Massachusetts Auto Insurance Laws

Whether you’re commuting through busy Boston streets or enjoying the scenic routes along Cape Ann, every Massachusetts driver needs reliable and affordable auto insurance. EagleWay Auto Insurance is here to help you understand which coverages are mandatory, which are optional, and how to stay fully protected on the road.

Do you have to have car insurance in Massachusetts?

Yes. Massachusetts law requires all vehicle owners to maintain an auto insurance policy that includes every mandatory coverage listed under state law. Minimum liability limits in Massachusetts are expressed as 20/40/5. The state also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Uninsured Motorist (UM) bodily injury coverage.

What is a no-fault state?

Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means every injured party relies on their own insurance coverage—specifically PIP—to pay for medical expenses after an accident, regardless of fault. Property damage claims, however, are still made against the at-fault driver’s insurer.

Massachusetts Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Coverage Required?
Bodily Injury Liability
Covers injuries you cause to others within Massachusetts. 		Yes — $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
Helps pay for property you damage in an at-fault accident. 		Yes — $5,000 per accident
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Covers injuries caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver. 		Yes — $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Helps when the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage. 		No
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Pays medical and related expenses regardless of fault. 		Yes — $8,000
Collision Coverage
Covers vehicle damage from collisions. 		No1
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers fire, flood, theft, vandalism, animals, etc. 		No1

IMPORTANT: Meeting state minimums doesn’t guarantee full protection. Many drivers add comprehensive and collision coverage for additional security.
1Your lender may require these coverages if you lease or finance your vehicle.

Additional Coverage Options

  • Roadside Assistance*
  • Towing & Labor Coverage
  • Medical Payments Coverage
  • Rental Reimbursement Coverage

Massachusetts Financial Responsibility & Penalties

Driving without required insurance in Massachusetts can lead to fines up to $5,000, license suspension, and even jail time depending on the severity of the offense.

Penalties for Driving with a Suspended License

Operating a vehicle without a valid license can result in heavy fines and possible jail time. Massachusetts takes license violations seriously, and penalties increase with repeated offenses.

SR-22 Insurance in Massachusetts

While Massachusetts does not require SR-22 filings for in-state drivers, you may need one if:

  • You recently moved from a state that required it
  • You are moving to a state that requires SR-22s
  • You committed serious violations elsewhere

High-Risk Auto Insurance in Massachusetts

Some insurers avoid high-risk drivers, but EagleWay Auto Insurance helps drivers with past violations access affordable non-standard (high-risk) insurance options. Your past should not define your future.

Where can I find the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts?

Rates vary based on:

  • Your coverage selections
  • Vehicle make, model, and year
  • Driving habits & mileage
  • Your ZIP code
  • Demographics
  • Driving history
  • Your credit/insurance score