Massachusetts car insurance is a type of auto insurance policy that is mandatory for all drivers in the state. The state’s car insurance regulations are designed to protect both drivers and pedestrians in the event of an accident. In this article, we’ll explore Massachusetts car insurance in detail, including its requirements, coverage options, and considerations to keep in mind when choosing a policy.
We at the Guides Auto Team studied the country’s cheapest car insurance companies, looking at their coverage options, reputation, and customer service as well as what they charge for auto insurance in Massachusetts. Here’s what we found out.
Car insurance rates in Massachusetts are slightly above the average. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find great coverage in Massachusetts at affordable rates. Below, we’ll look at the cheapest car insurance companies and coverage options in the Bay State, beginning with the lowest-cost providers and coverage options.
Massachusetts Car Insurance Requirements
Massachusetts law requires all drivers to carry certain types of car insurance coverage. These requirements include:
- Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage pays for damages and injuries you cause to other people in an accident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
- Property Damage Liability: This coverage pays for damages you cause to other people’s property in an accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects you if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Massachusetts
Our picks for the best car insurance in Massachusetts are Geico, USAA, Amica, Travelers, and Arbella. Each of these providers offers reliable coverage plans and excellent customer service to drivers across the state.
| Massachusetts Car Insurance Companies | Overall Rating | Cost Rating | Number of Discounts Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Geico | 9.1 | 9.2 | 16 |
| #2 USAA | 9.2 | 9.8 | 10 |
| #3 Amica | 8.5 | 8 | 18 |
| #4 Travelers | 9 | 8.8 | 16 |
| #5 Arbella | 8 | 8 | 10 |
*Our research team considers nationwide factors when scoring providers. The ranking of providers in this table is specific to car insurance in Massachusetts.
Because each car insurance company is different, we recommend comparing rates from multiple providers if you want to find the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts.
Cheapest Massachusetts Auto Insurance Coverage
The coverage level you choose can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Many estimates you receive from providers include minimum liability and full coverage car insurance quotes. While minimum liability fulfills the laws present in the state, it’s a good idea for drivers to purchase full coverage auto insurance to be protected on the road.
We explore the cheapest auto insurance options in Massachusetts for both coverage types.
Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance Massachusetts
At $36 per month or $434 per year on average, The Hanover Insurance Group provides the cheapest minimum liability insurance in Massachusetts. The Metropolitan Group, Allstate, Amica, and Geico also offer affordable minimum coverage rates in the state.
In the table below, you’ll find estimates from the providers that offer the cheapest rates on liability coverage in Massachusetts.
| Cheapest Liability Insurance: Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| The Hanover Insurance Group | $36 | $434 |
| Metropolitan Group | $45 | $543 |
| Allstate | $59 | $711 |
| Amica | $69 | $823 |
| Geico | $74 | $882 |
*All drivers in Massachusetts are required to have minimum liability coverage, which is the cheapest car insurance coverage level.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Massachusetts
Progressive is the cheapest full-coverage car insurance provider in Massachusetts, costing $160 per month or $1,922 per year on average. Motorists can also find affordable coverage through Metropolitan Group, The Hanover Insurance Group, Amica, and Geico.
The following table shows the providers that offer the most affordable estimates on full coverage insurance in The Bay State.
| Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance: Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $160 | $1,922 |
| Metropolitan Group | $171 | $2,046 |
| The Hanover Insurance Group | $173 | $2,070 |
| Amica | $180 | $2,155 |
| Geico | $184 | $2,203 |
*The rate estimates in this table are based on the profile of a 35-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record.
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Massachusetts
Age and location play a major role in your insurance premiums, but other factors can have a significant impact as well. Insurers also use situational information such as your driving history or credit score to determine the cost of your car insurance.
Below, we compare cheap car insurance estimates for Massachusetts drivers.
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Massachusetts
Age is typically the single most influential factor in your car insurance premiums. Younger drivers and especially teen drivers pay substantially more than drivers in other age groups. Middle-aged drivers tend to have access to the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts.
