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

Name: Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)
Item: Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (December 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Massachusetts has minimum liability limits of 20/40/5. The average annual cost for state minimum car insurance coverage in Massachusetts is $495 or about $41 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Nica Gonzales-Villaraza

Updated: December 3, 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/underinsured motorist coverage must match these limits. Massachusetts operates under a no-fault system, meaning that personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will handle medical expenses regardless of who is at fault in an accident. PIP coverage is required at $8,000 per individual.

The monthly premium for state minimum coverage in Massachusetts is around $41. Explore the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts for more affordable options that provide adequate coverage that meets your needs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Massachusetts
Cheapest Companies in Massachusetts for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Massachusetts
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Massachusetts
FAQ

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

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

ARE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE REQUIRED IN MASSACHUSETTS?

Massachusetts does not mandate collision or comprehensive coverage as part of its minimum insurance requirements. However, lenders require these coverages 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 financial protection.

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 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 higher risk and less experienced. The table highlights the average cost for minimum coverage auto insurance in Massachusetts, broken down per age group.


22-29	$551	$46
30-59	$495	$41
60 +	$408	$34

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; $18 per month
Vermont Mutual: $295 per year; $25 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 Farm	$221	$18
Vermont Mutual	$295	$25
Hanover	$301	$25
Safety Group	$318	$27
Plymouth Rock Assurance	$324	$27
American Family	$365	$30
Chubb	$480	$40
Amica Mutual	$517	$43
Arbella	$582	$48
GEICO	$584	$49
Allstate	$734	$61
Progressive	$820	$68
Travelers	$894	$75

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 your 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.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the vehicle's breakdown site.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use, like your daily commute.

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.

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?

In Massachusetts, the minimum car insurance coverage includes $20,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $40,000 per accident, alongside $5,000 for property damage liability. State law also requires $20,000 for uninsured motorist coverage per person and $40,000 per accident, plus $8,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) per accident. These coverages are essential to meet state legal requirements and protect drivers financially in case of an accident.

Why does Massachusetts require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Massachusetts mandates minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure motorists can pay for the damages or injuries they may cause in an accident. This financial responsibility law protects both the at-fault driver from potential lawsuits and the not-at-fault party from incurring unmanageable expenses.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, comprehensive insurance is not mandated by state law, but if you have a loan or lease, your lender will likely require it. Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Massachusetts?

Driving uninsured in Massachusetts can lead to substantial fines, potential loss of license and registration and personal financial liability for any damages caused in an accident. The initial fine for a first offense can be $500, and subsequent violations may result in increased penalties. If you're involved in an accident without insurance, you'll be held personally responsible for any resulting costs and may face civil litigation from the affected parties.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He 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.

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