How Much Is Massachusetts Car Insurance?

Ever wonder how much drivers in Massachusetts pay for car insurance? Check out the average price that most people pay and see if you can find a cheaper rate.

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Affordable Car Insurance in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the most populous state in New England, and it’s one of the most important states in the history of the U.S. This is part of why Boston and other areas are such prime tourist draws, and the state’s many top-tier colleges and universities attract big numbers of college kids.

A dense population and lots of non-local and inexperienced drivers—not to mention the hazardous winter weather—are just some reasons auto insurance rates in Massachusetts tend toward the pricier end of the spectrum. But residents have plenty of ways to save on this monthly bill. More on that below, but for now, know that SmartFinancial’s carrier-neutral, objective analysis is a great way to instantly compare rates to find the lowest rate on the optimal coverage for your needs.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates in Massachusetts

Carriers look at multiple variables when determining your insurance rate. Your age, location, driving history, and state requirements are all factors in determining the price you pay. We used our in-house reporting to determine the companies that offer the cheapest car insurance rates in Massachusetts. State Farm came in with the lowest rate currently available in Massachusetts at $65.34 per month. Followed by Encompass at $86.25 per month and Pure Companies Grp at $102.36 per month.

Lowest Rate

State Farm

$65.34
Highest Rate

Liberty Mutual

$226.06
Average Rate

Massachusetts

$129
RankCompanyAvg monthly rate
1 State Farm $65.34 / month
2 Encompass $86.25 / month
3 Pure Companies Grp $102.36 / month
4 USAA $125.69 / month
5 Preferred Mutual $139.12 / month
6 Safety Group $148.15 / month
7 Norfolk and Dedham Group $149.00 / month
8 Arbella Insurance Group $173.09 / month
9 Metropolitan $186.39 / month
10 ACE American Pool $196.19 / month
11 National Grange Mutual $196.21 / month
12 Quincy Mutual $202.79 / month
13 Plymouth Rock Assurance $208.23 / month
14 Allstate $209.38 / month
15 Vermont Mutual $216.80 / month
16 Hanover $223.15 / month
17 Liberty Mutual $226.06 / month

Top 10 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance

If you are lucky enough to live in one of these cities you are likely paying some of the lowest car insurance rates available in Massachusetts. According to our data, Easthampton comes in at the cheapest at only $75.88 per month. Other cities that made the top 10 list include Greenfield at $82.44 per month, Gardner at $85.94 per month, and Bellingham at $86.24 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Easthampton, MA$75.88 / month
2 Greenfield, MA$82.44 / month
3 Gardner, MA$85.94 / month
4 Bellingham, MA$86.24 / month
5 East Falmouth, MA$87.28 / month
6 Pittsfield , MA$88.40 / month
7 Adams, MA$88.98 / month
8 Gloucester, MA$90.19 / month
9 Natick, MA$90.35 / month
10 North Adams, MA$90.56 / month

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for Car Insurance

These top 10 cities ranked as the most expensive places in Massachusetts for car insurance. Location is a big factor when determining the price you pay for car insurance and these cities came in at the top. Dorchester is the most expensive city in Massachusetts at $215.47 per month. Second and third place goes to Holbrook at $186.45 per month and Brockton at $178.69 per month.

RankCityAvg monthly rate
1 Dorchester , MA $215.47 / month
2 Holbrook , MA $186.45 / month
3 Brockton , MA $178.69 / month
4 Chelsea , MA $177.56 / month
5 Revere , MA $168.27 / month
6 Lynn , MA $160.78 / month
7 Boston , MA $158.89 / month
8 Mattapan , MA $155.90 / month
9 Hyde Park , MA $154.86 / month
10 Everett , MA $154.77 / month

Average Quotes by Top Companies

Rates can vary wildly from company to company. Here is a quick look at a few rates from some of the top car insurance companies in Massachusetts.

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in Massachusetts

SmartFinancial helps thousands of drivers every day find and compare the best car insurance rates available. Here is a list of some recent quotes that we recently found for drivers in Massachusetts.

