Massachusetts Auto Insurance

"Being insured is the law in Massachusetts"

Consumers have questions and so did we...

• What are the types of insurance coverage and what are the amounts required for the state of Massachusetts.

• What does the law say pertaining to minimum insurance coverage in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has strict mandatory policies about vehicle registration, insurance coverage minimums, and financial responsibilities pertaining to every vehicle owned, operated, or parked on its roadways. In Massachusetts, you can obtain your learner’s permit at sixteen, and your restricted license at sixteen and a half, with a full license at eighteen.

To adhere to Massachusetts's auto insurance rules, you must...

In Massachusetts, you must maintain a current insurance policy with a registered insurance company or broker carrying the minimum insurance requirements or greater. There are many different types of insurance, at competitive rates, so shop around for the best price. Be aware that once insured, if you miss a payment on your policy, your insurance could be cancelled, without notice.

1. Massachusetts requires each driver to carry third party liability insurance, also called PLPD, accidental benefits coverage, and uninsured and unidentified driver’s coverage, which insures you, in case you injure someone, cause a death, or damage someone’s property in a motor vehicle accident.

In Massachusetts, you must have third party liability insurance for bodily injury with each person allowed $20,000.00, up to maximum of $40,000.00, as well as an additional $5,000.00 for property damages. If there are more than two people injured, whoever files first gets the settlement.

2. In Massachusetts, you must carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance, which has not expired, in your motor vehicle. If you driver’s license has been suspended, or your insurance has expired, your vehicle could be towed to the compound by the police. You driver’s license can also be suspended if you owe back child support.

Important facts about auto coverage in Massachusetts:

• Your driver’s license can be suspended, if you are caught driving without adequate insurance, with too many fines, or driving while under the influence of alcohol or refusing to take a blood-alcohol test, and leaving the scene of an accident or failing to file an accident report. Seat belts are not mandatory in Massachusetts, although motorcycle helmets are.
• You are required to change your driver’s license, if you move, within seven days.
• Your insurance agent has access to your driving record to check for fines, suspensions, and accidents that can cause your policy to increase or be cancelled.
• If you are in an accident, and do not have the minimum insurance, you are financially responsible for all injury and damage settlements awarded by the courts.

Comprehensive or collision insurance does NOT meet minimum requirements.

Used Cars in Massachusetts

Auto Insurance FAQ

Question: I just moved and am looking to find some cheap Massachusetts Auto Insurance. Can anyone recommend a place?
I just moved to Massachusetts from Rhode Island and recently purchased a new car. I need cheap insurance for my car because I am young and don't make a lot of money. Has anyone reading had a good experience with a Massachusetts Auto Insurance Agency? I really would prefer to do this all online instead of on the phone. Websites are welcome! Thanks!

Answer: I recommend you call a local car insurance agent to assist you. Since I live in Wisconsin I can't suggest an agent in Massachusetts, but here is an resource that can help you. http://www.autoadviceonline.com/Free-Auto-Insurance-Quote.html Good Luck!

Question: Why is there no competition amongst Massachusetts auto insurance?
I have to write a term paper about a state, local, or federal issue and I've decided to write about why massachusetts is the only state in the coutry that will now allow any competition amongst auto insurance providers. It's an issue amongst drivers state-wide and Im wondering if anyone knows anything about this obscene policy that might help me put this puzzle together. If anyone has any websites or just general knowledge that may help me, I would appreciate it.

Answer: Will the last insurance company in Mass please turn out the lights when they leave? I work at a small auto insurance company and when I want to cut the tension in a meeting, I suggest we sell in Massachusetts; breaks 'em up every time. Even GEICO sells in 49 states, everywhere but Mass. The Mass insurance commissioner & legislature only allow 1 policy the be sold and sets rates that insurers can charge. Mass drivers have no real incentive to keep a clean driving record and companies have no incentive to find good drivers. The 15 or so auto insurers in the state like the way things work so pay big $$ to the legislature to keep things the way they are. Once in a while someone brings up the 'reform' word and kick it around but nothing ever really changes. In ten words or less, overregulation of the industry. No competition, no cost controls. Mass has 15 companies competing, Ohio has over 600. Try insurancejournal.com and search for Mass & auto; there are lots of articles.

