Massachusetts Auto Insurance Laws, Minimums, Requirements
What mandatory auto insurance laws exist in the state of Massachusetts?
- If you want to register a vehicle in the state of Massachusetts, you must purchase the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law.
- The minimum amount of auto liability insurance that must be carried in the state of Massachusetts is bodily injury coverage of $20,000 per person injured in any one accident , $40,000 for all persons injured in any one accident, property damage coverage of $5,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident, and personal injury protection (PIP) which covers up to $8,000 in medical and work loss expenses, without regard to fault.
What is the Minimum Liability Coverage (Bodily Injury amounts per person, per accident, and property damage amounts):
If you buy automobile insurance in the state of Massachusetts, your policy must include minimum liability coverage of:
$20,000 bodily injury coverage per person injured in any one accident,
$40,000 bodily injury for all persons injured in any one accident,
$5,000 for property damage,
and
Personal injury protection (PIP) which, covers up to $8,000 in medical and work loss expenses, without regard to fault
What are the Rental Car Insurance Requirements?
In the state of Massachusetts, anyone who operates a motor vehicle on Massachusetts roadways must carry the minimum liability coverages required by law. It is important to keep in mind that most Massachusetts auto insurance policies cover car rentals. Most credit cards cover car rentals as well, so be sure to check your policy and/or check with your credit card issuer. If you find that your credit card and/or auto insurance policy do not cover car rentals, you may purchase car rental insurance from the car rental company for an extra $7-$14 a day.
What are the rules pertaining to Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Massachusetts law does not require its drivers to purchase any additional insurance outside of the minimum amounts. This means, drivers do not have to carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. Massachusetts highly recommends purchasing more than the minimum coverage.
What are the rules pertaining to the exclusion from coverage of a driver living in household?
In the state of Massachusetts, drivers who have their own policy must be listed on your policy as “deferred operator.” The state allows policyholders to exclude any household member who does not operate your vehicle, but in order to do so, drivers must submit an “exclusion form” to the auto insurance company. Massachusetts drivers that only have a Learner’s Permit are not required to be listed on your policy until they are fully licensed.
What are the rules regarding whether a driver has prior insurance? That is, how does state law handle it if a driver has no prior insurance or has let their previous insurance lapse?
If your auto insurance lapses, this means that your car is not insured. Driving without insurance in the state of Massachusetts is illegal and the fines are stiff. You also risk losing your license.
What are the rules and guidelines auto insurance companies must follow regarding the use of Personal Credit History in selecting applicants and setting rates?
In the state of Massachusetts, auto insurance companies may use Personal Credit History to determine rates and offers for auto insurance products. Massachusetts auto insurance companies will also consider the following when determining rates and offers: driving records, type of vehicle being covered, sex and age of drivers, place of residence, and number of drivers on the policy.
Is the state a No Fault or Tort state? What does either mean to the policy owner?
Massachusetts operates under the No Fault system. Because it is a No Fault state, your insurance company makes the payments for any injuries you sustain in an auto accident, regardless of fault.
What is the average auto insurance premium in this state? As of what year?
As of 2006, Massachusetts resident’s average insurance premium was approximately $1,042 the 6th most expensive in the nation. This was down 6.4% from the previous year. The national average was $817.
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