📊 Massachusetts at a Glance
Avg Annual Premium
$2,096
full coverage
National Ranking
#15
cheapest
vs National Avg
-$601
below avg
Uninsured Rate
7.9%
#45 (very low!)
🎉 Big Win: Credit Scores BANNED
Massachusetts is one of only a few states that completely prohibits credit-based insurance scoring. Your financial history cannot affect your car insurance rates. This protects consumers with poor credit from the 50-100% rate increases seen in other states.
📋 Massachusetts Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $20,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $40,000 |
| Property Damage | $5,000 ⚠️ |
| PIP (Personal Injury Protection) | Required: $8,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist (UM) | Required: $20,000/$40,000 |
⚠️ Danger: The $5,000 property damage limit is a relic from decades ago. It won't cover even minor damage to modern cars. Increase this to at least $25,000-50,000.
⚖️ How Massachusetts No-Fault Works
Massachusetts is a no-fault state. Your own PIP coverage pays your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident.
Threshold to Sue
Massachusetts uses a monetary threshold of $2,000. You can only sue the at-fault driver if your medical expenses exceed $2,000 OR you suffered certain serious injuries.
✓ Can Sue If:
- • Medical bills exceed $2,000
- • Permanent disfigurement
- • Fractured bones
- • Loss of body part
- • Loss of sight/hearing
PIP Covers:
- • 80% of medical expenses
- • 75% of lost wages
- • Up to $8,000 total
- • Regardless of fault
💰 Cheapest & Most Expensive Cities
✓ Cheapest Areas
✗ Most Expensive Cities
Boston neighborhoods are ~50% more expensive than rural Western Mass. The difference between cheapest and most expensive ZIP codes is over $2,200/year!
🏆 Best Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
| Insurer | Best For |
|---|---|
| GEICO | Good drivers (often cheapest) |
| Progressive | Young drivers, Snapshot telematics |
| Amica | Seniors, best customer service (HQ in RI) |
| Allstate | Accident forgiveness |
| Arbella | Regional option, excellent service |
Pro tip: Amica consistently ranks #1 in customer satisfaction nationally and is headquartered in nearby Rhode Island. Arbella is a beloved regional choice.
🌟 What Makes Massachusetts Different
✓ Credit Scores Banned
Your credit history cannot affect your insurance rates. This is huge protection for consumers.
✓ Lowest Uninsured Rate
Only 7.9% of MA drivers are uninsured—one of the lowest rates in the country. This reduces your risk.
✓ Strict Regulation
Massachusetts heavily regulates insurers, providing strong consumer protections.
❄️ Winter Driving
Consider comprehensive coverage for winter damage. Some policies offer snowplow damage endorsements.
🎁 Available Discounts
Defensive driving course
Good student discount
Bundle home + auto
Low mileage (under 5,000 miles/year)
💡 Tips for Massachusetts Drivers
- ✓ Leverage the credit ban - If you have poor credit, MA is one of the best states to insure
- ✓ Increase property damage - The $5,000 minimum is dangerously low
- ✓ Quote Amica - Best customer service, headquartered locally
- ✓ Consider PIP add-ons - You can increase the $8,000 PIP for better medical coverage
- ✓ Use MA Division of Insurance - State resources available at mass.gov/doi
The Bottom Line
Massachusetts is one of the most consumer-friendly states for car insurance. At $2,096/year (15th cheapest) with credit scores banned and a 7.9% uninsured rate, you're in good shape. The only trap is the $5,000 property damage minimum—increase it immediately.
Best strategy: GEICO is often cheapest for good drivers. Amica offers the best customer service if you're willing to pay slightly more. Take advantage of the credit ban—your financial situation won't hurt your rates here.