The Ultimate Massachusetts Car Insurance Guide (Costs + Coverage)

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Merriya Valleri

Insurance and Finance Writer

Merriya Valleri is a skilled insurance writer with over a decade of professional writing experience. Merriya has a strong desire to make understanding insurance an easy task while providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information. Merriya has written articles focusing on health, life, and auto insurance. She enjoys working in the insurance field, and is constantly learning in order to ...

Insurance and Finance Writer

Travis Thompson

Licensed Insurance Agent

Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Feb 16, 2024

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Massachusetts State SummaryDetails
Road Miles (2015)
Total in State: 36,423
Vehicle Miles Driven: 59,257 Million
VehiclesRegistered: 4,901,772
Total Stolen: 8,069
State Population6,902,149
Most Popular VehicleRAV4
Percentage of Motorists Uninsured6.20%
State Rank: 49th
Driving DeathsSpeeding (2008-2017) Total: 982
Drunk Driving Total: 1,244
Average Premiums (Annual)Liability: $606.04
Collision: $388.28
Comprehensive: $134.96
Cheapest ProviderState Farm Mutual Auto + USAA

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Massachusetts, also known as “the Puritan State” gets its name from the British colonist, John Smith named for the Massachusetts Tribe.

Massachusetts (officially the Commonwealth of Massachusetts) is the most populated state in New England.

Known for its beautiful vacation cities like Nantucket, Cape Cod, and Martha’s Vineyard, the Bay State has miles of coastline, a hilly landscape, and rocky soil that is unsuitable for farming.

Whether you’re just visiting for the weekend, or you’re about to move to Boston, one thing is certain: you’re going to need a great car insurance policy.

We know that finding the right car insurance policy can be confusing – especially if you don’t even know what you need or why you need it.

If you’re troubled with questions about auto insurance, need some insurance advice, or just want to save on your existing auto insurance policy, you’ve come to the right place.

In this ultimate guide to Massachusetts auto insurance, we will discuss types of mandatory car insurance, optional insurance coverage, safety laws, driving laws, risks of the road, and the reason why carrying car insurance is so important.

Cheap Car Insurance in MassachusettsSearching for Massachusetts automobile insurance? If you are living in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, or Cambridge, you can acquire up to seven rate quotes from top providers in the area by using AutoInsuranceEZ.com.

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Table of Contents

Massachusetts Car Insurance Coverage and Rates

First things first — the state of Massachusetts requires every driver to have car insurance. But, no one has time to spend hours researching different websites to try to find the best coverage and rate.

Imagine being able to find all the information in one place. So if you’re looking for a one-stop-shop to do it all, we did all the leg work for you in this ultimate guide to Massachusetts auto insurance.

To help you better understand Massachusetts rates and coverage, let’s take a deeper look into Massachusett’s car culture.

Massachusetts Car Culture

According to the Hartford, car culture in Massachusetts tends to be made up of three groups, Menotti observes. First, you have “hardcore commuters” who gravitate to hybrid vehicles to save gas.

The second group loves performance-oriented, high-powered vehicles and shows little concern for fuel economy. And, third, you see “anything that runs,” which includes some cars that appear to be safety hazards, Menotti said.

The tough winters also affect car culture, and the most popular vehicle in Massachusetts is the Toyota RAV4, tailed closely by the Honda CRV and the Ford F-Series.

Regardless of those three groups, Massachusetts is ahead of the curve when it comes to an important shift in the automobile industry: the move from fossil-fuel-burning cars to electric vehicles.

In our list of the 10 best states to own an electric vehicle, Massachusetts ranked 2nd with a grand total of 16 electric vehicle incentives. These include $2,500 rebates to people who purchase qualifying electric vehicles and $1,500 who purchase hybrid vehicles.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts

Before we get into Massachusetts’ minimum coverage laws, let’s reel it back for a second and start at the beginning.

According to Nolo, Massachusetts is one of a dozen or so states that follow some form of a “no-fault” car insurance system.

When you live in a no-fault car accident state, any driver who is involved in a car accident (whether he or she was responsible for causing it or not), is required by law to file a claim with his or her own personal insurance company.

Under no-fault, after a car accident, your own car insurance coverage (specifically, your “personal injury protection” or “medical payments” coverage) pays for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket losses incurred by anyone covered under the policy, up to coverage limits, regardless of who caused the accident.

But with a no-fault claim, you can’t get compensation for your “pain and suffering” and other non-monetary damages stemming from the accident.

Confused yet? Just know that if you get into an accident, even if you didn’t cause it, you need to file a claim with your own insurance company. This is exactly why you need to make sure you have a sufficient insurance policy.

Now, Massachusetts does have minimum liability insurance requirements.

If you are found responsible for causing a car accident, and the injured drivers’ and/or passengers’ losses exceed the limits of your car insurance policy, you may find yourself personally responsible for making up the difference out of your own assets.

The minimum liability insurance requirements in Massachusetts are:

  • $20,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person (when you cause a car accident)
  • $40,000 total liability bodily injury coverage per accident you cause (regardless of how many people are injured)
  • $5,000 liability coverage for property damage (per accident you cause)
  • $8,000 in no-fault (personal injury protection) coverage
  • uninsured motorist coverage (for bodily injury sustained by you or anyone else covered under your policy, if injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver) at $20,000 per person/$40,000 total per accident.

You’re not required to carry any kind of insurance for damage to your own vehicle in Massachusetts.

Looking for more insurance? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading for more info on additional liability coverage.

Forms of Financial Responsibility

A form of financial responsibility is just a fancy term for proof of insurance. Your proof of insurance is a piece of paper or a card that proves you have insurance that meets Massachusetts’ minimum liability standards.

Anytime a law enforcement officer pulls you over, you must be able to show proof of insurance, your license and the vehicle registration.

What are some acceptable forms of proof of insurance?

  • Valid liability insurance ID cards
  • Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
  • Valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
  • Picture of proof of insurance on your smartphone
  • Electronic insurance card (this can be pulled up on your phone)

What happens if you can’t show proof of insurance?

If you fail to show authentic proof of insurance (especially at the scene of an accident), you could be facing multiple penalties.

It’s probable that you’ll have to pay at least a $500 fine and you might even be arrested. Your driver’s license could be suspended for up to 60 days and you’ll have to pay a $500 reinstatement fee to get it back.

If you think that driving without insurance is cheaper than driving with it, you are wrong. The proof is in the pudding — driving without insurance can cost you thousands of dollars!

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

Are you wondering what insurance might cost you in Massachusetts?

We want to show you some numbers so you have a good idea as to what people spend on their Massachusetts auto insurance policy.

In 2014, Massachusetts’ annual per capita disposable income was $50,366.

Disposable income is the amount of money a person takes home after paying taxes.

In the same year, Massachusetts drivers paid $1,107.76 for a comprehensive car insurance policy. This means Massachusetts drivers spend 2.20 percent of their income on car insurance.

From 2012-2014, the cost of Massachusetts car insurance increased by about $60, while the average disposable income increased by around $800.

When we look at some of the states’ average that border Massachusetts, we find that New Yorkers pay about $1,327.82 per year on a full coverage policy with an average income of $47,446.

Vermont drivers pay an average of $746.79 per year for car insurance and have an average per capita income of $42,267. Countrywide, Americans have an average income of $40,859 and spend $981.77 per year on car insurance.

