Auto insurance is a critical component that protects drivers in Massachusetts from financial losses if an accident occurs. In Massachusetts, it is mandatory to have a minimum level of coverage to be able to get behind the wheel.
Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced driver, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of auto insurance in Massachusetts. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to make informed decisions about your coverage.
What types of auto insurance are available in Massachusetts?
There are several types of auto insurance policies available in Massachusetts, including:
Type of Coverage |
Description |
|---|---|
Bodily Injury Liability |
Covers costs associated with injuries or death of another person in an accident where you’re found at fault. |
Property Damage Liability |
Covers costs associated with damage to someone else’s vehicle or property if you caused the accident. |
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) |
Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault. |
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage |
Covers costs if you’re in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance. |
Collision Coverage |
Covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. |
Comprehensive Coverage |
Covers damages to your vehicle that aren’t caused by an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. |
It’s important to note that Massachusetts also requires drivers to have uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage as part of their policy.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability coverage is required in Massachusetts, and it covers costs associated with injuries or death of another person in an accident where you’re found at fault.
For example, if you’re in an accident and the other driver sustains injuries, your bodily injury liability coverage would cover their medical expenses and any lost wages that resulted from their injuries. This coverage may also cover legal fees if you’re sued as a result of the accident.
The minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage required in Massachusetts is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
However, it’s recommended that you purchase more coverage than the minimum required amount, as medical expenses and legal fees can quickly add up in the event of an accident.
Property Damage Liability
Property damage liability coverage is also required in Massachusetts, and it covers costs associated with damage to someone else’s vehicle or property if you caused the accident.
For example, if you’re in an accident and you hit someone’s car, your property damage liability coverage would cover the cost of repairs to their vehicle. This coverage may also cover legal fees if you’re sued as a result of the accident.
The minimum amount of property damage liability coverage required in Massachusetts is $5,000.
Again, it’s recommended that you purchase more coverage than the minimum required amount, as the cost of repairs can quickly exceed $5,000.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is also required in Massachusetts, and it covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault.
For example, if you’re in an accident and you’re injured, your PIP coverage would cover the cost of your medical expenses, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation. PIP coverage also covers lost wages if you’re unable to work as a result of your injuries.
The minimum amount of PIP coverage required in Massachusetts is $8,000.
It’s important to note that PIP coverage is a no-fault coverage, meaning that it pays out regardless of who caused the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in Massachusetts, but it’s highly recommended.
This coverage covers costs if you’re in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the costs associated with the accident.
For example, if you’re in an accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage would cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle and any medical expenses that resulted from your injuries.
The minimum amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage required in Massachusetts is $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is optional in Massachusetts, but it’s recommended if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.
This coverage covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
For example, if you’re in an accident and your vehicle sustains damage, your collision coverage would cover the cost of repairs.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is also optional in Massachusetts, but it’s recommended if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.
This coverage covers damages to your vehicle that aren’t caused by an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
For example, if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized, your comprehensive coverage would cover the cost of repairs or a replacement vehicle.
How much auto insurance do I need in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the minimum amount of auto insurance you need to have to be legally compliant is:
- $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability
- $8,000 personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
- $20,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per person
- $40,000 uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage per accident
However, it’s recommended that you purchase more coverage than the minimum required amount to ensure that you’re adequately protected in the event of an accident.
The amount of coverage you need depends on several factors, including:
- The value of your vehicle
- Your driving record
- Your risk tolerance
- Your financial situation
It’s a good idea to speak with a licensed insurance agent to determine the amount of coverage you need based on your individual circumstances.
How much does auto insurance cost in Massachusetts?
The cost of auto insurance in Massachusetts varies based on several factors, including:
- Your age
- Your driving record
- Your location
- The type of vehicle you drive
- The amount of coverage you need
The average cost of auto insurance in Massachusetts is $1,334 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average of $1,311 per year.
However, it’s important to note that your individual premium may be higher or lower depending on your specific circumstances.
How can I save money on auto insurance in Massachusetts?
There are several ways to save money on auto insurance in Massachusetts, including:
- Compare rates from multiple insurance companies
- Bundle your home and auto insurance policies with the same company
- Increase your deductible
- Take advantage of discounts, such as safe driver discounts or discounts for completing a driver’s education course
It’s a good idea to speak with a licensed insurance agent to determine the best ways to save money on your auto insurance policy.
The Bottom Line
Auto insurance is a critical component that protects drivers in Massachusetts from financial losses if an accident occurs. It’s important to understand the types of coverage that are available, as well as how much coverage you need to be adequately protected.
By shopping around, comparing rates, and taking advantage of discounts, you can save money on your auto insurance premiums while still getting the coverage you need.