Massachusetts Auto Insurance - (MA)

Until recently, auto insurance in the state of Massachusetts was monopolistic in nature due to price controls instituted by the state which determined the rates that insurance companies set for the policies that they wrote. Certain levels of coverage cost a specific amount of money, regardless of which auto insurance company you went to for coverage. This had the effect of keeping insurance rates artificially high since companies were not allowed to compete for the business of customers.

Recent changes in state law, however, have done away with the price controls and now auto insurance companies are allowed to compete for their customers by setting rates, premiums and coverage levels separately based on individual need. Despite these changes in the laws, the compulsory laws regarding insurance requirements in Massachusetts remain the same, which include bodily injury coverage, property damage coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). This insurance at the minimum amounts is required in order to register a vehicle in the state.

Massachusetts Auto Insurance Requirements

• All vehicles must be covered: Whether you drive a Mercedes or a moped, if you are driving on public roads and highways, you must carry the minimum levels of insurance or risk suspension of your vehicle registration and drivers license.
• The minimum levels of coverage are:
• • Personal Injury Protection: Provides coverage for up to $8,000 in work loss and medical expenses no matter who is at fault in an accident.
  • Property damage coverage: Minimum of $5,000 for damage or destruction to property of others in an accident.
  • Bodily Injury Coverage: $20,000 minimums per person for anyone accident or $40,000 maximum for persons injured in an accident.
• Your license will be suspended: If you are found to be driving without the insurance required by the state. The fees for having your license restored are quite steep and can immediately take away any savings you may have found for driving without insurance or with less than the minimum required.

Keep in mind that these are the minimum levels of insurance required, and they are quite low. If you are in an accident and you do $15,000 worth of damage, totaling someone’s vehicle for example, your insurance will handle the first $5,000 and you will be required to pay the other $10,000 out of pocket.

Department Of Massachusetts (MA) State Government That Regulates Car Insurance Quotes:
Web Site: www.mass.gov/doi

How To Contact Directly:
Massachusetts Div. of Insurance
One South Station, 5th Floor
Boston, MA 02110-2208
Phone: 1-617-521-7794

Massachusetts (MA) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums

• Liability: 20/40/5 = Bodily Injury Individual/Bodily Injury Total Per Accident/Property Damage
• Other Mandatory Insurance: Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist — No-Fault State
• Regulations Regarding Proof of Insurance: Proof Required - When Obtaining Registration
• Penalties For Not Carrying Mandatory Insurance: Fine up to $5000 plus jail term of up to one year

How To File A Complaint About An Insurer:

How To File A Complaint With The Massachusetts Div. Of Insurance

Insurance complaint instructions