Best Car Insurance in Massachusetts

Last Updated on October 7, 2026

By James Shaffer · Reviewed by Thomas Rockford, insurance industry executive and financial analyst, on October 5, 2026 · How we fact-check

Car insurance in Massachusetts runs a little below the national average. Insure.com’s state rate study, last updated September 25, 2026, puts Massachusetts at $2,429 a year for full coverage and $789 a year for state-minimum coverage, against a national full-coverage average of $2,578. Those figures price a 40-year-old driving a Honda Accord LX with a clean record and a good insurance score, with full coverage at 100/300/100 limits and $500 deductibles. “Cheap” is still relative. Your premium can change dramatically based on your ZIP code (garaging address), annual mileage, vehicle, and driving history. That’s why two drivers with the same car can get very different quotes—especially across the state.

Another important update: three of Massachusetts’ four compulsory limits went up for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Bodily injury to others and bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto both moved to $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and property damage moved to $30,000. Personal injury protection stayed at $8,000. Higher minimums can mean better protection, but they can also nudge prices upward for drivers who previously carried the bare minimum.

Below, we’ll cover the best car insurance companies in Massachusetts, the updated minimum requirements, and practical ways to lower your premium—whether you drive in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, or a smaller town.

1. Massachusetts Requires Four Coverages, Not One: Compulsory coverage here is bodily injury to others, personal injury protection, bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto, and damage to someone else’s property. The limits on three of the four rose on July 1, 2025.
2. Your ZIP Code Matters a Lot: In Massachusetts, your garaging address and annual mileage can change your premium dramatically, especially in and around Boston.
3. Credit Is Banned Outright in MA: State regulation 211 CMR 79.04 says no credit information from a consumer report may be used in private passenger auto rating or underwriting. Not limited — banned.
4. Compare Regional and National Insurers: Many Massachusetts drivers find the best deal by comparing local carriers (like Plymouth Rock or Safety) against big names (like GEICO or Progressive).

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a mix of strong regional insurers (often sold through local agents) and national companies with robust online tools. The “best” insurer depends on your priorities—lowest price, best claims experience, best bundling discounts, or the most flexible underwriting.

Here are 10 top picks that are commonly competitive for Massachusetts drivers. Every one of them appears on the Division of Insurance’s own list of companies writing private passenger auto insurance in Massachusetts, so you can actually buy all ten here:

Massachusetts Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts requires insurance to register a vehicle and legally drive. The required coverage is called “compulsory” coverage, and it has four parts. Massachusetts is unusual in that one of those four parts is coverage for injuries an uninsured driver causes you, which most states only make insurers offer. For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, the compulsory minimums are:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $8,000 per person, per accident. PIP pays medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages, and replacement services such as household help, all inside that one $8,000 limit.
• Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident. This is the Massachusetts name for it, and it is not the same thing as the uninsured motorist coverage sold in other states.
• Property Damage Liability: $30,000 per accident

Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state, PIP is a required part of every policy. No-fault cuts both ways here. Your own PIP pays first regardless of who caused the crash, but under state law you can only sue the other driver for pain and suffering if your reasonable medical bills top $2,000 — unless the crash caused death, loss of a body member, permanent and serious disfigurement, certain sight or hearing loss, or a fracture. If you want a deeper explanation of what PIP covers, see our guide to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Coverage for injuries caused by an uninsured auto is part of your compulsory policy, so you already have it at 25/50. What you do not automatically have is underinsured motorist coverage, which covers the gap when the other driver has a policy but not enough of one. That one is optional in Massachusetts and worth pricing — here’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Finally, remember that Massachusetts minimums are just the legal floor. If you have savings, a house, or significant assets to protect, it’s smart to consider higher limits. If you’re unsure where to start, use this guide on what auto insurance limits you should have.

How Massachusetts Car Insurance Pricing Works

Massachusetts pricing is heavily influenced by your garaging address (where the car is parked most nights), annual mileage, vehicle type, and driving record. A driver in downtown Boston may pay more than a driver in a quieter suburb—sometimes by a lot.

Massachusetts also uses the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), which applies surcharges or credits based on certain accidents and violations. The plan runs on a six-year policy experience period, but it only assigns points for incidents in the five years right before your policy’s effective date — nothing in the sixth, oldest year counts. Your first minor, non-criminal violation in that five-year window draws no points at all. If you’re dealing with SDIP/insurance points, here’s a helpful walkthrough on how to get rid of points on your driver’s license.

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Massachusetts

If you want lower premiums, focus on the levers that actually move the price in MA:

• Compare quotes from both regional and national insurers: In Massachusetts, regional carriers can be surprisingly competitive depending on territory.
• Dial in coverage intelligently: You can often keep strong liability limits while adjusting deductibles to manage the price (especially on collision and comprehensive). Read the glass terms while you are at it. The Division of Insurance says plainly that glass and windshield deductibles are permitted and legal in Massachusetts, so a windshield claim here may well cost you a deductible.
• Ask about telematics: If you drive safely and don’t commute far, usage-based programs can help.
• Bundle if it makes sense: Bundling auto + home/renters can unlock meaningful discounts with some carriers.
• Confirm your mileage and garaging address are correct: Incorrect info can inflate your premium or cause claims issues.