CompanyMonthly rateVehicle
ClearCover $502010 Honda Accord
Mercury $502008 Honda Accord
Mercury $542021 Audi Q5
Foremost Auto $1902009 Bmw 335
Safeco $1042017 Honda Accord
Dairyland $772020 Chevrolet Trax
Foremost Auto $832016 Honda Cr V
21st Century $1302016 Chevrolet Silverado
Dairyland $1082014 Ford F150
Mercury $842007 Toyota Camry
ClearCover $932023 Toyota Rav4
Safeco $472012 Honda Civic

Methodology

The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.

Minimum Car Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts

Every state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of liability coverage. Massachusetts drivers are required to carry liability insurance to pay for damages and injuries inflicted on someone else in an auto accident.

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$20,000

Bodily injury coverage per person

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to a single person

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$40,000

Bodily injury coverage per accident

Maximum payment for serious or permanent injury or death to multiple people

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$5,000

Property damage per accident

Maximum payment for all damaged property in an accident caused by you

Car insurance is a must in Massachusetts, and the state sets a number of mandatory coverage types and minimum limits. All drivers must carry $20,000 bodily injury coverage per person and $40,000 per accident. In addition, motorist need $8,000 personal injury protection (PIP) coverage per person, per accident, as well as $5,000 property damage liability coverage per accident. Beyond this, residents are also obligated to buy uninsured motorist coverage in the amounts of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

While you might think you’re all set with the minimum coverage dictated by Massachusetts law, hang on just a second. If you have financing on your vehicle, it’s likely that your lender insists on considerably more coverage. Also, picking up optional coverages is a smart move if you can swing the extra costs, because they can spare you some serious out-of-pocket expenses if things go wrong.

Optional Coverage in Massachusetts

  • Underinsured Motorist
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Med Pay
  • Rental Car
  • Loan/Lease (Gap)
  • Emergency Roadside Service
  • Customized Parts and Equipment
  • Travel Expenses

These types of coverages aren’t required by law, but they’re an effective way to take full advantage of auto insurance options to protect your finances. Some exclusions will apply. 

Massachusetts Car Safety

All young children riding in a vehicle in Massachusetts must be properly restrained in a federally approved car seat rated for their weight. Follow all manufacturer instructions, including for rear-facing and forward-facing use. Car seats should be secured in the back seat of your vehicle.

When a child outgrows the car seat weight limit, he or she should switch to a booster seat, which should also be secured in the rear of the vehicle. Use of a booster seat is required until the child reaches 8 years old or 57 inches tall; it’s recommended that height be used, rather than age, as this is the more important metric for knowing when a child can be properly restrained by the vehicle’s seat belt system.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security website has useful information about choosing and installing car and booster seats.

Car Safety for Massachusetts Kids

Massachusetts doesn’t have a law specifically addressing leaving a child unsupervised in a vehicle. However, doing so can get you charged with child endangerment at the discretion of the authorities.

This is certainly not an unfair leap. Children left unattended in a vehicle are vulnerable to abduction or violence from strangers, as well as injuries sustained while playing around in the vehicle. Beyond that, the inside temperature can rise dangerously high in very little time, even on temperate days and even with the windows cracked. Kids, as well as pets, are at risk of heatstroke, brain damage, and death from being left in a car that gets too hot.

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306

Statewide traffic accident fatalities in 2015

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106

Cyclist fatalities and incapacitating injuries in 2015

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40

Percent of 2014 traffic deaths involving impaired driving

Driving Green in Massachusetts

New England is renowned for its natural beauty, from oceanfront vistas to some of the world’s most stunning autumn foliage. With so many residents being environmentally conscious and conservation-minded, the state caters to these interests.

People living in Massachusetts have a variety of ways to save money for making greener decisions regarding what and how much they drive. Some incentives offered to eco-friendly motorists in Massachusetts include:

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Emissions Test Exemptions

Massachusetts drivers are required to undergo annual safety inspections to renew their vehicle registration, and this often includes emissions testing. Many fuel-efficient vehicles are exempted from this testing, though. Examples of exemptions include vehicles that run solely on electric power, mopeds, and motorcycles. Massachusetts Vehicle Check has additional information about testing requirements.

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Electric Vehicle and Zero-Emission Motorcycle Purchase Rebates

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources gives rebates of up to $2,500 to consumers who purchase certain battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and zero-emission motorcycles. Visit the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) website to see eligible vehicles and to apply for a rebate.

