High-Risk Car Insurance in Massachusetts


Key Takeaways
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GEICO and Plymouth Rock offer the most competitive rates for high-risk drivers across all violation types in Massachusetts. Read more.

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Massachusetts provides two safety nets: the Low Cost Auto Insurance Program serves income-eligible drivers with clean records, while Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) helps rejected drivers access mandatory coverage.

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Massachusetts doesn't offer a low-cost auto insurance program. High-risk drivers rejected by multiple insurers can access coverage through CAR, the state's assigned risk pool. Read more.

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Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Massachusetts

GEICO and Plymouth Rock tie as the most affordable full coverage providers for high-risk drivers in Massachusetts, offering competitive rates across multiple violation categories.

For nationwide coverage options, explore our affordable high-risk car insurance in the U.S. guide.

Plymouth Rock

$106
GEICO
$89

Plymouth Rock

$102
GEICO
$89

Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates With a DUI

Massachusetts drivers with a DUI can find full coverage for $106 per month through Plymouth Rock, while other insurers charge as much as $276. This serious violation stays on your driving record for 10 years in the state, though most insurers consider it when calculating premiums for three to five years.

For tips to reduce your rates, check our car insurance after a DUI guide.

Data filtered by:
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Plymouth Rock Insurance$106$1,276
Progressive$136$1,626
Geico$136$1,637
Arbella$153$1,836
Amica$174$2,089
Norfolk & Dedham Insurance$185$2,215
Quincy Insurance$185$2,215
Safety Insurance$201$2,410
Farmers$209$2,507
Travelers$228$2,733
Allstate$276$3,314

Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates With a Speeding Ticket

Massachusetts drivers with speeding tickets pay rates ranging from $88 per month through GEICO to as high as $197 for full coverage from other insurers. Your actual increase depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit and whether you're a repeat offender. Speeding violations stay on your driving record for six years in Massachusetts.

Data filtered by:
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Geico$89$1,062
Arbella$95$1,144
Plymouth Rock Insurance$99$1,183
Amica$101$1,218
Norfolk & Dedham Insurance$106$1,273
Safety Insurance$113$1,352
Quincy Insurance$113$1,360
Farmers$128$1,530
Allstate$138$1,651
Progressive$150$1,801
Travelers$197$2,359

Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates With an At-Fault Accident

Massachusetts drivers with at-fault accidents pay rates from $102 per month through Plymouth Rock to as high as $235 for full coverage from other insurers. Companies increase premiums because at-fault accidents indicate you're more likely to file future claims, with steeper increases when the accident involved injuries or significant property damage. These accidents remain on your driving record for six years in the state.

Data filtered by:
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Plymouth Rock Insurance$102$1,225
Arbella$109$1,308
Geico$119$1,422
Norfolk & Dedham Insurance$130$1,556
Safety Insurance$134$1,606
Amica$136$1,627
Quincy Insurance$140$1,685
Progressive$179$2,144
Farmers$194$2,323
Allstate$226$2,707
Travelers$235$2,823

Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates With a Distracted Driving Violation

Massachusetts drivers with distracted driving violations can find affordable full coverage through GEICO at $88 per month, while other insurers charge up to $195. The state prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving, and violations result in fines and potential license points. Though distracted driving citations aren't as serious as DUI or reckless driving offenses, they're still moving violations that increase your insurance premiums, making it important to compare rates across providers.

Data filtered by:
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Geico$89$1,062
Arbella$95$1,144
Plymouth Rock Insurance$101$1,209
Amica$101$1,218
Norfolk & Dedham Insurance$106$1,273
Safety Insurance$113$1,352
Quincy Insurance$113$1,360
Farmers$128$1,530
Allstate$138$1,651
Progressive$149$1,792
Travelers$195$2,346

How Much Is High-Risk Car Insurance in Massachusetts?

At-fault accidents raise full coverage rates in Massachusetts by 57% ($56 per month), while a DUI adds 83% ($82 monthly) compared to drivers with clean records. Massachusetts residents with violations pay higher premiums than those without infractions. Compare average monthly rates in the table below, which breaks down costs by violation type. The filter lets you switch between full coverage and minimum liability costs.

See our average cost of car insurance in Massachusetts guide for clean-record rates.