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Core Car Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts

Coverage TypeAnnual Costs (2015)
Liability$606.04
Collision$388.28
Comprehensive$134.96
Combined$1,129.29

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The data from the table above is pulled directly from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Because this data is from 2015, you can expect rates to be higher today.

It’s important to keep in mind that this data from the NAIC is based on Massachusetts’ minimum liability insurance requirements.

While it’s good to have minimum liability, it’s better to have additional coverage added to your policy. Let’s look at these options up next.

Additional Liability Coverage in Massachusetts

Loss Ratio201520142013
Personal Injury Protection67.52%61.15%61.87%

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Personal injury protection is just one of three different types of additional liability coverage that is available to drivers. Massachusetts drivers can also get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as well as medical payment coverage.

But why is this important?

6.20 percent of Massachusetts drivers are uninsured. This means Massachusetts is ranked 49th in the U.S. for uninsured drivers.

If you are hit by an uninsured driver, that driver will not be able to help you cover the costs of medical bills or repairs to your vehicle if you need them.

Why? Most likely he’ll bankrupt himself because he ran out of money to cover the costs of repairs for his own vehicle.

Long story short, this is a scenario in which you need more coverage than what is required by the state of Massachusetts.

But what does this have to do with the loss ratio percentage?

By looking at the loss ratio percentage, we can see how many filed claims went paid and essentially how many filed claims went unpaid. Keep in mind that every filed claim is not always paid.

When you get into a car accident, you call your insurance company and file a claim. This statement is usually a list showing damages to your vehicle and any medical bills that need be paid.

If a loss ratio percentage is too high (over 100 percent) then the insurance company may be at risk of going bankrupt because they are paying too many claims — some of these claims may be fraudulent.

On the other hand, if the loss ratio percentage is too low (under 50 percent), the insurance company could be scamming its clients. If you take a look at the table above, you’ll see that these percentages are at a healthy — they aren’t too low or too high.

So what should you look for when scouting a new car insurance company?

  1. Ask to see what the loss ratio percentages are.
  2. Stick with a company that has a loss ratio percentage between 50-100 percent.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders

We’ve already talked about additional liability coverage, but did you know you can insure almost anything on your vehicle for any reason?

Your insurance policy should be unique — so why settle for anything less?

Below is a list of extra insurance options that you can tack right onto your existing policy. Click on the links to learn more about each additional insurance type.

Choose one or choose them all. The choice is completely up to you.

Male vs. Female Annual Car Insurance Rates in Massachusetts

Did you know factors like gender, marital status and age can affect your car insurance rate?

CompanyMarried 35-year old femaleMarried 35-year old maleMarried 60-year old femaleMarried 60-year old maleSingle 17-year old femaleSingle 17-year old maleSingle 25-year old femaleSingle 25-year old male
Allstate Insurance$2,272.30$2,272.30$2,272.30$2,272.30$7,606.60$7,606.60$2,546.37$2,546.37
Geico Govt Employees$1,982.01$1,982.01$1,834.98$1,834.98$5,423.66$5,423.66$2,048.23$2,048.23
Liberty Mutual$2,879.48$2,879.48$2,508.74$2,508.74$8,950.89$8,950.89$3,012.24$3,012.24
Progressive Direct$2,252.65$2,252.65$2,160.74$2,160.74$8,484.75$8,484.75$2,436.98$2,436.98
State Farm Mutual Auto$954.11$954.11$954.11$954.11$2,583.18$2,583.18$954.11$954.11
Standard Fire Ins Co$2,813.43$2,813.43$2,485.69$2,485.69$5,731.25$5,731.25$3,118.46$3,118.46
USAA CIC$1,424.10$1,424.10$1,402.61$1,402.61$3,320.22$3,320.22$1,573.41$1,573.41

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Women typically pay less for car insurance than men do, however, in Massachusetts, it’s illegal to base a car insurance rate on gender.

It’s pretty understandable that young drivers are usually required to pay more for their insurance policy in general. Car insurance companies know that young drivers lack experience, which means they are more likely to be involved in an accident.

Don’t worry about this too much if you’re a teenage driver; your rates will significantly decrease as soon as you turn 25.

Important: the data above is based on actual purchased coverage by the state population and includes rates for high-risk drivers and those drivers who choose to purchase more than the state minimum as well as other types of coverage not required such as uninsured/underinsured motorist, PIP, and MedPay.

Rates in Massachusetts Ten Largest Cities

Here are the average car insurance rates for the top 10 most populated cities in Massachusetts.

CityAverage Cost
Boston$5,333.79
Worcester$3,901.71
Springfield$4,040.27
Cambridge$3,318.72
Lowell$3,449.96
Brockton$4,786.09
New Bedford$3,790.43
Quincy$3,669.94
Lynn$4,407.06
Fall River$3,841.69

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Cheapest Rates by Zip Code in Massachusetts

Did you know that where you live can affect your car insurance rate? Some areas are more prone to accidents than others.

Find your zip code in the tables below.

Cheapest ZIP Codes in Massachusetts CityAverage by ZIP CodesMost Expensive CompanyMost Expensive Rate2nd Most Expensive Company2nd Most Expensive RateCheapest CompanyCheapest Rate2nd Cheapest Company2nd Cheapest Rate
02554NANTUCKET$2,378.90Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,952.21State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02564SIASCONSET$2,378.90Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,952.21State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02633CHATHAM$2,382.38Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,831.36State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02650NORTH CHATHAM$2,382.38Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,831.36State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02643EAST ORLEANS$2,395.53Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,976.96State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02653ORLEANS$2,395.53Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,976.96State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01360NORTHFIELD$2,398.18Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,890.75State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01354GILL$2,406.50Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,999.17State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01344ERVING$2,416.96Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,993.38State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01342DEERFIELD$2,419.45Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01373SOUTH DEERFIELD$2,419.45Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02631BREWSTER$2,426.70Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,960.74State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
02642EASTHAM$2,426.81Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,942.54State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01330ASHFIELD$2,434.92Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Travelers$3,037.33State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01220ADAMS$2,440.33Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,025.98State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01367ROWE$2,441.98Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01366PETERSHAM$2,445.46Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,943.26State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01337BERNARDSTON$2,446.65Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,054.03State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01349MILLERS FALLS$2,448.40Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,086.01State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01351MONTAGUE$2,448.40Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,086.01State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01376TURNERS FALLS$2,448.40Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,086.01State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01225CHESHIRE$2,452.70Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01026CUMMINGTON$2,454.99Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01267WILLIAMSTOWN$2,455.41Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
01338BUCKLAND$2,458.33Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01

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Since Boston is Massachusetts’ largest city, it makes sense that Boston has the highest car insurance rates.