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for 16-Year-Olds
Geico typically offers the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts for 16-year-old drivers at an estimated average rate of $6,634 per year, or $553 per month. For 16-year-old Massachusetts drivers, the average estimate for coverage is $9,994 per year, or $833 per month. This is 278% more expensive than the state average.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $553 | $6,634 |
| Amica | $662 | $7,947 |
| Travelers | $690 | $8,284 |
| Allstate | $801 | $9,612 |
| Arbella Insurance | $826 | $9,912 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for 17-Year-Olds
Based on our rate research, Geico tends to have the lowest rates on car insurance for 17-year-old Massachusetts drivers, with an average estimate of $6,296 per year, or $525 per month. The average estimate for 17-year-old drivers in Massachusetts is $8,318 per year or $693 per month. This is 214% higher than the average cost for drivers in the state.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $525 | $6,296 |
| Metropolitan Group | $572 | $6,867 |
| Travelers | $606 | $7,277 |
| Amica | $662 | $7,947 |
| The Hanover Insurance Group | $671 | $8,051 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for 18-Year-Olds
For 18-year-old drivers in Massachusetts, Geico tends to offer the lowest rates at an estimated $6,007 per year, or $501 per month. The average rate for 18-year-old Massachusetts drivers is $7,858 per year, or $655 per month. This is 197% more expensive than the average estimate for the state.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $501 | $6,007 |
| Metropolitan Group | $551 | $6,608 |
| Travelers | $560 | $6,714 |
| The Hanover Insurance Group | $593 | $7,121 |
| Progressive | $644 | $7,732 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for 21-Year-Olds
Geico typically offers the lowest rates on coverage for 21-year-old drivers in Massachusetts with an average estimated cost of $3,581 per year, or $298 per month. The average rate in Massachusetts for 21-year-old drivers is $4,818 per year or $402 per month. This is 82% more expensive than the average estimate for drivers in the state.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $298 | $3,581 |
| Metropolitan Group | $323 | $3,875 |
| Progressive | $333 | $4,001 |
| The Hanover Insurance Group | $334 | $4,010 |
| Amica | $389 | $4,669 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for 25-Year-Olds
For 25-year-old drivers in Massachusetts, Metropolitan Group tends to offer the cheapest car insurance at an estimated $2,340 per year, or $195 per month. The average estimate for 25-year-olds in Massachusetts is $2,929 per year, or $244 per month, which is 11% higher than the average for the state.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Group | $195 | $2,340 |
| Amica | $196 | $2,346 |
| Geico | $197 | $2,367 |
| Allstate | $229 | $2,743 |
| Arbella Insurance | $268 | $3,214 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers
High-risk drivers with a recent accident, speeding ticket or DUI on their record can pay hundreds of dollars more for car insurance coverage. The sections below provide estimates for the cheapest car insurance rates for drivers who may fall into one of these categories.
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for Drivers With a Speeding Ticket
If you get a speeding ticket, you can expect to pay more for your car insurance coverage. On average, Massachusetts drivers with a recent speeding ticket pay around $3,271 per year or $273 per month for full coverage insurance.
| Car Insurance Company | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $144 | $1,729 |
| USAA | $161 | $1,942 |
| Arbella | $182 | $2,179 |
| Plymouth Rock | $221 | $2,657 |
| Amica | $272 | $3,266 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for Drivers With a Recent Accident
Being involved in a car accident will cause your premiums to go up substantially. On average, Massachusetts drivers with a recent accident pay around $4,257 per year or $355 for a full coverage policy.
| Car Insurance Company | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $187 | $2,243 |
| USAA | $196 | $2,357 |
| Arbella | $219 | $2,632 |
| Plymouth Rock | $224 | $2,682 |
| Travelers | $345 | $4,140 |
Cheapest Massachusetts Car Insurance for Drivers With a DUI
Getting a DUI can cause your rates to skyrocket. On average, drivers with a DUI pay around $3,196 per year or $266 per month for full coverage insurance in Massachusetts.
| Car Insurance Company | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $211 | $2,534 |
| Plymouth Rock | $229 | $2,747 |
| Progressive | $286 | $3,431 |
| Arbella | $326 | $3,915 |
| Travelers | $331 | $3,967 |
Car Insurance Deals in Massachusetts
Most car insurance companies offer a wide variety of car insurance discounts and deals for drivers in Massachusetts. The table below shows which car insurance discounts the best cheap car insurance companies provide, which we’ll explain in further detail below.
| Massachusetts Car Insurance Discounts | Geico | USAA | Amica | Travelers | Arbella |
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*These are the standard car insurance discounts offered by each company. Discount availability can vary by state, so you’ll need to speak with an insurance agent to find out which car insurance discounts you may qualify for.
Car Insurance Discounts in Massachusetts
Massachusetts policyholders who take advantage of available car insurance discounts may be able to lower their premiums significantly. If you’re shopping around for car insurance, search for companies that provide the best discounts for you. You can also ask your existing provider what discounts may be available.