Data filtered by:
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Clean$99$1,191
Speeding 11-15 MPH over limit$121$1,449
Texting While Driving$121$1,449
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)$155$1,857
DUI - BAC >= .08$181$2,169
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HOW LONG DO DRIVING VIOLATIONS AFFECT CAR INSURANCE RATES?

Serious violations like DUIs and reckless driving affect your Massachusetts insurance rates for 5-10 years, while minor infractions such as speeding tickets impact premiums for about three to five years. Major violations stay on your driving record for 10 years, but most insurers don't penalize you for the entire period. Each carrier applies different guidelines for how long violations influence your costs.

Massachusetts High-Risk Car Insurance: Buyer's Guide

High-risk drivers face higher rates, but you can still find affordable coverage by comparing quotes from multiple insurers. This guide covers what makes you high risk, how to locate budget-friendly providers, and your options if you're denied coverage.

Learn more ways to reduce costs with violations in our cheap car insurance after a bad driving record resource.

Who Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?

Insurance companies label you high risk if you have:

  • DUI or OUI convictions
  • Moving violations or at-fault accidents
  • A suspended or revoked license
  • Limited driving experience
  • Sports cars or high-performance vehicles
  • Coverage lapses or poor credit
  • Racing history or reckless driving charges

Drivers over 65 pay increased premiums.

Tips to Find the Best High-Risk Car Insurance in Massachusetts

Follow these strategies to secure affordable high-risk car insurance in Massachusetts without sacrificing essential coverage.

  1. 1
    Decide what coverage you need

    Determine your car insurance needs before comparing companies to make smart choices and resist agent pressure. Consider add-ons like rideshare coverage and roadside assistance based on your driving habits. Use a coverage calculator to find the right amount for your situation.

  2. 2
    Research average costs and discounts

    Know typical rates and available discounts before requesting quotes from Massachusetts insurers. State-approved defensive driving courses can reduce your premiums by up to 10%. Understanding these benchmarks helps you identify competitive offers and choose the right provider while maximizing savings.

  3. 3
    Consider nontraditional coverage options

    Usage-based and pay-per-mile insurance programs reduce costs for safe or infrequent drivers in Massachusetts. Companies like GEICO and Progressive offer telematics programs that monitor your driving habits for potential discounts. These options work well for drivers seeking affordable coverage despite their high-risk status.

  4. 4
    Compare multiple providers

    Get quotes from at least three different carriers to find the best rates. Use independent brokers and online comparison tools to gather diverse options across Boston, Worcester and Springfield markets. Keep coverage levels consistent when comparing to ensure accurate evaluation and find affordable insurance.

  5. 5
    Consider state programs if you qualify or have been denied

    Massachusetts drivers rejected by multiple insurers can obtain coverage through the Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Insurance Plan, which ensures access to required coverage. While premiums are higher than standard market rates, this assigned risk program helps high-risk drivers meet the state's mandatory insurance requirements.

What to Do if You're Denied Coverage in Massachusetts

Insurers may reject your application if you're deemed high risk under Massachusetts' voluntary market system. Drivers denied by two or more companies can obtain required coverage through Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR), which manages the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP) for both private passenger and commercial vehicles. Massachusetts does not operate a state low-cost auto insurance program. Low-income drivers should compare quotes from multiple insurers to find affordable coverage that meets state requirements.

    building icon
    Office hours

    Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET

    smartphone icon
    Phone

    (617) 338-4000

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    Fax

    Not publicly available

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    Mailing address

    101 Arch Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02110

*CAR handles the residual market and ensures drivers meet state-mandated insurance requirements. Massachusetts drivers can access MAIP coverage through licensed insurance agents statewide, who contact CAR for policy assignments.

What Is Massachusetts' Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program?

Massachusetts doesn't offer a separate low-cost auto insurance program for income-eligible drivers. Instead, the state operates the Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR), which serves as the assigned risk plan for drivers who've been rejected by standard insurers. CAR ensures that high-risk drivers can still obtain the coverage required by state law when they can't find insurance in the voluntary market.

Who Qualifies for Massachusetts' Low Cost Auto Insurance?