Most Expensive ZIP Codes in MassachusettsCityAverage by ZIP CodeMost Expensive CompanyMost Expensive Rate2nd Most Expensive Company2nd Most Expensive RateCheapest CompanyCheapest Rate2nd Cheapest Company2nd Cheapest Rate
02119BOSTON$5,333.79Liberty Mutual$7,656.09Progressive$7,555.93State Farm$2,120.44USAA$3,675.58
02120BOSTON$5,333.79Liberty Mutual$7,656.09Progressive$7,555.93State Farm$2,120.44USAA$3,675.58
02121BOSTON$5,307.03Liberty Mutual$7,656.09Progressive$7,555.93State Farm$2,120.44USAA$3,675.58
02122BOSTON$5,194.04Progressive$7,560.57Liberty Mutual$7,110.13State Farm$2,022.32USAA$3,315.64
02124BOSTON$5,194.04Progressive$7,560.57Liberty Mutual$7,110.13State Farm$2,022.32USAA$3,315.64
02125BOSTON$5,194.04Progressive$7,560.57Liberty Mutual$7,110.13State Farm$2,022.32USAA$3,315.64
02126MATTAPAN$4,932.12Progressive$7,560.57Liberty Mutual$7,110.13State Farm$2,022.32Geico$2,902.61
02137READVILLE$4,875.75Progressive$7,896.19Liberty Mutual$6,524.08State Farm$1,840.58USAA$2,924.38
02301BROCKTON$4,786.09Progressive$7,001.90Liberty Mutual$6,328.82State Farm$1,874.03USAA$3,039.00
02302BROCKTON$4,786.09Progressive$7,001.90Liberty Mutual$6,328.82State Farm$1,874.03USAA$3,039.00
02150CHELSEA$4,784.05Liberty Mutual$6,676.29Progressive$6,173.07State Farm$1,994.65USAA$3,037.65
02151REVERE$4,690.58Liberty Mutual$6,690.23Progressive$6,080.32State Farm$2,047.29USAA$3,215.80
02136HYDE PARK$4,593.55Liberty Mutual$6,524.08Progressive$5,920.78State Farm$1,840.58USAA$2,924.38
02149EVERETT$4,536.68Progressive$6,171.49Liberty Mutual$5,945.54State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
01901LYNN$4,407.06Liberty Mutual$5,964.38Progressive$5,850.09State Farm$1,934.67USAA$2,939.86
01902LYNN$4,407.06Liberty Mutual$5,964.38Progressive$5,850.09State Farm$1,934.67USAA$2,939.86
01904LYNN$4,407.06Liberty Mutual$5,964.38Progressive$5,850.09State Farm$1,934.67USAA$2,939.86
01905LYNN$4,407.06Liberty Mutual$5,964.38Progressive$5,850.09State Farm$1,934.67USAA$2,939.86
02148MALDEN$4,371.72Liberty Mutual$5,945.54Progressive$5,661.62State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
02368RANDOLPH$4,356.13Progressive$6,107.09Liberty Mutual$5,945.54State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
02131ROSLINDALE$4,353.82Liberty Mutual$6,101.02Progressive$6,055.71State Farm$1,789.24USAA$2,741.89
02128BOSTON$4,228.13Liberty Mutual$6,097.80Allstate$4,971.70State Farm$2,005.13USAA$3,308.41
02129CHARLESTOWN$4,228.13Liberty Mutual$6,097.80Allstate$4,971.70State Farm$2,005.13USAA$3,308.41
02152WINTHROP$4,155.31Progressive$5,499.95Liberty Mutual$5,476.30State Farm$2,047.29USAA$2,539.22
02187MILTON VILLAGE$4,139.60Liberty Mutual$5,945.54Allstate$5,255.89State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55

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Cheapest Rates by Cities in Massachusetts

Find your city in the tables below.

Cheapest Cities in Massachusetts Average by CityMost Expensive CompanyMost Expensive Rate2nd Most Expensive Company2nd Most Expensive RateCheapest CompanyCheapest Rate2nd Cheapest Company2nd Cheapest Rate
Nantucket$2,378.90Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,952.21State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Siasconset$2,378.90Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,952.21State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Chatham$2,382.38Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,831.36State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
North Chatham$2,382.38Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,831.36State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
East Orleans$2,395.53Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,976.96State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Orleans$2,395.53Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,976.96State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Northfield$2,398.18Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,890.75State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Gill$2,406.50Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,999.17State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Erving$2,416.96Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,993.38State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Deerfield$2,419.45Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
South Deerfield$2,419.45Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Brewster$2,426.70Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,960.74State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Eastham$2,426.81Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$2,942.54State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Ashfield$2,434.92Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Travelers$3,037.33State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Adams$2,440.33Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,025.98State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Rowe$2,441.98Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Petersham$2,445.46Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$2,943.26State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Bernardston$2,446.65Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,054.03State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Millers Falls$2,448.40Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,086.01State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Montague$2,448.40Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,086.01State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Turners Falls$2,448.40Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Progressive$3,086.01State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Cheshire$2,452.70Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Cummington$2,454.99Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Williamstown$2,455.41Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01
Buckland$2,458.33Liberty Mutual$3,462.64Allstate$3,004.25State Farm$1,082.84USAA$1,526.01

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Roxbury, an area in Boston, has the most expensive car insurance rates.

Most Expensive Cities in Massachusetts Average by CityMost Expensive CompanyMost Expensive Rate2nd Most Expensive Company2nd Most Expensive RateCheapest CompanyCheapest Rate2nd Cheapest Company2nd Cheapest Rate
Roxbury$5,333.79Liberty Mutual$7,656.09Progressive$7,555.93State Farm$2,120.44USAA$3,675.58
Roxbury Crossing$5,333.79Liberty Mutual$7,656.09Progressive$7,555.93State Farm$2,120.44USAA$3,675.58
Dorchester$5,231.70Progressive$7,559.03Liberty Mutual$7,292.12State Farm$2,055.02USAA$3,435.62
Dorchester Center$5,194.04Progressive$7,560.57Liberty Mutual$7,110.13State Farm$2,022.32USAA$3,315.64
Mattapan$4,932.12Progressive$7,560.57Liberty Mutual$7,110.13State Farm$2,022.32Geico$2,902.61
Readville$4,875.75Progressive$7,896.19Liberty Mutual$6,524.08State Farm$1,840.58USAA$2,924.38
Brockton$4,786.09Progressive$7,001.90Liberty Mutual$6,328.82State Farm$1,874.03USAA$3,039.00
Chelsea$4,784.05Liberty Mutual$6,676.29Progressive$6,173.07State Farm$1,994.65USAA$3,037.65
Revere$4,690.58Liberty Mutual$6,690.23Progressive$6,080.32State Farm$2,047.29USAA$3,215.80
Hyde Park$4,593.55Liberty Mutual$6,524.08Progressive$5,920.78State Farm$1,840.58USAA$2,924.38
Everett$4,536.67Progressive$6,171.49Liberty Mutual$5,945.54State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
Lynn$4,407.06Liberty Mutual$5,964.38Progressive$5,850.09State Farm$1,934.67USAA$2,939.86
Malden$4,371.72Liberty Mutual$5,945.54Progressive$5,661.62State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
Randolph$4,356.13Progressive$6,107.09Liberty Mutual$5,945.54State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
Roslindale$4,353.81Liberty Mutual$6,101.02Progressive$6,055.71State Farm$1,789.24USAA$2,741.89
Charlestown$4,228.12Liberty Mutual$6,097.80Allstate$4,971.70State Farm$2,005.13USAA$3,308.41
Winthrop Town$4,155.31Progressive$5,499.95Liberty Mutual$5,476.30State Farm$2,047.29USAA$2,539.22
Milton Village$4,139.60Liberty Mutual$5,945.54Allstate$5,255.89State Farm$1,881.27USAA$2,768.55
Springfield$4,027.19Liberty Mutual$5,603.76Progressive$5,333.03State Farm$1,800.81USAA$2,828.84
Indian Orchard$3,995.20Liberty Mutual$5,603.76Progressive$5,408.83State Farm$1,485.33USAA$2,828.84
Lawrence$3,943.76Liberty Mutual$5,345.75Progressive$5,155.26State Farm$1,749.34USAA$2,811.60
Worcester$3,901.71Liberty Mutual$5,476.30Progressive$5,305.63State Farm$1,779.66USAA$2,539.22
Jamaica Plain$3,894.59Liberty Mutual$5,388.78Progressive$4,995.75State Farm$1,769.03USAA$2,945.48
Saugus$3,860.14Progressive$5,081.61Liberty Mutual$5,077.97State Farm$1,673.97USAA$2,421.35
Fall River$3,841.69Liberty Mutual$5,476.30Progressive$4,927.80State Farm$1,779.66USAA$2,539.22

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Affordable Insurance Options in Massachusetts

Discover the most cost-effective insurance providers in various Massachusetts cities, including Boston, New Bedford, Brockton, Quincy, Cambridge, Springfield, Lowell, and Worcester. This guide helps you identify the cheapest insurance alternatives tailored to your locality.

