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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Massachusetts

Across the Bay State, there are 76,200 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Massachusetts is $1,346 per year — 12% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Massachusetts car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Massachusetts based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Massachusetts

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Massachusetts.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Massachusetts.

2nd place medal
Amica Insurance

As a highly-rated regional carrier, Amica Insurance scored an 867 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study for the ninth consecutive year.

3rd place medal
State Farm

State Farm placed third in this region with a score of 855 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study. This carrier also received 4.5 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Massachusetts drivers pay about 12% less for car insurance on average, with the cheapest major car insurance company being State Farm.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Massachusetts

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

medal
Cheapest full coverage insurance: State Farm

The cheapest rates are from State Farm at $532 annually, or $44 per month.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for young drivers: State Farm

For the minimum required coverage in Massachusetts, State Farm is the cheapest on average. 

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: State Farm

If you have a DUI on your record, check out State Farm for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $532
GEICO $1,065
USAA $1,222
Amica Mutual $1,514
Progressive $1,578
Travelers $1,913
Allstate $2,003

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Massachusetts auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Massachusetts. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Massachusetts, expect to pay an average of $484 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 10%. 

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Massachusetts, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

Liability

  • Bodily Injury $20,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $40,000 per accident
  • Property Damage $5,000 per accident

Uninsured Motorist

  • Bodily Injury $20,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $40,000 per accident

Personal Injury Protection

  • $8,000 per person

Optional coverage in Massachusetts (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Limited Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Medical Payments
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
  • Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
  • Optional Bodily Injury (OBI)
car with blue windshield

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Massachusetts, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,145, 132% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 183% more than you would for basic coverage.

The Zebra's guide to Massachusetts car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Massachusetts with our helpful guide.


Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Massachusetts.

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Massachusetts car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Massachusetts.

Cheap auto insurance in Massachusetts for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Massachusetts, the average cost for minimum coverage is $40 per month, or $484 yearly — a savings of $885 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $196
USAA $396
GEICO $407
Amica Mutual $470
Allstate $610
Progressive $681
Travelers $687

Cheap auto insurance in Massachusetts with bad credit

While most states use your credit history in the underwriting process, Massachusetts has banned the practice. This means that those with a poor credit history do not have to worry about it affecting how much they pay for auto insurance.

Cheap auto insurance in Massachusetts with an at-fault accident

Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $789 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $833
GEICO $1,537
USAA $1,686
Amica Mutual $2,456
Progressive $2,572
Travelers $2,927
Allstate $3,281

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Massachusetts

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Massachusetts, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,475 per year — that's $321 less than the nationwide average and over twice as much as a typical Massachusetts driver.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,590
GEICO $3,009
USAA $3,053
Travelers $3,631
Amica Mutual $5,530
Progressive $6,883
Allstate $7,010

Massachusetts auto insurance rate by violation

In Massachusetts, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. 

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $1,418 0% $0
None $1,418 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $1,454 3% $36
One comp claim $1,454 3% $36
Not-at-fault accident $1,455 3% $37
Two comp claims $1,508 6% $90
Driving without lights $1,602 13% $184
Child safety restraint $1,602 13% $184
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,619 14% $201
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,688 19% $271
Cell phone violation $1,788 26% $370
Texting while driving $1,788 26% $370
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,795 27% $377
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,796 27% $378
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,796 27% $378
Speeding in school zone $1,796 27% $379
Driving too slowly $1,796 27% $379
Failure to stop at a red light $1,807 27% $390
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,807 27% $390
Failure to yield $1,807 27% $390
Following too closely $1,807 27% $390
Improper passing $1,808 28% $391
Illegal turn $1,808 28% $391
In 65 MPH zone $1,810 28% $392
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,810 28% $392
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,826 29% $408
Passing school bus $1,884 33% $466
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,293 62% $876
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,364 67% $946
Failure to show documents $2,375 68% $957
Driving with expired registration $2,396 69% $978
Open container $2,486 75% $1,068
Reckless driving $2,671 88% $1,253
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,698 90% $1,280
Racing $2,801 98% $1,383
DUI $2,816 99% $1,398
Driving with a suspended license $2,839 100% $1,422
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,844 101% $1,426

Massachusetts DUI laws

In Massachusetts, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $1,041. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Massachusetts

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Massachusetts, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Massachusetts, State Farm, advertises annual rates 57% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Massachusetts is GEICO, while the priciest firm is Allsatte, with prices 72% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
State Farm $1,017
GEICO $1,749
Progressive $1,880
Travelers $2,858
USAA $2,948
Amica Mutual $3,204
Allstate $4,096

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Massachusetts SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Massachusetts to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Massachusetts might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

 

How to acquire an SR-22 in Massachusetts

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

 

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Find an affordable policy in Massachusetts in minutes!

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Northfield, Massachusetts, and the most expensive in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Massachusett's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
Cambridge $1,565
Lowell $1,679
Boston $1,827
Worcester $1,889
Springfield $2,024

Car insurance price trends in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $43 in the past year. A typical Massachusetts driver pays an average of $1,346 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Massachusetts leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

MASSACHUSETTS CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Massachusetts Yearly Change — Massachusetts Avg. Annual Premium — US Yearly Change — US
2021 $1,346 $43 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,303 -$65 $1,483 -$61
2019 $1,368 $41 $1,544 $23
2018 $1,327 -$469 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,796 $234 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,562 -$323 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,885 $216 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,669 $155 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,514 -$63 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,577 $323 $1,276 $82

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.


Massachusetts car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Massachusetts auto insurance.

Regional companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Massachusetts. Norfolk and Dedham offer the cheapest rates, at $597 for a six-month policy, and Plymouth Rock offers the second-cheapest: $617.

The best insurance in MA is the policy that matches your needs. The only way to find that is to shop around with national and regional companies. Use our comparison calculator to see rates in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts car insurance rates are 18% cheaper than the average rate in the U.S. This changes if you're in a bigger city, such as Boston, where the average rate is 26% more expensive than the U.S. and 50% more expensive than the statewide average. Find rates for your city with us today.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.