The average cost of car insurance in Massachusetts is $1,223 per year for full coverage, or $102 per month, according to Bankrate’s study of 2021 rates from Quadrant Information Services. Nearly 500 Massachusetts ZIP codes were included in this study.
Drivers in the Bay State pay about $451 less, or 27% below the national average cost of full coverage car insurance, which is $1,674 per year. Location, age, driving record, vehicle type and claims history are among the common rating factors insurance companies use to determine your Massachusetts auto insurance premium. Knowing how these factors can influence your car insurance can help you find the cheapest and best car insurance for your needs.
How much is car insurance in Massachusetts?
Among the many factors used to determine car insurance rates, geographic location and coverage selection have a sizable impact. Every Massachusetts city has a different population size, which can also affect their crash statistics. Areas with more traffic and accident occurrences also tend to have more expensive car insurance rates.
Coverage selection is also an important component of car insurance rates. While having the state minimum liability requirements for car insurance can seem like enough to avoid legal penalties, higher liability coverages, along with add-ons like comprehensive and collision, will give greater protection according to insurance industry experts. While it may be more expensive than minimum coverage insurance, it is still possible to find cheap car insurance with full coverage while staying on a budget.
Average cost of car insurance in Massachusetts
Below is a summary of average car insurance rates in Massachusetts for both minimum and full coverage premiums:
| Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| $510 | $1,223 |
Massachusetts car insurance rates by city
Every city in Massachusetts has a different car insurance rate. In addition to each city’s population size and crash statistics, variations in car insurance rates by city can also be attributed to driving patterns, theft and vandalism rates, frequency of claims, cost of vehicle repairs and more. Below are full coverage rates for the 10 most populated cities in the commonwealth and how they compare to the state average:
| City | Average annual premium for full coverage | % difference from state average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| Boston | $1,554 | 27% |
| Worcester | $1,575 | 29% |
| Springfield | $1,695 | 39% |
| Lowell | $1,362 | 11% |
| Cambridge | $1,300 | 6% |
| New Bedford | $1,567 | 28% |
| Brockton | $1,993 | 63% |
| Quincy | $1,437 | 17% |
| Lynn | $1,845 | 51% |
| Fall River | $1,569 | 28% |
Massachusetts car insurance rates by company
Every car insurance company has its own underwriting method for determining car insurance rates. Rates can even vary within the same ZIP code, which is why it’s recommended to obtain quotes from multiple car insurance companies in Massachusetts to find the best coverage and cost for your needs.
| Car insurance company | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $484 | $1,312 |
| Amica | $418 | $1,398 |
| Arbella | $520 | $1,427 |
| Geico | $526 | $1,026 |
| Main Street America | $576 | $1,278 |
| Plymouth Rock | $339 | $959 |
| Progressive | $799 | $1,749 |
| Safety | $377 | $827 |
| The Hanover | $430 | $1,391 |
| Norfolk & Dedham | $467 | $1,259 |
| Travelers | $910 | $1,936 |
| Vermont Mutual | $458 | $1,166 |
Cost of living in Massachusetts and car insurance
When shopping for the best car insurance rates in Massachusetts, it’s important to factor in your other expenses so that you’re looking at your total living costs. The graph below shows the average annual cost of living in the Bay State, including the average cost of car insurance. Use this graph as a guide to help determine your overall expenses so that you can decide what insurance rates fit in your budget.
Massachusetts car insurance rates by age
The age of a driver can play an important role in determining car insurance costs. Younger drivers are statistically more likely to get into accidents compared to older drivers. As they gain experience, their car insurance cost generally decreases after age 20. Each age demographic has its associated strengths and risks, which are reflected in the average annual premium costs.
| Age | Average annual full coverage premium in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Age 16 | $2,002 |
| Age 17 | $1,850 |
| Age 20 | $3,127 |
| Age 22 | $1,716 |
| Age 25 | $1,451 |
| Age 30 | $1,345 |
| Age 35 | $1,260 |
| Age 40 | $1,223 |
| Age 60 | $1,176 |
| Age 70 | $1,095 |
*16-year-old rate reflects the additional cost to add the teen on their parent’s policy; 18- and 20-year-old sample rates are renters.