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Best Massachusetts Car Insurance Companies

Taking the time to find the best car insurance company with the best rates and reviews probably isn’t at the top of your weekend plans list, and guess what? That’s okay! We already did all of that hard work for you.

We know that the best car insurance aren’t the best just because of their rates — factors like customer service, financial ratings, and how a company resolves complaints all help form a great company.

Don’t be discouraged by hundreds of car insurance companies swooning you just to take your business.

Keep reading for info on how to pick the best car insurance company.

Ratings of the Largest Car Insurance Companies in Massachusetts

CompanyAM Best RatingDirect Premiums WrittenLoss RatioMarket Share
Mapfre Insurance GroupA$1,239,68666.64%23.89%
Liberty Mutual GroupA$603,97454.01%11.64%
GeicoA++$578,47669.56%11.15%
Safety Groupbbb+$454,42461.11%8.76%
Arbella Insurance GroupA-$408,35057.89%7.87%
Plymouth Rock Insurance GroupN/A$350,47562.97%6.75%
Progressive GroupA+$218,90161.95%4.22%
Metropolitan GroupA$214,44356.44%4.13%
USAA GroupA++$157,59368.42%3.04%
The Hanover Insurance Groupbbb$154,60759.73%2.98%

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Read more:

The companies listed in the table above are ranked as some of the best companies in the state of Massachusetts. They all have decent loss ratio percentages and good AM Best Ratings.

AM Best Ratings are a way to show a company’s financial strength.

Massachusetts Car Insurance Companies with the Best Ratings

When you’re standing on the side of the road after you’ve just been in a serious car accident, the only thing you’re going to care about is if the voice on the other end of the phone is a kind voice or not.

We know customer satisfaction is important and so does J.D. Power.

J.D. Power conducted a survey ranking car insurance companies for customer service satisfaction.

The 2019 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, now in its 20th year, examines customer satisfaction in five factors (in order of importance): interaction; policy offerings; price; billing process and policy information; and claims.

Massachusetts JD Power Survey

According to this survey, with the exception of USAA (a company that only services military members and their families) Amica Mutual was ranked number for customer service in the New England region of the U.S.

The study is based on responses from 42,759 auto insurance customers and was fielded from February through April 2019.

Companies with the Most Complaints in Massachusetts

The complaint info from the table below is brought to you by the NAIC.

CompanyNational Median
Complaint Ratio
Company Complaint
Ratio 2017
Total Complaints
2017
Mapfre Insurance Group16.2527
Liberty Mutual Group15.95222
GeicoN/A0.0076
Safety Group100
Arbella Insurance Group11.3348
Plymouth Rock Insurance Group11.1637
Progressive Group10.75120
Metropolitan Group11.370
USAA GroupN/A02
The Hanover Insurance Group12.4316

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Don’t be discouraged by this data. All businesses receive complaints – it doesn’t matter if you’re the best business in the world.

How a company handles a complaint it what really matters.

Cheapest Companies in Massachusetts

Here’s a quick look at some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Massachusetts.

CompanyAverageCompared to State AveragePercentage Compared to State Average
Allstate Insurance$3,674.39$603.4116.42%
Geico Govt Employees$2,822.22-$248.77-8.81%
Liberty Mutual$4,337.84$1,266.8529.20%
Progressive Direct$3,833.78$762.7919.90%
State Farm Mutual Auto$1,361.37-$1,709.61-125.58%
Standard Fire Ins Co$3,537.21$466.2213.18%
USAA CIC$1,930.09-$1,140.90-59.11%

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State Farm Mutual Auto has cheaper insurance than USAA. That’s kind of crazy, but it’s true!

Commute Rates by Companies in Massachusetts

Did you know that drive distance can affect your rate?

Group10 miles commute, 6000 annual mileage25 miles commute, 12000 annual mileage
Allstate$3,556.25$3,792.54
Geico$2,769.02$2,875.42
Liberty Mutual$4,168.55$4,507.13
Progressive$3,833.78$3,833.78
State Farm$1,329.38$1,393.36
Travelers$3,369.13$3,705.29
USAA$1,876.77$1,983.40

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As you can see, some companies may increase your rate if you drive more miles per year.

Coverage Level Rates by Companies in Massachusetts

Some companies will give you a little bit of a break on your rate if you carry more insurance.

Take a look at rates in the table below to see what we’re talking about.

GroupLow CoverageMedium CoverageHigh Coverage
Allstate$3,398.46$3,732.43$3,892.29
Geico$2,600.65$2,872.94$2,993.07
Liberty Mutual$4,057.68$4,394.25$4,561.58
Progressive$3,514.05$3,905.26$4,082.03
State Farm$1,238.07$1,385.33$1,460.72
Travelers$3,194.57$3,608.06$3,808.99
USAA$1,788.95$1,961.62$2,039.69

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Credit History Rates by Companies in Massachusetts

Good news for Massachusetts drivers! It is illegal for car insurance companies to base a rate off of a credit score.

Here are some average rates from some great car insurance companies in Massachusetts.

GroupAnnual Average
Liberty Mutual$4,337.84
Progressive$3,833.78
Allstate$3,674.39
Travelers$3,537.21
Geico$2,822.22
USAA$1,930.09
State Farm$1,361.37

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In case you wondered, Experian says that Massachusetts has an average credit score of 699. Countrywide, Americans have an average credit score of 675, so Massachusetts residents have a higher score than the average American.

Driving Record Rates by Companies in Massachusetts

Overall, the biggest factor that can affect your car insurance rate is your driving record.

GroupClean recordWith 1 speeding violationWith 1 accidentWith 1 DUI
Allstate$2,843.93$2,843.93$4,239.63$4,770.08
Geico$2,256.59$2,382.22$3,104.81$3,545.26
Liberty Mutual$3,417.00$3,651.90$4,668.12$5,614.34
Progressive$3,220.36$3,974.60$4,538.99$3,601.17
State Farm$1,077.70$1,154.69$1,467.80$1,745.31
Travelers$2,757.25$3,500.48$3,812.67$4,078.44
USAA$1,373.89$1,536.81$1,783.42$3,026.22

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If you get just one DUI, your rate can increase by $2,000 or more! If you keep your record clean, your might qualify for a good driver discount which will save you even more money in the long run.

Number of Insurers in Massachusetts

DomesticForeignTotal Number of Licensed Insurers
48697745

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What is the difference between domestic insurance laws and foreign insurance laws?

Domestic insurance laws are formed under the laws of Massachusetts while foreign insurance laws are formed under the laws of the U.S.