If you’re shopping for full coverage car insurance, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples (same liability limits, same deductibles, and the same add-ons like rental coverage).

Driving Without Insurance in Massachusetts

Driving without insurance in Massachusetts is a serious offense. Under state law a first conviction carries a fine of $500 to $5,000, up to a year in a house of correction, or both, plus a 60-day license suspension. A second conviction within six years means a one-year suspension. You can also be billed by the state insurance plan for the greater of $500 or one year’s compulsory premium.

In some situations, drivers confuse “no insurance” with “no proof.” If you were insured but didn’t have your card handy (or your proof wasn’t accessible), you may still be able to resolve the situation differently than an uninsured driver. Here’s a breakdown of how much a ticket for no proof of insurance can cost and what usually matters.

Also, avoid lapses whenever possible—especially if you plan to shop soon. Even a short gap can trigger higher rates with some insurers. If you’re between policies, this guide explains how long you can be without car insurance and what to consider before canceling coverage.

Car Insurance in Massachusetts With an OUI/DUI

Massachusetts uses the term OUI (Operating Under the Influence), but many drivers still say DUI. Either way, an impaired-driving conviction is one of the fastest ways to increase your insurance costs for years.

If you’re trying to budget after an impaired-driving conviction, start here: how much insurance can go up after a DUI (and why it can vary so much between companies). The best strategy is to compare several insurers, ask about payment-plan options, and keep coverage continuous.

Car Insurance in Massachusetts With At-Fault Accidents

At-fault accidents can raise your premium under Massachusetts’ surcharge system, and the impact can stick around for multiple policy periods. If you’re unsure how insurers treat fault and claims, read what happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident.

If you’ve had an accident, look for insurers that offer accident forgiveness (if you qualify), consider higher deductibles (if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk), and compare quotes from both regional carriers and large nationals.

Car Insurance in Massachusetts With Speeding Tickets

Some tickets have a small impact; others trigger surcharges that can meaningfully raise premiums. If you’re shopping with violations on your record, use a multi-quote approach and prioritize companies that still price competitively for your profile. This guide can help you find cheap auto insurance quotes even if you have a speeding ticket.

Car Insurance in Massachusetts for Young Drivers

Young drivers usually pay the highest premiums in Massachusetts. If you’re a teen driver or under 25, you’ll often save the most by comparing multiple insurers, stacking every discount you qualify for (good student, driver training, telematics), and choosing a sensible vehicle.

For more targeted advice and company comparisons, see our guide to the cheapest car insurance for young drivers.

Car Insurance in Massachusetts With Poor Credit

Here’s one Massachusetts-specific advantage: your credit cannot be used at all. State regulation 211 CMR 79.04 says no credit information from a consumer report may be used in private passenger auto rating or underwriting, so a thin or damaged credit file cannot raise your Massachusetts car insurance price or get you turned down. The same regulation also bars sex, marital status, occupation, income, education and homeownership as rating factors. What is left is where you garage the car, how much you drive it, what it is, and your SDIP and claims history.

If you’re curious how credit affects rates in other states (and why Massachusetts is different), see whether credit score affects your car insurance rates.

SR-22 in Massachusetts

Most Massachusetts drivers won’t need an SR-22 filing for Massachusetts violations. However, you might still run into SR-22 requirements if you’re dealing with an out-of-state suspension or reinstatement that requires a filing in another state.

If you’re navigating that process, it helps to understand typical timeframes and what the filing actually means. Here’s a breakdown of how long an SR-22 lasts and what to expect.

FAQs on the Best Car Insurance in Massachusetts

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts

The best car insurance in Massachusetts depends on your location, coverage needs, and driving history—not just the company name. Start by getting quotes from a mix of regional carriers (like Plymouth Rock, Safety, Arbella, MAPFRE/Commerce, and The Hanover) and national insurers (like GEICO, Progressive, Travelers, Amica, and USAA if eligible).

Keep your coverage continuous, choose limits that protect your finances, and compare at least 3–5 quotes whenever you shop. A little time comparing can translate into real savings every year.

My advice is to add underinsured motorist coverage while you are quoting. Massachusetts already hands you 25/50 against an uninsured driver, so the gap people actually get caught in is the driver who carries only the state minimum. That one is cheap to close and most agents will not bring it up unless you ask.

Sources

Checked October 5, 2026

• Massachusetts Division of Insurance — Basics of Auto Insurance
• Massachusetts Division of Insurance — Filing Guidance Notice 2025-A, January 29, 2025
• Massachusetts Division of Insurance — 211 CMR 79.00
• Massachusetts Division of Insurance — Safe Driver Insurance Plan
• Massachusetts Division of Insurance — Glass and Windshield Coverage
• Massachusetts Division of Insurance — Companies Writing Private Passenger Auto in Massachusetts
• Massachusetts General Laws — C. 90 S. 34A
• Massachusetts General Laws — C. 90 S. 34J
• Massachusetts General Laws — C. 231 S. 6D
• Arbella — Home Page
• USAA — 2025 Annual Report to Members
• Insure.com — Car Insurance Rates, September 25, 2026