Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


Enter your ZIP code to get started

Shield

Free. Simple. Secure.

fact checked icon

Updated: May 20, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Massachusetts drivers must adhere to the minimum car insurance requirements, including $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $5,000 for property damage. The state also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident and $8,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). Massachusetts operates under a no-fault system, meaning that PIP coverage will handle medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

Considering the cost of car insurance, the monthly premium for state minimum coverage in Massachusetts is around $38. You should look for the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts, which is affordable and provides adequate coverage that meets your needs.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Massachusetts Department of Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Massachusetts drivers.

recency icon

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Massachusetts as of June 2024.

22,050 Quotes Analyzed
 
14Companies Compared
 
81ZIP Codes

Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Massachusetts, drivers are legally required to carry minimum coverage auto insurance to drive a vehicle. The minimum amounts include:

  • $20,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $5,000 for property damage liability per accident
  • $20,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $40,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $8,000 personal injury protection (PIP) per accident

Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning that your insurance will pay for your damages regardless of who is at fault, up to the limit of your policy.

massachusetts icon
ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN MASSACHUSETTS?

Massachusetts does not mandate collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its minimum insurance requirements, but lenders do if you finance or lease a car. This requirement ensures that the car, serving as collateral for the loan or lease, is covered for damage or theft. For those who own their vehicles outright, it is an optional coverage that can provide peace of mind.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident

Damages to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers unless additional coverage is purchased

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

The table reflects Massachusetts' state minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Your individual policy's terms and conditions determine the exact coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Massachusetts

Many factors, including age, determine the cost of minimum coverage auto insurance rates. In Massachusetts, drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest premiums because they are considered more at-risk and less experienced. The table highlights the average cost for minimum coverage auto insurance in Massachusetts, broken down per age group.

22-29Annual Premium$504Monthly Premium$42
30-59Annual Premium$456Monthly Premium$38
60 +Annual Premium$367Monthly Premium$31

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Massachusetts

If you are looking for minimum coverage in Massachusetts, State Farm and Vermont Mutual offer the most affordable rates.

  • State Farm: $221 per year and $18 per month
  • Vermont Mutual: $270 per year and $23 per month

You can find the best car insurance in Massachusetts that is both affordable and meets state minimum requirements.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
State FarmAnnual Premium$221Monthly Premium$18
Vermont MutualAnnual Premium$270Monthly Premium$23
HanoverAnnual Premium$282Monthly Premium$24
Safety GroupAnnual Premium$288Monthly Premium$24
Plymouth Rock AssuranceAnnual Premium$304Monthly Premium$25
ChubbAnnual Premium$337Monthly Premium$28
American FamilyAnnual Premium$365Monthly Premium$30
Amica MutualAnnual Premium$517Monthly Premium$43

Optional Add-On Coverages in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, you can get optional add-on coverages such as collision, comprehensive, MedPay and underinsured motorist coverage. These options cover a range of incidents, from accidents to theft and medical expenses. While not required, they can help your finances following an unforeseen event. For guidance on how much car insurance you need, consider both your personal circumstances and the value of your vehicle.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.

Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers regardless of who's at fault.

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.

Roadside Assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.

Gap Insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.

Rental Car Reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Massachusetts

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in Massachusetts varies based on whether it's your first time or a repeated offense. First-time offenders face lower penalties, while repeat violators can expect more severe consequences. Whether it's your first or subsequent offense, penalties include significant fines, increased insurance rates and possibly community service.

  • Fines: Expect a significant fine that escalates with repeat offenses.
  • License suspension: Your driver's license could be suspended, and you would need to pay a reinstatement fee to regain your driving privileges.
  • Registration suspension: The vehicle's registration may be suspended, and you’ll incur fees to reinstate it.
  • SR-22 filing: You might be required to file an SR-22, a certificate of financial responsibility, which can hike your insurance premiums.

Adhering to the law by maintaining minimum coverage car insurance is essential to avoid these penalties and ensure protection for yourself and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

If your car insurance policy is canceled in Massachusetts, obtain new coverage immediately. Driving without insurance is against the law and could result in severe penalties. Start by contacting an insurance agent to discuss your options and find a new policy that meets the state's minimum coverage requirements.

If you're uninsured, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will be notified, as insurance companies are required to report policy cancellations. This could lead to the suspension of your vehicle registration and driver's license. For drivers struggling to find coverage, Massachusetts offers the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP). This program helps high-risk drivers secure the necessary insurance.

uninsured icon
WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Massachusetts may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-payment: If you miss too many car insurance payments, your provider can cancel your coverage.

  • License Suspension: Having your driver's license suspended can lead to insurance cancellation.

  • Fraud: Providing false information or committing fraud can cause your insurer to terminate your policy.

  • Too Many Claims: Filing too many claims in a short period might lead to cancellation as you're seen as high-risk.

You need to pay your premiums to maintain car insurance coverage.

FAQ: Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Here, we'll cover the essential coverage you need to legally drive in Massachusetts.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Massachusetts?
Why does Massachusetts require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?
Do you need comprehensive insurance in Massachusetts?
What happens if you drive uninsured in Massachusetts?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.