Massachusetts State Laws

There are literally hundreds of Massachusetts state laws, so we don’t expect you to know every single one. Since we’re just here to talk about car insurance, this section is just going to be about Massachusetts driving laws.

Knowing these driving laws can help you stay safe, and save you money by avoiding fines. We’ll go over car insurance laws, vehicle licensing laws, teen driving laws, car seat and seat belt laws, and more.

We’ve partnered with the NAIC, the IIHS, Carwindshields.info, Responsibility.org, and the  DMV to bring you the following information.

Car Insurance Laws in Massachusetts

By now you should know that every driver in Massachusetts must carry car insurance. This is a law that was formed by the state of Massachusetts. But how was this law originally formed?

Massachusetts uses a file and use system when forming laws for private passenger auto insurance.

Companies may file group marketing plan deviations. If you’re interested in learning more about how insurance laws are formed, please visit Mass.gov for more details.

Windshield Coverage

Having insurance that covers windshield repairs is a big deal for some people. But what are the windshield laws in Massachusetts?

If you have comprehensive insurance, the repair/replacement is either at no cost to you or there is a $100 deductible (only if you opted in to it), regardless of your normal comprehensive car insurance deductible.

If your car has less than 20,000 miles (15,000 for policies from 2003 or earlier) you can have OEM parts.

Find out more at Carwindshields.info.

High-Risk Insurance

High-risk insurance, (also known as SR22 insurance) is an extra insurance form you will need to purchase from your insurance company if you are considered to be a high-risk driver.

You might need high-risk insurance if:

  • You have been convicted of a DUI
  • You’ve been involved in a serious accident didn’t have car insurance at the time
  • You were caught driving without insurance
  • You own a sports car
  • You have a high number of points on your driving record
  • You are over 70 years old
  • Your license was suspended

According to the DMV, the SR22 form is usually required as a result of a driving violation that requires retraining or testing.

To reinstate your license after a suspension, whether or not you obtain a hardship license, you might need to take a written and/or driving exam, you will likely need to pay a fee and you might need to take additional courses to reinstate your driving privileges.

To reinstate, you must arrange to see an RMV hearings officer on or after the day your hardship license expires. If your reinstatement is approved, the restrictions will be removed, and then you can get a replacement license.

Low-Cost Insurance Plan

Unfortunately, the state of Massachusetts does not offer any kind of government aid when it comes to purchasing a car insurance policy.

The only states that offer a government-aided car insurance program for families with low income are California, Hawaii, and New Jersey. But don’t be discouraged by this – are you looking for more ways to save?

Ask your insurance provider if you qualify for any of the following insurance discounts:

  • Homeowner’s discount
  • Good driver discount
  • Student discount
  • Military discount
  • Multi-car discount

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Massachusetts

What is automobile insurance fraud?

Watch this video below to learn four ways a person can commit insurance fraud.

According to the IIHS, insurance fraud can be “hard” or “soft.” Hard fraud occurs when someone deliberately fabricates claims or fakes an accident.

Soft insurance fraud, also known as opportunistic fraud, occurs when people pad legitimate claims, for example, or, in the case of business owners, list fewer employees or misrepresent the work they do to pay cheaper premiums for workers’ compensation.

The IIHS also says that the Insurance Research Council reported that “Auto insurance fraud and claim buildup added between $4.9 billion and $6.8 billion to closed auto injury claim payments in 2007.”

Do you have a complaint about an insurance company?

Visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance at the address listed below.

One South Station
5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2208

Give them a call at 617-521-7794 or visit their website.

Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations law protects both the driver and the insurance company. It gives drivers ample time to file a claim while simultaneously providing a cut-off date for when claims can be filed.

If drivers just filed claims whenever they felt like it, car insurance companies would be broke and the auto insurance fraud rate would be through the roof.

In the state of Massachusetts, drivers have three years to file a property damage claim and three years to file a personal injury claim. Keep in mind that you have three years from the day of your accident to file your claims.

Massachusetts State-Specific Laws

Pay attention to some of these ridiculous (and not so ridiculous) state-specific driving laws below.

  • You may not drive with a gorilla in the backseat of your vehicle.
  • However, Massachusetts law requires drivers to stop at yellow lights unless they’re so close to the intersection when the light switches to yellow that it’s unsafe to stop.
  • Massachusetts doesn’t allow drivers to make a left turn at a red light.
  • The driver of a motorcycle approaching an intersection that is controlled by a traffic-control signal utilizing a vehicle detection device that is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle shall come to a full and complete stop at the intersection and may proceed with due caution when it is safe to do so.

If you’d like to learn more about Massachusetts’ driving and insurance laws, please visit Mass.gov.

Vehicle Licensing Laws

Are you sick of driving your kid around everywhere and wondering when he or she can start driver’s education? Do you know the penalties for driving without insurance? How often do you need to have your license renewed in the state of Massachusetts?

All these questions and more are answered up next.

Real ID

Have you ever heard of the term “Real ID”?

After October 2020, every driver must carry a Real ID to be able to go through airport security and board a domestic flight.

Keep in mind that you will not need a Real ID to vote or to drive.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

It is illegal to drive in Massachusetts without a valid car insurance policy. But what are the penalties for driving without insurance?

Number of OffensePenalty
1st Offense- $500 to $5000 fine
- imprisonment for one year or less
2nd Offense- Within six years: License/driving privileges suspended for one year

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The info from the table above is brought to you by the Massachusetts State Legislature.

Jail time as a penalty for driving without insurance has worked well in Massachusetts. In fact, Massachusetts is ranked 49th in the U.S. for uninsured drivers and less than 6.5 percent of drivers are uninsured.

You might also have your license suspended for driving without insurance.

In case you missed it, let’s review proper forms of proof of insurance in Massachusetts:

  1. Valid liability insurance ID cards
  2. Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
  3. Valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
  4. Picture of proof of insurance on your smartphone
  5. Electronic proof of insurance (pulled through the internet)

It’s important to carry your proof of insurance on you at all times while driving because any time a law enforcement officer requests to see a copy of your insurance card, you must show it to him or her.

You also must be able to show vehicle registration and your license.

Teen Driver Laws

Teens must be at 16 years old before starting driver education classes. Take a look at some of the laws in the table below about teenage driving.

Requirements for Getting a License in MassachusettsDetails
Mandatory Holding Period6 months
Minimum Supervised Driving Time40 hours
Minimum Age16, 6 months

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In Massachusetts, driver education is required of license applicants younger than 18.

The requirement for supervised driving is 30 hours for applicants who have successfully completed a driver skills development program in a closed, off-road course licensed by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.

Let’s look at some laws for drivers with restricted licenses.

Massachusetts Restricted License LawsDetails
Nighttime restrictions12:30 a.m.-5 a.m. (between 12:30 a.m.-1 a.m. and 4 a.m.-5 a.m. the night driving and passenger restrictions are subject to secondary enforcement; enforcement is primary at all other times)
Passenger restrictions (family members excepted unless noted otherwise)no passengers younger than 18 (between 12:30 am–1 am and 4 am–5 am the night driving and passenger restrictions are secondarily enforced; enforcement is primary at all other times)
Minimum age at which restrictions may be lifted
Nighttime restrictionsuntil age 18 (min. age: 18)
Passenger restrictions6 months or until age 18, whichever occurs first (min. age: 17)

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Driver License Renewal Procedures

The following info about license renewal is brought to you by the IIHS.