Question: Why are there so few auto insurance companies in Massachusetts?
Allstate, Statefarm, and Geico all don't offer auto insurance in Massachusetts. Does anyone know why this is?

Answer: I remember many years ago (late '70s) when I was applying to M.I.T., the material they sent me said that MA had the highest rate of car theft in the nation. I don't know if that's still the case after more than 25 years, but if so, that could cause there to be few insurance companies there. I know it's maybe the only state left in which Geico won't insure.

Question: I just moved from Massachusetts to California. Will my auto insurance/accident history get transfered?
I have heard that Massachusetts insurance companies are typically independent of California insurance companies. As a consequence, California insurance companies wont have access to my records in Mass. This would mean that my old claims/history won't affect my new insurance policy in California. Can someone tell me if this true. Thanks

Answer: Short answer: Yes it will. Long Answer: CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, which is run by ChoicePoint Inc. in Atlanta. It maintains a claims database that insurance companies use to decide who gets auto and homeowners insurance and how much they pay. When it comes to auto reports, claims related to your vehicle or to your address show up on your CLUE report even if they have nothing to do with you. ChoicePoint says it encourages insurance companies to verify the information. If you plan to insurance shop, consider ordering your CLUE report ahead of time so you won't be surprised as I was and will have a chance to correct errors. As I found out, you only need to order one report for your whole household. You can order over the Internet (www.choicepoint.com or www.consumerdisclosure.com) if you were denied insurance or by calling 1-866-527-2600. You might want to check your credit report too if you haven't recently, since many insurance companies also rely on it in setting rates. These questions can also be answered by a qualified insurance agent. I would suggest going to a free service such as: http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Refby=614498&Type=auto. It’s a web site that offers insurance information & information on policies nationwide. It also gives you the option to call local agents to get any of your questions answered. This service is 100% free and you are not obligated to buy anything. It is simply a way to get insurance information and be able to instantly compare rates in your area to find the best price/coverage.

Question: How much do you pay for a sedan auto insurance in Massachusetts? I recently moved to MA but still have PA ?
auto insurance. Can I keep renewing my auto insurance based in PA if it's cheaper?

Answer: I recommend an online insurance quote. It's free and quick to do. http://www.goodinternetdeals.com/Auto-Insurance.html Hope it works out

Question: Massachusetts AUTO Insurance?
Where can I get auto-insurance in Mass. (online) which will allow me to pay with a credit card online, and get a policy number right now?

Answer: Mass has some strange insurance laws. Most national companies do not write policies in Mass, so you most likely are not going to be able to buy on line!! Mass insurance is usually not in effect until the car is registered.

Question: Massachusetts auto insurance question?
If I let a friend or relative borrow my car and it gets into an accident, whose responsible from there? Me who owns the vehicle or the person borrowing my car?

Answer: If that other person has insurance on their own car then their policy is responsible. If they are uninsured then your policy is going to take the hit for the repair bills. If they are under-insured (for example carrying 10/20 insurance and causing an accident with $30000 in liability), then your policy will have to cover the rest of the costs. Even worse - if the accident causes disability and there is a lawsuit for a million dollars then all the rest of that million will come out of both your hides. If they were drunk while driving and you should have realized it when you loaned them the car you are in for criminal liability too.

Question: What's a good website for comparing auto insurance rates in Massachusetts?
I don't feel like paying $2,000 for insurance on a car that's worth barely that, but I don't know where to find a better deal. Any good resources for comparing rates? I'm in Massachusetts.

Answer: the best way to compare and get the best you can is to call a local independent agent in your area. stay away from quoting yourself online unless you are an agent or REALLY understand insurance. most sites will come back with a different premium once you actually take out the policy and its usually not to your advantage. having an actual person locally is ALWAYS a good idea.

Question: In massachusetts which auto insurance will insure a vehicle even if it owes another preminum?

Answer: Not sure I get your question. If you owe money to a company, then none of them are going to give you insurance until you settle your debt. But if you owe money to company A, company B wont know that.

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