
Car insurance is a must-have for Massachusetts drivers, and understanding the state's insurance laws and requirements is crucial.
In Massachusetts, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage.
The state's insurance laws also mandate that drivers carry $5,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Massachusetts drivers can choose from a variety of insurance companies, including Geico, State Farm, and Progressive, among others.
Understanding Car Insurance
Getting car insurance in Massachusetts is relatively easy, especially if you know what coverage you need. You can get a free Massachusetts auto insurance quote online.
It's essential to understand Massachusetts car insurance laws and coverage options. Working with a knowledgeable independent insurance agent can help you navigate the process. They can connect you with various insurance companies and provide a comparison report to explain the costs and benefits of each policy.
The cost of your premium provides coverage for property damage, bodily injury, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. Each policy also offers various benefits, including:
- Replacement cost coverage on new cars
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental replacement beyond 30 days
- Lockout service
MAPFRE is the leading Massachusetts car insurance provider, offering affordable coverage options.
Massachusetts Laws and Requirements

In Massachusetts, auto insurance is mandatory to operate a vehicle and register a car. You'll need to carry four types of mandatory car insurance coverage, each with a minimum limit.
To be specific, Massachusetts law requires drivers to carry $8,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) and a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability (PDL). This helps pay for damage you do with your car to other people's property.
The minimum car insurance requirements in Massachusetts are quite clear. You'll need to carry a minimum of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in bodily injury to others (liability) coverage, as well as $5,000 per accident in damage to someone else's property (property damage) coverage.
Here are the Massachusetts required minimum limits for car insurance in a nutshell:
If you have a loan on your car, you'll be required to carry full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive. This adds an extra layer of protection in case your car is damaged.
Coverage Options
In Massachusetts, you have several options to consider when it comes to car insurance coverage.
Liability coverage is a must-have in Massachusetts, with a minimum requirement of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is also mandatory, with a minimum requirement of $8,000 per person.
Uninsured motorist coverage is also a good idea, as it protects you in case you're involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have insurance.
What Is the Optimal?
MAPFRE is the #1 auto and home insurer in Massachusetts.
AM Best, the leading provider of financial information for the Property/Casualty insurance industry, gives MAPFRE Insurance a rating of “A (Excellent)”.
You can read reviews from thousands of customers on both Google and Trustpilot where MAPFRE has 4+ star ratings.
MAPFRE delivers excellent service to its customers, making it a trusted choice for many.
What Does Cover Include?
In Massachusetts, mandatory car insurance coverage includes property damage, bodily injury, and uninsured/underinsured motorists. This is a given, as it's compulsory coverage.

Bodily Injury to Others liability coverage is necessary to legally operate a vehicle in Massachusetts. This coverage can help cover injuries and medical expenses for anyone the driver harms in an at-fault accident.
The legal minimum limit for Property Damage coverage in Massachusetts is only $5,000 per accident. With the cost of parts, repairs, and specialized labor on the rise, it's essential to select limits that meet your needs.
Optional Bodily Injury to Others coverage is usually available from $20,000/$40,000 up to $500,000/$500,000. This can apply to accidents that occur anywhere in the U.S.
Here are some additional benefits you might find in a Massachusetts auto insurance policy:
- Replacement cost coverage on new cars
- Trip interruption coverage
- Rental replacement beyond 30 days
- Lockout service
Keep in mind that the costs and benefits of each policy option will vary depending on the company and policy you choose.
Uninsured Auto Bodily Injury Coverage
In Massachusetts, Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto coverage is a mandatory requirement, often shortened to UM. This coverage is designed to help cover injuries or medical expenses for the insured when the at-fault party doesn't have insurance or is unidentified.
The minimum UM coverage in Massachusetts is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This amount can be crucial in compensating for medical expenses that health insurance may not cover, such as pain and suffering.
In a hit-and-run situation or when dealing with an uninsured driver, UM coverage can provide financial protection for the insured. It's essential to have this coverage in Massachusetts, where it's required by law.
Coverage for Antique and Classics
If you own a classic or antique car, you want to ensure it has the proper insurance coverage. Massachusetts requires four types of mandatory car insurance coverage.
