massachusetts car insurance

Did you know Massachusetts doesn't require you to carry proof of coverage in your car? That's just one reason car insurance in Massachusetts is a bit unique. Read on for a better idea of what can (and can't) affect your coverage in the Bay State.

Massachusetts car insurance requirements

Massachusetts drivers are required to maintain 3 types of coverage: liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage can help pay for others' expenses after an at-fault car accident. Massachusetts requires you to have liability coverage with at least the following limits:

$20,000 of bodily injury coverage per person
$40,000 of bodily injury coverage per incident
$5,000 of property damage coverage per incident

You'll often see these limits written as 20/40/5.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Massachusetts also requires its drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage (bodily injury only) with the same minimum limits as bodily injury liability (20/40). This coverage offers financial protection in case you or a passenger is injured in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Personal injury protection coverage

Massachusetts policies must also have $8,000 of PIP coverage. PIP can help pay for medical expenses if you or a passenger is injured in a car accident, regardless of fault.

Esurance in Massachusetts

Even though Esurance is not currently available in Massachusetts, we can help you start a car insurance quote.

Optional coverages in Massachusetts

Coverages may differ by insurer, but, in general, you can add the following coverages to your policy:

Comprehensive coverage (may be called "other than collision coverage")
Collision coverage
Medical payments coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage
Towing and labor
Rental car coverage
Auto loan/lease (gap) coverage

You can also choose higher-than-required liability limits on required coverages when you customize your policy.

How your car insurance premium is determined

In addition to the coverage options, limits, and deductibles you choose, these factors can impact what you pay for your policy:

Driving record (including past violations and at-fault accidents)
Years of driving experience
Where you live
Make and model of your car

Other factors vary by insurer.

Massachusetts bans certain pricing factors

These factors cannot be used by companies to calculate your car insurance premium:

Credit score
Gender
Marital status
Race
Occupation
Home ownership

The state bans these factors to help safe drivers get the car insurance rates they deserve.

Uninsured drivers in Massachusetts

A recent report from The Insurance Research Council estimated that 4 percent of Massachusetts drivers were uninsured. This was tied with Maine for the lowest percentage in the nation.

Uninsured motorist coverage, which is required, offers financial protection from the 4 percent.

Non-residents who may need Massachusetts car insurance

If you're a non-resident who drives in Massachusetts for 30 days or more each year (as part of your job, for example), you may need to carry a policy with Massachusetts' minimum liability coverage limits.

Proof of car insurance

Unlike other states that require you to carry a separate proof of insurance card at all times, Massachusetts allows you to use your car's registration form as your proof of insurance.

Alternative policy options for Massachusetts drivers

If you've been denied insurance by regular insurance companies, you may be eligible for the Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP). An insurance agent can apply on your behalf.

massachusetts car insurance