It doesn’t matter if you’re 16 years old or 60 years old, every driver in the state of Massachusetts must renew his or her license every five years.

If you are under the age of 75, you must provide adequate proof of vision when you renew your license in person. If you are 75 years old or older, proof of vision is required at every renewal.

Online renewal is permitted for drivers under the age of 75, however, you can only renew your license online every other time.

New Residents

According to Mass.gov, once you move to Massachusetts, you must convert your out-of-state license to continue driving.

You’ll need to fill out a Class D, M, or D/M License and ID Card application, which you can also submit online, and take several original forms of ID to a Massachusetts RMV branch office.

Common documents you may need include:

  • Your out-of-state license
  • A document proving your date of birth, such as your original birth certificate
  • A document proving your signature, such as a passport or social security card
  • A document proving Massachusetts residency, such as a household bill addressed to you
  • Your Social Security number (SSN), or an acceptable alternative document

If your out-of-state license has been expired for more than one year but less than four years, you will be required to take a written test. If your license has been expired for more than four years, you will need to take a written and road test, as well as a vision exam.

Let your insurance company know you are moving to Massachusetts so they can change your existing policy to comply with Massachusetts law.

Keep in mind that if you later move within Massachusetts, you must report your change of address to the RMV within 30 days.

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Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)

Driving Laws Published by Nolo says that in Massachusetts, “reckless operation” and “negligent operation” are two separate offenses, with slightly different penalties.

With both crimes, there must be proof that the person’s driving endangered others. The distinction lies in the mental state of the motorist. To be convicted of reckless operation, the prosecution needs to prove that the driver appreciated but disregarded the risk of the conduct.

Negligent operation, on the other hand, doesn’t require a showing that the motorist actually realized the hazards posed by his or her driving.

A reckless or negligent operation conviction carries two weeks to two years in jail and/or $20 to $200 in fines.

For negligent operation, there’s an additional $250 assessment. Convicted motorists also face a license suspension of at least 60 days for a first offense and a minimum one-year suspension for a second offense within three years.

Massachusetts Rules of the Road

Knowing the rules of the road can keep your wallet full, your insurance rate low, and your driver’s license free from points.

Listen up as we walk through these simple rules of Massachusetts’ roads.

Fault vs No-Fault

As we previously discussed, Massachusetts is one of 12 states that follows a no-fault car accident law.

If you are involved in an accident even if you didn’t cause it, you are still responsible for filing a claim with your insurance company to report any property damage or personal injuries.

If you don’t have adequate coverage, you might be stuck paying for these repairs and medical bills out of pocket, and remember, more insurance is better insurance.

Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

Did you know that not wearing a seat belt while you are in a moving vehicle can cost you more than just your life?

Look at the table below to read these important laws about seat belts.

Seat Belt LawsDetails
Effective SinceFebruary 1, 1994
Primary Enforcementno
Age/Seats Applicable13+ years in all seats
1st Offense Max Fine$25

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Not wearing a seat belt can cost you $25 plus fees. Buckle or pay up.

Massachusetts also wants children to be safe while on the road. Do you know all of the car seat laws listed below?

Type of Car Seat RequiredAge/Details
Must be in child safety seat7 years and younger and less than 57 inches
Preference for rear seatlaw states no preference for rear seat
Adult Belt Permissible8 through 12 years; children who are at least 57 inches tall
Maximum base fine 1st offense$25

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If you don’t have your child in the proper car seat, you could be fined $25 or more.

It is illegal to ride in the cargo area of a pick-up truck.

Even though it is generally illegal to ride in the bed of a pick-up truck, there are exceptions to this law. See below.

  • During a parade
  • If the vehicle is being used for farming
  • If the vehicle is going less than 5 mph

Let’s move on to keep right laws.

Keep Right or Move Over Laws

In Massachusetts, left lane driving is only allowed for passing or turning left.

Section 4B of Title XIV says “upon all ways the driver of a vehicle shall drive in the lane nearest the right side of the way when such lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left turn.

When the right lane has been constructed or designated for purposes other than ordinary travel, a driver shall drive his vehicle in the lane adjacent to the right lane except when overtaking another vehicle or when preparing for a left or right turn; provided, however, that a driver may drive his vehicle in such right lane if signs have been erected by the department of highways permitting the use of such lane.”

AAA says drivers traveling in the same direction and approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle, or tow or recovery vehicle with flashing lights must slow down to a safe speed and, if practicable, move to a non-adjacent lane.

Speed Limit Laws

Do you know Massachusetts’ maximum speed limit laws?

If not, check them out in the table below.

Type of RoadwaySpeed Limit
Rural Interstates65 mph
Urban Interstates65 mph
Other Limited Access Roads65 mph
Other Roads55 mph

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Ridesharing

If you drive for a company like Uber or Lyft, you’ll need to have what is called ridesharing insurance. In the state of Massachusetts, it’s illegal to be a ridesharer without it.

Need help finding a ridesharing policy? The companies below provide ridesharing insurance in the state of Massachusetts.

  • Liberty Mutual
  • USAA
  • MAPFRE

Automation on the Road

What is vehicle automation?

According to the IIHS, automation involves using radar, cameras, and other sensors to perform parts or all of the driving tasks on a sustained basis instead of the driver.

One example is adaptive cruise control, which continually adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a set minimum following distance.

Features such as automatic braking, which acts as a back-up if the human driver fails to brake, or blind-spot detection, which provides additional information to the driver, aren’t considered automation under this definition.

But where does Massachusetts stand when it comes to vehicle automation?

What type of driving automation on public roads does the law/provision permit?Require an operator to be licensed?Require an operator to be in the vehicle?Require liability insurance?
testingnoyesno

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Right now, Massachusetts is in the testing stages of automation on the road. But as technology improves and changes, these laws are likely going to change as well.

Safety Laws in Massachusetts

Knowing these safety laws could prevent you from losing your license, winding up in prison, or accidentally taking another person’s life while on the road.

Buckle up as we tackle safety laws in Massachusetts. Up first we explain Massachusetts’ DUI laws.

DUI Laws

In the state of Massachusetts, it is illegal to drink and drive. From 2008-2017, there were 1,244 alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities in Massachusetts – this is why there are strict laws against drunk driving.

Name for OffenseOperating Under the Influence (OUI)
BAC Limit0.08
High BAC Limit0.2
Criminal Status1st-2nd unclassified, 3rd+ felonies
Look Back Periodunlimited/lifetime

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Let’s look at the penalties for drinking and driving.

Number of OffenseALS or RevocationImprisonmentFineOther
First Offense1 year after date of conviction; may apply for work/education provisional license after 3 monthsno minimum, but up to 2.5 years$500-$5000May be granted two year parole with 2 week treatment program
Second Offense2 years after date of conviction; may apply for work/education provisional license after 1 year; may apply for hardship license after 18 months30 days - 2.5 years$600-$10000must have IID for duration of hardship license
Third Offense8 years after date of conviction; may apply for work/education provisional license after 2 year; may apply for hardship license after 4 years180 days - 5 years$1000-$15000must have IID for duration of hardship license
Fourth Offense10 years after date of conviction; may apply for work/education provisional license after 5 years; may apply for hardship license after 8 years2-5 years$1500-$25000
Fifth OffenseFor life2.5-5 years$2000-$50000

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If you’re charged with drunk driving just one time, you could be facing up to two years in prison! These penalties may seem harsh, but in 2017, 120 people were killed in drunk driving accidents.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Law

Some states have what is called a marijuana-impaired driving law. Since there aren’t any laws formed about marijuana in the state of Massachusetts, this law is called something different.