In Massachusetts, you'll need to have one of these four types of insurance to cover your antique or classic vehicle. These types of insurance are also called mandatory car insurance coverage.
Classic cars require special care, and so do their insurance policies. You'll want to make sure you have the right type of insurance to protect your investment.
There are four types of mandatory car insurance coverage, but I won't list them all here - let's just say it's best to check with a licensed insurance professional to see which one applies to your classic car.
By Age

As you shop for car insurance, you'll notice that rates vary significantly by age. This is because drivers in different age groups pose different levels of risk to insurance companies.
Teens pay the highest rates, with the lowest premium coming in at $1,989, which is 280% more expensive than the most affordable coverage for seniors at $523.
Young drivers, on the other hand, tend to pay lower premiums than teens, but rates can still be high due to their inexperience behind the wheel. The best rate for young drivers is $943.
Rates start to drop as teens move into their young adult years and tend to stay stable until drivers get into their 70s, when rates will go up a bit.
Insurance Companies and Agents
Insurance companies in Massachusetts offer a range of coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
The state requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of insurance, known as the "Massachusetts Mandatory Insurance Law."
Drivers can choose from various insurance companies, including Geico, State Farm, and Progressive, each with their own unique policies and rates.
Agents can help individuals navigate the complex world of car insurance, providing personalized advice and guidance.
Companies
If you're looking for the top car insurance companies in Massachusetts, you'll want to check out the top 10 writing companies by market share. According to S&P Global, MAPFRE Insurance holds the top spot with a market share of 19.4%.
The average premium for car insurance in Massachusetts is $1,726 a year or $144 a month, which is the 34th highest in the country.
If you're looking for affordable car insurance options, State Farm, Geico, Plymouth Rock Assurance, Safety Insurance, and others are great choices. They offer a range of coverage options at competitive rates.
Here's a breakdown of the top car insurance companies in Massachusetts, based on market share:
Safety Insurance finished second in our rankings with a score of 3.15 stars, while Geico was third at 3.09 stars.
Find an Agent Near You
Finding an insurance agent can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. Working with an independent insurance agent can help you find additional discounts and save you the hassle of comparing rates.
MAPFRE Insurance partners with local independent insurance agents throughout Massachusetts, making it easy to find one near you. You can search their Agent Locator or select a city to find an agent.
Boston and Worcester are just two of the cities where you can find a MAPFRE Insurance agent. Whether you live in one of these cities or somewhere else in Massachusetts, you can find an agent who can help you with your insurance needs.
MAPFRE Insurance is committed to making buying car insurance a simple process.
Shopping for Car Insurance
Shopping for car insurance in Massachusetts can be a bit of a challenge, but it's a great way to make sure you're getting the best rates on your auto insurance.
Experts recommend shopping around yearly, but it's not always necessary to switch insurance companies. Staying with the same insurance company for more than 12 months can lead to better rates and more potential benefits.
When comparing insurance quotes, make sure you're comparing like coverage levels and deductibles. This means looking at the same limits per person, occurrence, and property damage.
Keeping your credit score up, following the speed limit, and placing both home and auto insurance with the same carrier can also help you save money on your car insurance.
Discounts
Shopping for car insurance can be overwhelming, but researching discounts is a great place to start. Massachusetts falls somewhere in the middle for average car insurance cost by state.
You can find affordable car insurance in Massachusetts by browsing discounts, or by chatting with an independent insurance agent.
Some car insurance companies offer discounts that can lower your premiums. Please Note: This content is not intended to describe any specific coverage offered by MAPFRE Insurance.
Available coverages, credits, and discounts vary from state to state and are subject to eligibility criteria and policy terms/conditions.
Shopping for Deals
Shopping for deals on car insurance can be a challenge, but there are some tips to keep in mind. It's a good idea to shop around yearly, but it doesn't necessarily mean you should switch insurance companies.
Experts recommend staying with the same insurance company, as you tend to get a better rate when you've been with the same carrier for more than 12 months. This is because the carrier can review your claims history and provide information about applicable discounts.
Make sure you're comparing like coverage levels and deductibles when shopping around. It's extremely important to start off with an apples-to-apples comparison, so you can see the true cost of each policy.
