes a difference with your premiums. Having an at-fault accident or driving ticket can stay on your record at least three years and your premium suffers during that time.
How much you drive. Drivers who travel more miles face a greater risk of an accident. If you are a high mileage driver you may see higher rates.
Massachusetts doesn’t allow gender or credit scores to be used for rating auto policies.
Insurance companies in Massachusetts can choose to develop their own merit rating system or can use the state’s Safe Driver Insurance Plan rating system to adjust your rates based on your driving history. At-fault accidents generally raise your rates regardless of whether your insurer uses their own merit rating system or the state’s plan. But insurers in Massachusetts can’t use accidents older than 6 years from your policy’s effective date or tickets older than 5 years to increase your premiums.
Car Insurance Rates by Carrier:
| Car Insurance Company | Average Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage | Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage |
| Travelers | $910 | $1,936 |
| Progressive | $799 | $1,749 |
| Main Street America Group | $576 | $1,278 |
| Geico | $526 | $1,026 |
| Arbella | $520 | $1,427 |
| Allstate | $484 | $1,312 |
| The Norfolk & Dedham Group | $467 | $1,259 |
| Vermont Mutual | $458 | $1,166 |
| The Hanover | $430 | $1,391 |
| Amica | $418 | $1,398 |
| Safety | $377 | $827 |
| Plymouth Rock | $339 | $959 |
Source: Bankrate Average Cost of Car Insurance in Massachusetts
Car Insurance Premiums by City:
| City | Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage | % Difference from State Average Annual Premium |
| Dorchester | $2,253 | 84% |
| Brockton | $1,993 | 63% |
| Lynn | $1,845 | 51% |
| Malden | $1,775 | 45% |
| Lawrence | $1,698 | 39% |
| Springfield | $1,695 | 39% |
| Worcester | $1,575 | 29% |
| Fall River | $1,569 | 28% |
| New Bedford | $1,567 | 28% |
| Boston | $1,554 | 27% |
| Somerville | $1,479 | 21% |
| Quincy | $1,437 | 17% |
| Medford | $1,435 | 17% |
| Lowell | $1,362 | 11% |
| Plymouth | $1,332 | 9% |
| Haverhill | $1,324 | 8% |
| Chicopee | $1,321 | 8% |
| Framingham | $1,316 | 8% |
| Cambridge | $1,300 | 6% |
| Waltham | $1,285 | 5% |
Source: Bankrate Car Insurance Premiums by City in Massachusetts
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Massachusetts Auto Insurance Frequently Asked Questions
Is Auto Insurance Required in Massachusetts?
Yes. Every driver must carry the basic minimum coverage in Massachusetts.
Should I Shop Around to Compare Auto Insurance Rates?
Shopping around to compare rates is the best way to get the cheapest price for car insurance. Many different insurance companies compete for your business in Massachusetts so you should be able to find a competitive rate by comparing quotes with our free quote comparison tool.
My Auto Policy Is Renewing Soon - Should I Shop Around?
Yes! Your current insurer may no longer be offering you the best rate. But you’ll only know by shopping around and comparing your options. Check at each renewal, or at least annually, to be sure your current rate is the best one for you.
Can I Change My Gender on My Driver’s License and Insurance in Massachusetts?
Yes, if you need to update your gender, contact the RMV to make the change to your license first. You’ll need to complete a form and pay a fee if your name has also changed. Use your updated documents to submit a request to your insurance carrier for ID cards to match your new name.
Massachusetts Regulating Agencies and References
Massachusetts Division of Insurance
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
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