Massachusetts doesn't offer a dedicated low-cost auto insurance program for income-eligible residents. Massachusetts drivers seeking affordable coverage must shop in the voluntary market and compare quotes from multiple insurers. Those denied by standard carriers can access coverage through the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan, the state's assigned risk pool.

Drivers with DUIs, suspended licenses or serious violations need SR-22 insurance, which serves as a certificate of financial responsibility filed with the state.

What Is the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP)?

Drivers who've been rejected by standard insurers because of DUIs, multiple accidents or suspended licenses can get coverage through the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP). This assigned risk plan ensures you can access the minimum liability coverage required by Massachusetts law, even when voluntary market insurers won't cover you due to high-risk status.

MAIP assigns drivers to participating insurance companies based on each insurer's market share in Massachusetts. AIPSO administers the program, distributing high-risk applicants proportionally among carriers required to participate in the state's residual market.

How Does MAIP Assignment Work?

The Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP) serves as the state's residual market for high-risk drivers who've been rejected by standard insurers. All licensed auto insurance companies in Massachusetts must participate in this assigned risk pool and accept drivers in proportion to their market share in the state. This mandatory participation ensures the system can handle all rejected applicants.

Once you're assigned through MAIP, a participating insurer will provide you with the state's required minimum liability coverage. This guarantees access to legally mandated insurance regardless of your driving history or previous rejections.

How Much Does CAR Coverage Cost?

Massachusetts' Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR) rates are 50% to 100% higher than comparable voluntary market policies for high-risk drivers. A driver with a clean record might pay $150 monthly for standard coverage, while CAR coverage costs $225 to $300 per month for identical protection. These elevated premiums reflect the increased risk insurers assume when covering drivers with DUIs, multiple violations or serious accidents that make them unacceptable to standard carriers.

The Massachusetts Division of Insurance regulates CAR rates and oversees program operations. CAR ensures that even Massachusetts drivers rejected by voluntary insurers can access the liability coverage required by Massachusetts law, helping high-risk motorists maintain legal driving privileges.

How Do I Apply for Massachusetts' MAIP/CAR Programs?

For Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP):

  1. Check that your household income falls at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.
  2. Confirm you have a clean driving record with no major violations in the past five years.
  3. Make sure your vehicle meets the program's age and value requirements.
  4. Visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website at mass.gov/orgs/division-of-insurance for application details.
  5. Contact participating insurers offering the low-cost program, or call the Division of Insurance consumer hotline.
  6. Submit required income documentation and proof of Massachusetts residency.

For Commonwealth Auto Reinsurers (CAR):

  1. Apply for coverage with at least two standard Massachusetts insurers first.
  2. Obtain written rejection letters from each company you contact.
  3. Find a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent who handles CAR placements.
  4. Work with your agent to submit the CAR application along with your rejection documentation.
  5. Provide all required information, including your driver's license and vehicle details.
  6. Once processed, you'll receive a coverage assignment from a participating CAR insurer.

Both programs help Massachusetts drivers meet mandatory insurance requirements, offering low-cost coverage for eligible residents and assigned risk coverage for high-risk drivers.

Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Massachusetts: Bottom Line

GEICO and Plymouth Rock tie for the most affordable high-risk insurers in Massachusetts, based on rates from major carriers. Full coverage costs run from $89 per month for drivers with speeding tickets to $106 monthly for those with DUI convictions, depending on your specific violation and coverage needs.

Drivers rejected by multiple standard insurers can access required coverage through the Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers, the state's assigned risk plan that ensures you meet Massachusetts insurance requirements.

Once you've improved your driving record, keep comparing rates through our cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts guide to find better options for your updated profile.

Massachusetts Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers: FAQ

What is the cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in Massachusetts?

How much more expensive is high-risk car insurance in Massachusetts

How We Chose the Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance in Massachusetts

We calculated average rates using full coverage policies featuring 100/300/100 liability, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. State minimum rates were based on Massachusetts' required 20/40/5 liability coverage.

All rate calculations use this standard profile:

  • Driver aged 35
  • Male
  • Annual mileage of 12,000
  • Good credit score
  • One violation (DUI, speeding ticket, at-fault accident or distracted driving)

We reviewed rates from major carriers by violation type to determine the most affordable insurers for Massachusetts high-risk drivers. Filter options allow users to compare full coverage and state minimum options for their needs.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.


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