You can save money on your car insurance by keeping your credit score up. This is a great way to lower your premiums and get a better rate.
Here's a list of some of the cheapest and most expensive cities in Massachusetts for car insurance:
Average Annual Rate
Massachusetts is a bit of an outlier when it comes to car insurance, with an average annual rate of $1,782, which is slightly cheaper than the national average.
The national average is $1,924, so Massachusetts drivers can breathe a sigh of relief. However, rates can vary significantly depending on your specific driving history, location, and driving needs.
Here's a breakdown of the average annual rates in Massachusetts and the US:
It's worth noting that rates can vary significantly depending on where you live within Massachusetts. For example, Cambridge offers the cheapest rates for a large city at $1,560 annually, while Brockton is the most expensive at $2,224 annually.
Special Circumstances
If you're involved in a car accident while driving for a ride-sharing service in Massachusetts, your personal car insurance may not cover you.
Massachusetts law requires ride-sharing companies to have a minimum of $1 million in liability insurance coverage per accident.
If you're a Massachusetts resident who's been involved in a hit-and-run accident, you may be able to file a claim with the Massachusetts Crime Victims' Compensation Fund to help cover your expenses.
High-Risk
If you're a high-risk driver in Massachusetts, you're likely to pay more for car insurance. A speeding ticket can increase your rates by 31% to an average of $2,304.
This increase can last for at least three years, so it's essential to consider this when deciding whether to take the risk of getting a speeding ticket.
A DUI will result in the biggest increase, sending your premium up 122% to an average of $3,905. This is a significant jump, and it's essential to think carefully before getting behind the wheel after drinking.
An at-fault accident will raise your rates by 68% to an average of $2,960. This is a substantial increase, and it's crucial to be a safe driver to avoid this situation.
Here's a breakdown of the average increase in car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Massachusetts:
Special Circumstances
If you're a young driver in Massachusetts, you're in luck - your premiums will drop significantly as you age, with State Farm offering the cheapest rate at $943 per year for 21-25 year olds.

Having a clean driving record is key to getting the best rates, and if you keep it that way, you'll see your rates drop even further as you enter your late 20s.
State Farm is also the cheapest option for teen drivers in Massachusetts, with a yearly premium of $1,989. This is a significant drop from the most expensive option, Allstate, which charges a whopping $9,886 per year.
Teen drivers can save some money by asking their insurer for a good student discount if they're carrying a B average or better, or by putting them in an older vehicle that wouldn't be repaired after an accident.
Here are the average premiums for teens in Massachusetts:
ZIP Code and Location Impact
Location plays a significant role in determining car insurance rates in Massachusetts. Insurers consider the ZIP code where your car is parked, taking into account factors like crime rates and severe weather.
High crime rates or frequent severe weather can result in higher premiums. For example, Roxbury tops the charts at $2,993 a year, while Roxbury Crossing comes in second at $2,890.
Rural areas are generally cheaper than urban areas, with fewer accidents and claims. Northfield has the cheapest zip code for car insurance in Massachusetts, with an annual premium of $1,343.
Here's a comparison of the most expensive and cheapest ZIP codes in Massachusetts:
City Average Premiums
Living in Massachusetts can be expensive, and car insurance is no exception. The state ranks 34th in terms of cost, with an average annual premium of $1,726.
Boston is one of the more expensive cities in Massachusetts, with an average annual premium of $1,892. That's $326 more than the state average.
Cambridge, on the other hand, offers the cheapest rates for a large city, with an average annual premium of $1,560. That's a significant difference from the state average.
Here's a breakdown of average premiums in some of the major cities in Massachusetts:
Brockton has the highest average annual premium in the state, at $2,224. That's a significant difference from the state average, and it's worth shopping around for a better deal.
Which ZIP Codes Have Highest Prices?
If you live in Massachusetts, you might be surprised to know that your car insurance rates can vary greatly depending on your ZIP code. In fact, some areas are significantly more expensive than others.
Roxbury is the most expensive ZIP code in Massachusetts for car insurance, with an average annual premium of $2,993. This is likely due to high crime rates or frequent severe weather in the area.
