The Complete Guide to Massachusetts Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Bay State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things MA car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Massachusetts?
Car insurance in Massachusetts averages $181/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Boston | $217 |
| Worcester | $227 |
| Springfield | $249 |
| Cambridge | $194 |
| Lowell | $204 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
3.5% of drivers in Massachusetts are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 7,355 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in MA, down 15% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
MA has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 43, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though hurricane and inland flooding are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Massachusetts?
All Massachusetts drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Massachusetts drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $30,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $8,000 | Your medical bills and often lost wages after any car accident, regardless of who’s at fault | Car damage, pain and suffering, may have limits on who’s covered |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Massachusetts?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Massachusetts drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Massachusetts?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from trail riding in the Berkshires
How much car insurance do I need in Massachusetts?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Massachusetts labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsfield | $123 | $143 | $209 | $82 |
| Westfield | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Holyoke | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Chicopee | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
| Amherst | $87 | $109 | $154 | $87 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$500 first offense, $500-$5,000 for repeat violations. Plus additional payments matching your insurance premium.
Suspension
60 days for first offense, one year for repeat violations. $500 reinstatement fee each time.
Jail time
Up to one year in jail for any offense – Massachusetts doesn’t play around.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Massachusetts?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Massachusetts?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Massachusetts car insurance FAQs
Is Massachusetts a no-fault state?
Yes, Massachusetts is a no-fault state. You must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who’s at fault. The no-fault system limits lawsuits for minor injuries, you can only sue if injuries meet certain seriousness thresholds.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Massachusetts?
Yes, Massachusetts requires insurance before registering a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Proof of insurance is submitted through a stamped registration form — a vehicle can’t be registered without insurance.
What are the top risks for driving in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts drivers navigate heavy traffic, narrow historic roads, and aggressive driving behaviors. Urban congestion significantly increases crash likelihood, while winter snow and ice require extended stopping distances. The state’s older road designs weren’t built for modern traffic volumes.
How long do I have to report an accident in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 must be reported to police immediately. You must also file a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report with the RMV within 5 days. This requirement applies even if police respond. Missing the deadline can result in fines.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, drive defensively in all that traffic and expect people to change lanes suddenly. Slow down on narrow or older roads. Snow and ice mean you need to brake gently and leave way more stopping distance. Don’t get distracted in busy city traffic.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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