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Car Insurance Discounts for Going Green

Lots of auto insurance companies offer Massachusetts motorists discounts on their coverage for choosing an environmentally friendly vehicle or maintaining low mileage as part of a greener lifestyle. Hybrid vehicles, alternative fuel vehicles, and economy cars often qualify.

Massachusetts Car Insurance FAQ

Is my credit score a factor when obtaining car insurance in Massachusetts?

No! Massachusetts is one of only three states (along with California and Hawaii) that prohibits insurance carriers from checking your credit when determining whether to offer coverage and calculating your premium.

Does Massachusetts offer a good-driver discount?

Massachusetts offers the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) program to incentivize responsible, defensive driving. Many, but not all, carriers participate, so inquire with yours. Individual carriers typically offer at least some of the following additional discounts to Massachusetts motorists, as well:

  • Accident-Free
  • Claims-Free
  • Teen Driver
  • Multi-Car
  • Distant Student
  • Alternative Fuel
  • Homeowner
  • Defensive Driver
  • Good Student
  • Anti-Lock Brake
  • Anti-Theft Device
  • Multiple Line
  • Passive Restraint
  • Vehicle Safety

Does Massachusetts allow the use of digital insurance cards?

Massachusetts actually doesn’t require you to keep proof of insurance on you, either as a printed ID card or in digital form. The necessary information is included on your registration in the state. Still, it’s a good idea to keep proof of insurance in your vehicle, because if you drive out of state, you’ll need it!

What happens if my coverage lapses?

Massachusetts takes uninsured driving seriously. It’s classified as a civil motor vehicle infraction and, depending on a variety of individual factors, you could be fined up to $5,000, liable for hundreds of dollars in other fees, and face up to 1 year of driver’s license suspension and as much jail time.

What are Massachusetts' blood alcohol concentration (BAC) percentage limits under the state's driving under the influence (DUI) laws?

It’s against the law for individuals to operate a vehicle in Massachusetts with the following BAC percentages:

  • .08%+ at 21 years old or older
  • .04%+ for commercial vehicle drivers
  • .02%+ at under 21 years old

Operating under the influence (OUI) laws in Massachusetts are aggressively enforced, as alcohol- and drug-related accidents have been a major problem in the state.

What are the chemical test refusal penalties in Massachusetts?

Though it’s not a criminal offense, you are not allowed to refuse a chemical test in Massachusetts. If you are 21 or over and have no prior OUI offenses, your driver’s license will be confiscated by the attending law enforcement officer and your driving privileges are automatically suspended for 180 days and your vehicle will be impounded for 12 hours; if you’re under 21 and have no previous OUI convictions, the same applies, but license suspension lasts for 3 years.

These penalties go up if you’ve had previous OUI offenses; see further explanation about chemical test refusal consequences on the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles website.

What are the consequences of being convicted of a DUI?

Again, driving under the influence has been a big problem in Massachusetts, so the consequences are steep. The specifics of each situation affect the penalties. However, generally speaking, first-time OUI offenders have their license suspended for 1 year, face administrative and criminal fines of up to nearly $7,000, may be sentenced to as much as 2.5 years in jail, and may be compelled to complete a drug and alcohol education or treatment program.

Does Massachusetts offer driver improvement courses to reduce my insurance premium?

Yes, Massachusetts has defensive driving courses that many car insurance carriers in the state recognize and reward with a discount on your premium. While the details vary among individual providers, these discounts are typically 5 or 10%. Massachusetts refers to its driving classes as, ahem, Driver Attitudinal Retraining Courses.

Is there any way I can reduce the cost of my Massachusetts car insurance?

There’s no better way to keep your auto insurance costs down than to comparison shop for the best rates. But that’s certainly not the only way! Choose higher deductibles in exchange for a lower premium and ask your representative about all discounts you might be eligible for. Also, if you can manage to pay upfront rather than in monthly installments, you’re bound to get a better deal.

What is uninsured motorist coverage and is it required in Massachusetts?

Uninsured motorist coverage provides you with financial protection should you be involved in an accident with another driver who doesn’t have car insurance; even though it’s illegal, a significant number of drivers on the roads aren’t covered. Massachusetts mandates that you carry uninsured motorist coverage in the amounts of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.

 

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