Here’s more information on the most common types of discounts offered by auto insurance companies:
- Multi-policy: Bundling two or more insurance policies with the same company, such as adding a homeowners or renters policy to your auto coverage
- Multi-vehicle: Insuring multiple cars under the same policy or combining auto insurance policies with your family members or friends
- Military: Applies whether you’re an active military member or a veteran
- Senior: Typically applies to policyholders who are 55 and older
- Homeowners: You may qualify for this discount if you’re paying a mortgage
- Good student: Usually for college and high school students under 25 who maintain a B average in their courses
- Good driver: Applies to drivers with a clean driving record (no at-fault accidents, DUIs, or speeding tickets in the last three years)
- Defensive driving: Those who take a defensive driving course tend to qualify for this discount
- Driver training: Get a discount by taking a driver education training course
- New car: Given to drivers who purchase a new car, typically three model years or newer
- Safe car: Applies if your vehicle has safety features like anti-theft technology or automatic braking
- Paperless: Get a discount by opting to receive your documents through email
- Pay-in-full: Save on your car insurance premium by paying your policy in full up front
Companies With the Best Auto Insurance Rates in Massachusetts
If you want to know more about cheap car insurance in the Bay State, the sections below provide further details on the providers that offer some of the most affordable coverage options in the state.
#1 Geico: Affordable for Most Drivers
J.D. Power regional rating: 841/1,000
AM Best financial strength score: A++
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
Massachusetts drivers can typically find some of the cheapest car insurance rates through Geico. The company offers several discounts that significantly drive down the cost of car insurance in Massachusetts, with savings of up to 25% in some cases.
Beyond standard coverage, you can add extra protections such as emergency road service and rental car reimbursement. Geico also offers mechanical breakdown insurance, which functions quite similarly to an extended car warranty.
#2 USAA: Low Rates for Military
J.D. Power regional rating: 887/1,000
AM Best financial strength score: A++
BBB rating: A+
USAA is an excellent choice for drivers in Massachusetts, but not everyone is eligible for coverage from the company. The insurer is only available to military members and their families. USAA offers six types of standard insurance coverage, along with roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, car replacement assistance and accident forgiveness.
#3 Amica
J.D. Power regional rating: 867/1,000
AM Best financial strength score: A+
BBB rating: A+
Amica stands out as a top choice for car insurance in Massachusetts because of the stellar reviews its insurance agents receive. In addition to standard car insurance coverage, Amica offers auto loan and auto lease coverage, full glass coverage, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and accident forgiveness. The company also provides a sizable selection of car insurance discounts.
#4 Travelers: Most Coverage Options
J.D. Power regional rating: 812/1,000
AM Best financial strength score: A++
BBB rating: A
Travelers is another affordable option for car insurance in Massachusetts. The company offers a wide range of coverage options, plus extras including gap insurance, new car replacement, rideshare insurance and accident forgiveness. Policyholders can take advantage of the company’s many savings opportunities, including a good student discount and an early quote discount.
Travelers also offers its usage-based program, called IntelliDrive®, in Massachusetts.
#5 Arbella
J.D. Power regional rating: 809/1,000
AM Best financial strength score: A
BBB rating: A+
Arbella is a regional provider that only offers car insurance in Massachusetts and Connecticut. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance in the Bay State, Arbella provides relatively low-cost policies with high service ratings.
The company offers six types of standard coverage as well as disappearing deductibles, gap insurance, accident forgiveness and pet insurance. Drivers can also purchase coverage for snowplows and for personal belongings in your car during an accident.
Average Car Insurance Cost Massachusetts
According to our data, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in Massachusetts is $2,647 per year, or $221 per month. This is 53% more expensive than the national average of $1,730 per year, making Massachusetts one of the top 10 most expensive states for auto coverage.
Here’s a look at how Massachusetts compares with the rest of the nation in terms of car insurance cost:
Massachusetts Car Insurance Cost by Age
If you are a young Massachusetts motorist, you can expect to pay thousands of dollars more for car insurance coverage compared with a driver in their thirties. The table below shows the average car insurance estimates for drivers of different ages in Massachusetts.
| Age | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | $833 | $9,994 |
| 17 | $693 | $8,318 |
| 18 | $655 | $7,858 |
| 19 | $469 | $5,630 |
| 21 | $402 | $4,818 |
| 25 | $244 | $2,929 |
| 30 | $230 | $2,757 |
| 40 | $216 | $2,596 |
| 45 | $212 | $2,543 |
| 50 | $206 | $2,475 |
| 55 | $202 | $2,424 |
| 65 | $170 | $2,034 |
| 75 | $193 | $2,318 |
Massachusetts Car Insurance Cost by City
Location is a major factor in the cost of car insurance. While coverage rates vary from state to state, they also vary within those states. Different parts of Massachusetts have different risk factors. This is why people living in Cape Cod may pay different rates than their friends or family members in Revere, even if all other factors are the same.