If you are caught doing drugs of any kind while driving, you can be charged with impaired driving. If you are charged with impaired driving, you may be facing jail time, license suspension, and/or have to pay a hefty fine.

Distracted Driving Laws

The following info is brought to you by the IIHS.

Technology is a great thing, but there’s no doubt it has become a distraction while driving. Take a look at these cell phone laws listed in the table below.

Hand-held banYoung drivers all cellphone banTexting banEnforcement
nodrivers younger than 18all driversprimary

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Please use caution when using your cell phone while driving. Studies have shown that the effects of texting and driving can be worse than drinking and driving.

Driving in Massachusetts

So far we’ve covered insurance laws, driving laws, safety laws, rules of the road, and more — but now we want to talk about Massachusetts’ can’t miss facts.

Knowing the following information will help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing your car insurance policy. In this next section, we’ll touch on vehicle theft, road fatality rates, traffic congestion, and more.

From crash reports to Massachusetts risk factors, we’ve got them all covered.

Vehicle Theft in Massachusetts

Is your vehicle on this most stolen list?

Make/ModelYear of VehicleThefts
Honda Civic2000426
Honda Accord1997402
Toyota Camry2014260
Toyota Corolla2010203
Dodge Caravan2005188
Ford Pickup (Full Size)2004178
Nissan Altima2005156
Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee1999143
Honda CR-V1999107
Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)201595

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The year with the vehicle is just the most popular model year stolen. The number listed as stolen for that make and model includes all model years of it.

The data from the table below is pulled directly from the FBI. It shows vehicle theft by cities in 2017 Massachusetts. Is your city on this list?

CityMotor
vehicle
theft
Abington12
Acton3
Acushnet11
Adams8
Agawam28
Amesbury3
Amherst6
Andover23
Arlington15
Ashburnham1
Ashland8
Athol5
Attleboro18
Auburn13
Avon4
Ayer2
Barnstable22
Bedford3
Belchertown3
Bellingham8
Belmont9
Berkley5
Berlin4
Bernardston0
Beverly8
Billerica15
Blackstone2
Bolton2
Boston1,205
Bourne10
Boxborough3
Boxford0
Boylston1
Braintree36
Brewster0
Bridgewater15
Brimfield0
Brockton384
Brookline11
Burlington12
Cambridge94
Canton5
Carver2
Charlton8
Chatham1
Chelmsford23
Chelsea74
Chesterfield0
Chicopee128
Chilmark0
Clinton3
Cohasset0
Concord1
Dalton1
Danvers26
Dartmouth39
Dedham15
Deerfield0
Dennis14
Douglas1
Dover2
Dracut20
Dudley8
Dunstable2
Duxbury2
East Bridgewater5
East Brookfield0
Eastham1
Easthampton11
East Longmeadow14
Easton7
Edgartown3
Erving3
Everett71
Fairhaven18
Fall River229
Falmouth32
Fitchburg56
Foxborough9
Framingham67
Franklin3
Freetown12
Gardner20
Georgetown2
Gloucester7
Goshen0
Grafton6
Granby3
Great Barrington5
Greenfield11
Groton0
Hadley6
Halifax2
Hamilton1
Hampden7
Hanover10
Hanson2
Hardwick1
Harvard0
Harwich5
Haverhill119
Hingham5
Holbrook8
Holden4
Holland1
Holliston0
Holyoke111
Hopedale2
Hopkinton0
Hudson2
Hull7
Ipswich3
Kingston5
Lakeville6
Lancaster3
Lawrence408
Lee4
Leicester5
Lenox3
Leominster49
Leverett0
Lincoln0
Littleton4
Longmeadow5
Lowell354
Ludlow24
Lunenburg8
Lynn231
Lynnfield6
Malden73
Manchester-by-the-Sea0
Mansfield9
Marblehead2
Marion4
Marlborough29
Marshfield3
Mashpee10
Mattapoisett2
Maynard3
Medford63
Medway3
Melrose19
Mendon5
Merrimac2
Methuen62
Middleboro24
Middleton7
Milford19
Millbury10
Millville1
Milton11
Monson4
Montague4
Nahant2
Nantucket17
Natick13
Needham1
New Bedford176
Newbury2
Newburyport10
Newton18
Norfolk1
North Adams4
Northampton14
North Andover9
North Attleboro14
Northborough3
Northbridge13
Northfield0
North Reading7
Norton1
Norwell2
Norwood23
Oakham0
Orange4
Orleans0
Oxford4
Palmer9
Paxton0
Peabody45
Pembroke5
Pepperell7
Pittsfield37
Plainville5
Plymouth24
Plympton1
Princeton1
Provincetown4
Quincy88
Randolph39
Raynham11
Reading3
Rehoboth7
Revere106
Rochester2
Rockport0
Rowley4
Rutland4
Salem51
Salisbury19
Sandwich8
Saugus35
Seekonk17
Sharon2
Shelburne2
Sherborn0
Shirley2
Shrewsbury7
Somerset13
Somerville89
Southampton3
Southborough0
Southbridge15
South Hadley8
Southwick1
Spencer7
Springfield509
Sterling7
Stockbridge1
Stoneham9
Stoughton27
Stow5
Sturbridge11
Sudbury1
Sunderland2
Sutton7
Swampscott5
Swansea15
Taunton60
Templeton4
Tewksbury21
Tisbury5
Topsfield0
Townsend1
Truro3
Tyngsboro6
Upton2
Wakefield9
Wales0
Walpole11
Waltham44
Ware8
Wareham24
Watertown15
Wayland3
Webster15
Wellesley5
Wellfleet2
Wenham0
Westborough8
West Boylston5
West Bridgewater5
Westfield31
Westford5
Westminster0
West Newbury1
Weston2
Westport10
West Springfield67
West Tisbury2
Westwood2
Weymouth33
Whately1
Whitman5
Wilbraham11
Williamstown1
Wilmington8
Winchendon9
Winchester2
Winthrop8
Woburn39
Worcester397
Wrentham9
Yarmouth9

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It is interesting to note that some of these cities have a theft rate of zero.

Road Fatalities in Massachusetts

We’ve partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to bring you the following information.

Let’s move on to a more serious subject: road fatality statistics. In 2017, there were 350 traffic fatalities in Massachusetts.

But what caused them? Before we answer that question, let’s look at the most dangerous road in Massachusetts.

The Most Fatal Highway in Massachusetts.

According to geotab.com, the most fatal highway in Massachusetts is I-495. The I-495 has had 87 accidents that resulted in a fatality over the last decade. The highway is entirely contained within the state, running through the outskirts of the Greater Boston area.

To determine the most dangerous highway in each US state, geotab.com calculated a fatal crash rate that is based on the annual number of road fatalities and fatal crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and adjusted for the average daily traffic counts provided by the Federal Highway Administration.

Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Did weather or light conditions have anything to do with the fatality rate?

Weather ConditionDaylightDark, but LightedDarkDawn or DuskOther / UnknownTotal
Normal1335670221282
Rain1015121038
Snow/Sleet042208
Other020002
Unknown321006
TOTAL1467985251336

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A large percentage of these fatalities happened in the light under normal weather conditions, so it doesn’t seem like weather played a huge role in the Massachusetts fatality rate.