If you live in Roxbury, you're not alone in paying a higher premium. Roxbury Crossing is another nearby ZIP code that ranks second on the list, with an average annual premium of $2,890.
Other high-cost ZIP codes in Massachusetts include Dorchester, Mattapan, and Dorchester Center, all of which have average annual premiums over $2,700.
Here's a list of the top 10 most expensive ZIP codes in Massachusetts for car insurance:
Does Location Impact Rates?
Location can have a significant impact on car insurance rates in Massachusetts. The cheapest zip code for car insurance in Massachusetts is in Northfield with an annual premium of $1,343.
Rural areas tend to be cheaper than urban areas, with fewer people and cars on the road resulting in fewer accidents and claims. Cambridge, the state's fourth-largest city, offers the cheapest rates for a large city, with an annual rate of $1,560.
In contrast, urban areas tend to be more expensive, with higher rates in cities like Brockton, where the average annual rate is $2,224. The most expensive zip code for car insurance in Massachusetts is not specified in the article, but we do know that rural areas like Northfield offer significantly cheaper rates.
Here are the 10 cheapest zip codes for car insurance in Massachusetts, based on the article:
Government Support
In Massachusetts, the government plays a significant role in regulating the car insurance industry.
The Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Reform Act of 1988 requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability insurance, which includes $20,000 for personal injury or death per person and $40,000 for personal injury or death per accident.
Massachusetts law also requires drivers to carry a minimum of $8,000 in property damage liability insurance.
The Commonwealth's Bureau of Insurance oversees the insurance industry and ensures that insurance companies comply with state regulations.
Insurance companies in Massachusetts are required to file their rates and policies with the Bureau of Insurance for approval.
The Bureau of Insurance also provides resources and guidance to consumers on how to navigate the insurance process.
Massachusetts law allows drivers to choose from a variety of insurance options, including standard, basic, and limited policies.
Targeted Groups
If you're a young driver in Massachusetts, you'll likely face higher car insurance rates due to the state's mandatory insurance law, which requires drivers to have a minimum of $20,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person.
Massachusetts law also requires drivers to have a minimum of $40,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $5,000 in property damage liability coverage. This can be a significant expense, especially for new drivers.
Drivers with a clean record and good credit history may be able to qualify for lower rates, but this is not always the case.
Government Support for Low-Income Individuals

Government support for low-income individuals in Massachusetts is limited. There is no government-run car insurance program for low-income drivers in the state, unlike a handful of other states such as California, Hawaii, and New Jersey.
To find affordable car insurance, low-income drivers in Massachusetts must shop around and compare rates from different companies. State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company in Massachusetts, with an average annual rate of $210.
One way to bring down car insurance rates is to take advantage of available discounts. Low-income drivers in Massachusetts can qualify for discounts such as the 47% discount for being licensed for many years or the 15% discount for being insured for a long time.
Here are some common discounts available in Massachusetts:
For Senior Citizens
For senior citizens, car insurance can be a significant expense. In Massachusetts, seniors pay more for car insurance than other drivers, excluding teens.
State Farm is the best choice for seniors in Massachusetts, with an average premium of $523 annually, or $44 a month.
Geico is the second most affordable option for senior drivers in the state, with an average premium of $923 annually, or $77 a month.
Arbella Insurance is also an option, but its premium is significantly higher, at $1,336 annually, or $111 a month.
Here's a list of the average annual and monthly premiums for senior drivers in Massachusetts:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts?
According to recent data, Geico offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Massachusetts, with average rates of $1,320 per year or $110 per month. For a more detailed comparison, see our full list of affordable car insurance options in Massachusetts.
Is $100 a month expensive for car insurance?
The cost of $100 a month for car insurance is relatively affordable for a full-coverage policy, but may be considered expensive for liability coverage alone. It's essential to consider the type of coverage when evaluating the cost of your car insurance.
Sources
- https://www.mapfreinsurance.com/car-insurance/massachusetts-car-insurance/
- https://patnode.com/car-insurance/
- https://www.insure.com/car-insurance/best-car-insurance-in-massachusetts/
- https://www.autoinsurance.com/states/massachusetts/best-car-insurance/
- https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/low-income-car-insurance-massachusetts/
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