The following table shows the average insurance rates for the top 25 most populated cities and towns in Massachusetts.
| City in Massachusetts | Estimated Monthly Cost | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | $313 | $3,753 |
| Worcester | $292 | $3,504 |
| Springfield | $310 | $3,717 |
| Cambridge | $254 | $3,044 |
| Lowell | $248 | $2,981 |
| Brockton | $394 | $4,726 |
| New Bedford | $292 | $3,504 |
| Quincy | $275 | $3,304 |
| Lynn | $342 | $4,108 |
| Fall River | $287 | $3,449 |
| Newton | $226 | $2,714 |
| Somerville | $271 | $3,249 |
| Lawrence | $283 | $3,395 |
| Framingham | $250 | $2,997 |
| Haverhill | $244 | $2,927 |
| Waltham | $231 | $2,771 |
| Plymouth | $231 | $2,771 |
| Malden | $321 | $3,847 |
| Brookline | $237 | $2,838 |
| Medford | $275 | $3,304 |
| Taunton | $253 | $3,040 |
| Weymouth | $253 | $3,040 |
| Chicopee | $253 | $3,040 |
| Revere | $370 | $4,438 |
| Peabody | $240 | $2,882 |
Factors that Affect Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates
As mentioned above, insurance companies set their rates based on several variables about you and your vehicle. That’s why the rates you receive will most likely be different from the estimates you see in this article.
These are the most significant factors insurers use to determine your rates:
- Age
- Marital status
- Driving record
- Gender listed on your license
- Credit score
- Location
Massachusetts Car Insurance Requirements
Massachusetts is one of 12 states that operate under no-fault laws. This means your insurance provider will pay for any expenses incurred from an accident up to your policy limit, no matter who is actually at fault.
The Massachusetts minimum car insurance standards set by state law are a bit more extensive than in most places. To satisfy the state’s minimum coverage requirements, Massachusetts drivers need to purchase the following:
- Bodily injury liability: $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UM): $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident
- Personal injury protection (PIP): $8,000 per accident
Drivers who are looking for full coverage car insurance should also consider comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. While not required under Massachusetts state law, these expanded coverage limits could protect your vehicle from environmental damage or from issues caused by an at-fault accident.
Is It Illegal To Drive Without Car Insurance in Massachusetts?
It is a crime to operate a vehicle without proper insurance in the state of Massachusetts. Being caught violating this law can result in fines and even jail time. Here is a table of the penalties you may face for driving a car without insurance in Massachusetts:
| First Offense | Additional Offenses | |
|---|---|---|
| Fine | $500 fine; additional payment of $500 payment or a full year premium on mandatory minimum insurance, whichever is larger | Up to a $5,000 fine; additional payment of $500 payment or a full year premium on mandatory minimum insurance, whichever is larger |
| Fee | $45 late fee, $25 court filing fee if you challenge the violation | $45 late fee, $25 court filing fee if you challenge the violation |
| Driving privileges | License and registration suspended for 60 days, $500 fee to reinstate | License and registration suspended for one calendar year, $500 fee to reinstate |
| Incarceration | Up to one year in jail | Up to one year in jail |
How To Get Car Insurance in Massachusetts
Massachusetts drivers can easily compare car insurance quotes from providers online. Beforehand, have information about your vehicle and its drivers ready. Shopping around for car insurance in Massachusetts allows you to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
Cheapest Auto Insurance in Massachusetts: Conclusion
Overall, Progressive tends to offer the best and cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts for most drivers. But the provider that is best for you is going to depend on your driving history and what you’re looking for.
Massachusetts car insurance is mandatory for all drivers in the state and offers essential protections in the event of an accident. It’s important to understand the state’s insurance requirements and choose a policy that meets your needs and budget. Be sure to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies and ask about available discounts to get the best coverage at the most affordable price.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Massachusetts: FAQ
Below are some common frequently asked questions about cheap car insurance in Massachusetts:
What is the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts?
Based on our rate estimates, we found that Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates in Massachusetts, costing $160 per month or $1,922 per year on average.
How much is car insurance monthly in Massachusetts?
We found that Massachusetts drivers pay an average of $2,647 per year or $221 per month on average for a full coverage policy. These rates are for a 35-year-old driver with a good credit history and clean driving record.
How can I lower my car insurance in Massachusetts?
One of the easiest ways to lower your car insurance premiums in Massachusetts is to look for discounts. You can ask your insurance agent about discounts you might qualify for. Of course, you should also always get quotes from multiple providers and compare them. That way you can see who really offers the best rates to begin with.
Does insurance follow the car or driver in Massachusetts?
Insurance follows the car in Massachusetts. That means that your insurance is liable if a driver using your vehicle is involved in an accident.
Can I get insurance for a car that is not in my name?
Generally, you cannot get insurance for a car that’s not in your name. But there are some exceptions. If you can prove to the insurance company that you have a valid insurable interest in the vehicle, you may be able to get coverage. The best way to find out whether it’s possible in your situation is to ask an insurance agent.
