Massachusetts Car Insurance
Massachusetts is a state with a lot of history to it. With prestigious schools like MIT, the invention of the chocolate chip cookie, and a legendary baseball history, Massachusetts has a lot to be proud of. The road system in the state is what helps people get from one place to the next, and in many areas having a car is essential. In addition, Boston Common was the first public park in the US, and Harvard was the first college in the country as well. There is a lot to enjoy.
If you are moving to Boston for the first time or are looking for better rates for car insurance, the best auto insurance rates are here! Finding the top car insurance company to suit your needs is an important decision, and many companies are competing for your business. Use the tools at General to get free quotes for car insurance and find the top policies and companies to suit your needs. Deciding on how to protect an investment like a vehicle is an important responsibility. Let General help guide you along the way by providing information on the insurance requirements in the state, average costs, cheapest car coverage companies, the laws in the state, and how you can save.
Auto Insurance Requirements In Massachusetts
Like most other states, Massachusetts has laws surrounding insurance. Legally driving in Massachusetts means maintaining the minimum required amounts of car coverage. Auto insurance plans not only help keep people protected, but also communities. This includes yourself, other drivers, property, and more. There are many ways for people to save money on car insurance plans, including discounts and comparison-shopping.
The minimum required amounts of insurance in Massachusetts are $20,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, personal injury protection in the amount of $8,000 per person in an accident and uninsured motorist coverage in the amounts of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Property damage coverage is also required in the amount of $5,000 per accident. Personal injury protection covers injuries to your passengers, as well as yourself if an accident occurs. Even so, you can still be considered at fault for automobile accidents in the state.
When registering your vehicle in the state, you will need to provide proof of insurance through your insurance company. This proof of insurance needs to be brought to the Registry of Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts. Two different forms can be used for this. RMV-1 is used the first time insurance through a company is purchased, and RMV-2 is used for the subsequent times.
Average Cost Of Coverage In Massachusetts
Auto insurance rates average $650 per year and can go up or down from there. The amount a person pays for car insurance is dependent on many factors. One of these is how much car insurance coverage is purchased. The types of discounts that apply to a person’s policy, as well as other variables like a person’s age, marital status, car model, and more, are also taken into consideration. Some automobile insurance providers are cheaper on average than others.
Age | Average Premium (yearly) |
16 | $5,044 |
17 | $4,508 |
18 | $4,342 |
19 | $2,657 |
20s | $1,450 |
30s | $1,112 |
40s | $1,068 |
50s | $1,031 |
60s | $947 |
70s | $917 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Massachusetts
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Massachusetts include Hanover, Safety, and MetLife. Getting multiple quotes from different companies, and comparing the costs for multiple months of insurance is recommended. Each company can use different formulas to determine what a person is quoted for their policy. In most cases, people choose to get more car insurance coverage than the minimum amounts to protect themselves further. In addition to getting more liability insurance, sometimes drivers choose to purchase collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage, lease gap insurance coverage, rental car coverage, roadside assistance, and other types of insurance for specialty equipment is also available.
When leasing or financing a vehicle, the terms of a person’s contract may have requirements for collision insurance coverage, lease gap insurance coverage, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Rank | Company | Avg. Premium (annual) |
1 | Travelers | $1,329 |
2 | MetLife | $1,432 |
3 | Progressive | $1,654 |
Unique Car Insurance Rules And Penalties In Massachusetts
Strict penalties are put in place for drivers who choose to operate a motor vehicle without insurance in the state. Depending on the specific situation, drivers can be hit with up to $5,000 in fines, up to one year in jail, and the loss of their driving privileges for up to year or more. An additional fee of $500 could be assessed to go towards the assigned risk plan, also called MAIP.
People who are caught driving without insurance could be placed into a higher risk category when seeking insurance plans out again as well. This can mean higher rates on their insurance policy when they do get one again. Also, it can be quite costly to be involved in an accident without insurance. Drivers can be held liable for the damages they cause, including damages to other people, property, and more. Holding the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage can help protect you financially. Many people choose to get more coverage than the minimum amounts.
Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
Hit and Run | $2,520 | 97% | $1,243 |
Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,424 | 90% | $1,147 |
DUI | $2,454 | 92% | $1,177 |
Racing | $2,464 | 93% | $1,187 |
Reckless Driving | $2,520 | 97% | $1,243 |
Driving with a Suspended License | $2,552 | 100% | $1,275 |
At-Fault Accident | $1,984 | 55% | $707 |
Driving with an Open Container | $2,403 | 88% | $1,126 |
Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,627 | 27% | $350 |
Passing a School Bus | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Improper Passing | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Following Too Closely | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Speeding | $1,622 | 27% | $345 |
Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Illegal Turn | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Failure to Yield | $1,640 | 28% | $363 |
Speeding in a School Zone | $1,624 | 27% | $348 |
Driving Too Slowly | $1,624 | 27% | $348 |
Distracted Driving | $1,600 | 25% | $323 |
Driving with Expired Registration | $2,159 | 69% | $882 |
Failure to Show Documents | $2,159 | 69% | $882 |
Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,300 | 2% | $23 |
Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,307 | 2% | $30 |
Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,376 | 8% | $99 |
Driving Without Lights | $1,307 | 2% | $30 |
How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Massachusetts
An auto insurance plan is another expense that many people have to add to their budgets. While many people choose to cut corners on their car insurance policy, or not purchase one at all, this can have extremely expensive effects. Automobile accidents can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Finding a cheap auto insurance plan can help protect you from this, as well as tickets, fines, and other fees.
People should also look into the discounts they can qualify for when searching for car insurance plans. Discounts can include those for multi-car plans, multi-policy plans, discounts for good driving, discounts for being a good student, and numerous others. Keep in mind that just because a car insurance company does not offer any discounts does not mean that it is not the best choice for you or the most cost-efficient policy. Take advantage of the free tools at General to get the best prices on car insurance available today.