Understanding Car Insurance Requirements in Massachusetts: What Drivers Need to Know
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You must have a valid car insurance policy that meets Massachusetts car insurance requirements to register your vehicle and drive legally in the state. Otherwise, you could face strict penalties.
Check out our guide to Massachusetts car insurance requirements below. You can learn what types of coverage you need, whether you should consider extra coverage types, and how to find the best policy for your needs.
Introduction to Massachusetts Car Insurance Laws
The state of Massachusetts requires car insurance for all drivers and vehicles. Driving without minimum coverage insurance can result in many penalties, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and reinstatement fees. Some drivers may also be designated as high-risk and must pay additional fees or hold SR-22 insurance.
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning your insurance company is usually responsible for covering your medical expenses or other losses. This is true even if another driver is at fault for the accident.
According to Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers, the average car accident settlement is around $50,000. Meeting the Massachusetts minimum car insurance requirements helps drivers avoid paying these expenses entirely out of pocket.
Mandatory Minimum Coverage Types
What car insurance is required in Massachusetts? Car insurance requirements in Massachusetts include the following types and limits:
- $20,000/$40,000 bodily injury liability coverage
- $5,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
- $8,000 personal injury protection (PIP)
- $20,000/$40,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
These coverage types are primarily meant to cover medical expenses for anyone involved in an accident, regardless of who is deemed the at-fault driver. It also includes a small amount for damages that you may cause to another person’s property.
Why Consider Additional Coverage?
Many drivers could benefit from an insurance policy with higher coverage limits or optional coverages. Your insurance rates may be higher, but you’ll be better protected. For example, your policy might cover more situations or greater expenses than a minimum coverage policy.
Extra types of coverage might include collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, or gap insurance. While these coverages are optional according to Massachusetts law, some lenders may require them.
- Collision coverage covers expenses for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage will cover vehicle damages for non-accident situations, such as hitting an animal, theft or vandalism, falling objects, or fire.
- Gap insurance helps pay for your loan or lease if your car is stolen or totaled. The policy covers the difference between the insurance payout and the loan or lease amount.
How Massachusetts Insurance Requirements Protect Drivers
Car insurance in Massachusetts mainly covers bodily injury expenses, with some coverage for property damage.
Some drivers in no-fault states can sue you for specific injury-related expenses and are entitled to payment for property damage. Your liability insurance pays for others' expenses if you are at fault for an accident and helps cover these expenses.
PIP insurance covers your expenses after an accident, which is especially helpful if you don’t have good health coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage can also help cover your bodily injury expenses after an accident with an uninsured driver.
Tips for Selecting the Right Coverage in Massachusetts
Choosing auto insurance in Massachusetts will depend on a few personal factors. You should consider your financial situation and how much you can afford. Set a budget for both premiums and expenses after an accident. Consider paying more per month for higher coverage limits if you don’t have any savings to cover accident expenses.
Do lots of research to find an insurance company that offers what you need. Look at their available coverage types, consumer reviews, and discount options. Shopping around when your policy is up for renewal is a good way to save.
Resources for Understanding Insurance in Massachusetts
Check out the consumer resources from the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to learn more about Massachusetts car insurance. The website includes basic information about different types of insurance, guides to insurance coverage, and tips on how to handle insurance after severe weather or a disaster.
Find the Best Car Insurance in Massachusetts Today
One of the best ways to find cheap car insurance in Massachusetts is to shop around. The average cost of car insurance can vary significantly based on your ZIP code and driver profile. Compare policies and rates from several insurance companies to find the best policy for you.
Use EverQuote’s free online quote comparison tool to get free quotes from multiple providers in one place. Get started by entering your ZIP code today.