Fatalities (All Crashes) by County

Below are the numbers of fatal crashes by county.

CountyFatalities
2013
2014201520162017Fatalities Per 100K Population
2013
2014201520162017
Barnstable County18161218148.397.475.618.436.56
Berkshire County991212116.9679.49.468.71
Bristol County36404151456.517.27.369.138.01
Dukes County111015.835.785.7905.77
Essex County34272333364.453.52.964.234.58
Franklin County7511589.827.0215.547.0811.32
Hampden County34343040357.277.246.398.537.45
Hampshire County71061164.356.223.736.83.71
Middlesex County41454864342.632.863.034.012.12
Nantucket County00100009.1700
Norfolk County28413831334.075.935.474.454.71
Plymouth County46503839459.159.877.467.628.74
Suffolk County23263034263.023.373.844.33.26
Worcester County67505349568.266.136.485.976.78

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Traffic Fatalities: Rural vs Urban

Usually, more fatalities happen in rural areas than they do in urban areas typically because there aren’t as many EMS service locations in rural areas.

Area2008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Rural36353044505037221722
Urban328305317330333300317321370328
Unknown0000010100
Total364340347374383351354344387350

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However, from 2008-2017, Massachusetts had almost 300 more fatalities happen per year in urban areas than in rural areas.

Fatalities by Person Type

Did person type or vehicle type have anything to do with the traffic fatality rate in Massachusetts?

Person Type20132014201520162017
OccupantsPassenger Car152161131166121
Light Truck - Pickup1515142227
Light Truck - Utility3727284150
Light Truck - Van131312127
Light Truck - Other12242
Large Truck43325
Total Occupants222223195250214
Other/Unknown Occupants02522
Bus00010
MotorcyclistsTotal Motorcyclists4247564451
NonoccupantsPedestrian7974797874
Bicyclist and Other Cyclist68121011
Other/Unknown Nonoccupants22250
Total Nonoccupants8784939385
TotalTotal351354344387350

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Make sure to keep an eye out for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians while driving. Paying attention to these “nonoccupants” can help lower your chances of causing an accident.

Fatalities by Crash Type

What types of crashes are most likely to be fatal?

Crash Type20132014201520162017
Total Fatalities (All Crashes)351354344387350
(1) Single Vehicle235250222250237
(2) Involving a Large Truck3127282728
(3) Involving Speeding89859212698
(4) Involving a Rollover5355516265
(5) Involving a Roadway Departure208208180197186
(6) Involving an Intersection (or Intersection Related)10476749493

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According to the table above, most of these fatal crashes either involved some type of roadway departure or were single-vehicle crashes.

Five-Year Fatality Trend for the Top Ten Largest Counties in Massachusetts

Below is the five-year traffic fatality trend for the top ten most-populated counties in Massachusetts.

County20132014201520162017
Worcester County6750534956
Bristol County3640415145
Plymouth County4650383945
Essex County3427233336
Hampden County3434304035
Middlesex County4145486434
Norfolk County2841383133
Suffolk County2326303426
Barnstable County1816121814
Berkshire County99121211

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Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

Speeding takes many lives on the road. Speed limits are posted for a reason. In 2017, there were 98 speeding-related traffic fatalities in Massachusetts.

CountyFatalities
2013
2014201520162017Fatalities Per 100k Population
2013
2014201520162017
Barnstable County453351.862.331.41.412.34
Berkshire County252421.553.891.573.151.58
Bristol County8111113111.451.981.972.331.96
Dukes County100005.830000
Essex County68811130.781.041.031.411.66
Franklin County306324.2108.474.252.83
Hampden County1214521122.572.981.064.482.55
Hampshire County242201.242.491.241.240
Middlesex County129101270.770.570.630.750.44
Nantucket County0000000000
Norfolk County107128131.451.011.731.151.86
Plymouth County89815151.591.781.572.932.91
Suffolk County52111120.660.261.411.390.25
Worcester County16111423161.971.351.712.81.94

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Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver (BAC = .08+) by County

In 2017, there were 120 alcohol-impaired fatalities in Massachusetts. Drinking and driving isn’t worth it – every time you try to drink and drive, you risk your life and someone else’s.

CountyFatalities
2013
2014201520162017Fatalities Per 100K Population
2013
2014201520162017
Barnstable County664852.82.81.873.752.34
Berkshire County325232.321.553.921.582.38
Bristol County16151523172.92.72.694.123.03
Dukes County100005.830000
Essex County111061181.441.30.771.411.02
Franklin County312334.211.42.824.254.24
Hampden County1220719142.574.261.494.052.98
Hampshire County253001.243.111.8600
Middlesex County12141517120.770.890.951.070.75
Nantucket County0000000000
Norfolk County1220121291.742.891.731.721.29
Plymouth County17221116203.384.342.163.133.88
Suffolk County111281291.441.561.021.521.13
Worcester County18181725202.222.212.083.052.42

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Respect the rules of the road, don’t drink and drive.

Teen Drinking and Driving

Teenage driving is scary, but add some alcohol to lack of driving experience and you’re in for some real trouble.

Massachusetts is ranked 42nd in the U.S. for teenage drinking and driving arrests.

DUI Arrest (Under 18 years old)DUI Arrests (Under 18 years old) Total Per Million PeopleRank
4633.3842

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In 26 states and D.C., under-21 alcohol-impaired fatalities per 100,000 people were at or below the national average of 1.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

Massachusetts has an average of one death per 100,000 population per year.

EMS Response Time

Sometimes seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

Because there are more EMS response services located in urban areas, it takes much longer for an ambulance to reach a crash site in rural areas than it does in urban areas.

Look at the table below for EMS response times.

AreaTime of Crash to EMS NotificationEMS Notification to EMS ArrivalEMS Arrival at Scene to Hospital ArrivalTime of Crash to Hospital ArrivalTotal Fatal Crashes
Rural3.14 mins8.61 mins31 mins40.6 mins20
Urban3.84 mins6.37 mins25.62 mins33.28 mins316

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Transportation in Massachusetts

Car insurance companies will often base their rates on state averages. Two categories that car insurance companies may base their rates on are transportation and traffic congestion.

Let’s start with car ownership.

Car Ownership

According to Data USA, the following chart displays the households in Massachusetts distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket.

The largest share of households in Massachusetts have two cars, followed by onw car.

Car Ownership in Massachusetts

The orange bars represent Massachusetts’ average while the gray bars show the national average.

Commute Time

Using averages, employees in Massachusetts have a longer commute time (28.3 minutes) than the normal US worker (25.5 minutes). Additionally, 3.32 percent of the workforce in Massachusetts have “super commutes” in excess of 90 minutes.

Commute Time in Massachusetts

Commuter Transportation

In 2017, the most common method of travel for workers in Massachusetts was Drove Alone, followed by those who Public Transit and those who Carpooled.

Commuter Transportation in Massachusetts

Traffic Congestion in Massachusetts

According to Inrix, Boston is the 8th most traffic-congested city in the world.

URBAN AREA2018 World RankHOURS LOST IN CONGESTIONCOST OF CONGESTION (PER DRIVER)
Boston, MA8164$2,291

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Now that you’ve read our extensive guide about Massachusetts auto insurance, it’s time to start shopping for your very own insurance policy. To get started, use our free tool by entering your zip code into the box below.

Good luck and happy shopping.

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