Massachusetts car insurance rates by gender
Car insurance rates typically vary by gender, but Massachusetts regulations ban insurers from using this as a rating factor. So, if all other factors are equal, men and women should pay about the same rates for car insurance in the commonwealth.
Massachusetts car insurance by credit score
Credit scores are another rating factor that has been banned in Massachusetts. A credit-based insurance score is typically used by insurers in other states, but in Massachusetts, a good or bad insurance score should have no impact on your car insurance premium.
Massachusetts car insurance rates by driving record
One of the most critical factors in determining the cost of car insurance is your driving history. Drivers with a moving violation, like a speeding ticket or DUI on their driving record, generally incur a surcharge on their auto insurance policy for at least three years in the commonwealth. The table below shows an estimate of how much each incident could affect the average annual premium in Massachusetts, but the final premium may vary depending on the frequency and severity of incidents, as well as each company’s underwriting methodology.
For drivers with repeat infractions on their record, some car insurance companies may even deny coverage. In these situations, there are carriers that specialize in high-risk auto insurance in Massachusetts.
| Driving incident | Average annual premium in Massachusetts | % increase in average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $1,223 | 0% |
| Speeding ticket | $1,694 | 38.5% |
| At-fault accidents | $2,148 | 75.6% |
| DUI | $2,464 | 101.5% |
Massachusetts car insurance rates by vehicle type
Every vehicle’s make and model has its own build quality and safety features, which every car insurance carrier will review and rate differently.
| Vehicle | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| Toyota Camry | $1,223 |
| Ford F-150 | $993 |
| Honda Odyssey | $972 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of minimum coverage in Massachusetts?
The average cost of minimum coverage insurance in Massachusetts is $510 per year, which is nearly 10% less than the national average of $565. The state’s minimum requirements for car insurance are:
- $20,000 in bodily injury liability and uninsured bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $40,000 in bodily injury liability and uninsured bodily injury liability insurance per accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident
- $8,000 for PIP (personal injury protection) insurance
How much car insurance do I need in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, you need to have at least the state’s minimum required car insurance liability coverage and PIP insurance to drive legally. However, the minimum amounts for these coverages may not be enough to cover you in the event of an at-fault accident. Buying higher limits for liability and PIP insurance, as well as optional comprehensive and collision coverage, will help better protect you financially if you are involved in an accident and is recommended by most insurance experts.
What happens if I cause property damage that’s higher than the $5,000 limit of my car insurance?
If you only have property damage coverage set at Massachusetts’ minimum $5,000 limit on your car insurance, you may be held liable for the remainder if you cause more than $5,000 in damage in an accident. This is why most insurance experts recommend purchasing more coverage than the state-required minimum if you can afford it.
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Massachusetts?
Bankrate data collected from Quadrant Information Services shows that Plymouth Rock and Safety Insurance are some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Massachusetts. However, you may find a cheaper car insurance company if you shop for quotes because pricing is based on a number of factors, including your personal driving history and age.
How do I save on car insurance costs in Massachusetts?
Knowing what car insurance discounts are available to you is one of the best ways to save on car insurance. Bundling your home and car insurance with the same insurer typically qualifies for a multiple policy discount on both. You may also qualify for a discount through an employee group plan or professional business or college alumni association, according to the Triple-I. As each car insurance company in Massachusetts will offer their own unique discounts, be sure to ask your insurance agent which ones you qualify for.
How much is car insurance in Massachusetts per month?
According to recent data, the monthly average cost of car insurance in Massachusetts is $42.50 for state minimum liability coverage and $101.92 for full coverage. These rates are based on Bankrate’s sample driver profile and your actual premium could be more or less based on your individual rating factors such as driving record, ZIP code, claims history, coverage needs and vehicle choice.
How do I know if my auto insurer can pay my claim?
When shopping for coverage, ask your insurance professional to provide financial strength ratings for the carriers you are considering, as well as their claims-paying history and customer service rankings. This information can give you valuable insight into their history of claims handling and customer service.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a male and female driver with good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
Driving record rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket, single DUI conviction and lapse in coverage.
Age rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 18-60 (base: 40 years) applied.
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