Car insurance is a mandatory requirement under Massachusetts law. The best auto insurance in Massachusetts costs an average of $550 per year for state minimum coverage, which is only about 2% percent higher than the national average. While you will only need minimum coverage to drive a car, the state recommends purchasing additional protection to cover the cost of repairs and medical bills in an accident.
In this article, we'll look at some of the best auto insurance companies offering insurance policies in Massachusetts.
What Is the Best Car Insurance Company in Massachusetts?
Insurance companies have different car insurance rates and policy limits. For this reason, you should compare different aspects when looking for a suitable insurance company. We highlight the best car insurance companies in Massachusetts based on customer satisfaction, insurance coverage, age limit, and traffic offenses.
Best Overall Auto Insurance in Massachusetts
State Farm is the best overall auto insurance company in Massachusetts. The company is highly rated for multiple coverage options, cost-friendly rates, insurance discounts, and reliability in handling claims. A full-coverage policy at State Farm costs $123 per month and is 14% lower than the national average.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Excellent Customer Service
A key factor that sets a company apart regarding customer service is its ability to resolve insurance issues quickly. This is why certain insurance companies stand out in the market because of their customer service. Amica Mutual is the best-rated company for excellent customer service in Massachusetts. The company has a simple claims process, 24/7 customer support, and fewer complaints than other companies.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Minimum Insurance Coverage
Minimum insurance coverage only pays for injuries and property damage to others in a car accident. Chubb Insurance offers the best auto insurance in Massachusetts for liability-only coverage. The company has multiple discounts for minimum insurance coverage. You can get an insurance discount by bundling your policies, completing a defensive driving course, or installing safety devices on your car. Paying the full premium upfront also guarantees a discount at Chubb Insurance.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Young Adults
The average auto insurance rate for young adults in Massachusetts is $1,571 per year. State Farm has the best auto insurance in Massachusetts for young adults, with an average monthly rate of $141 for 25-year-olds and $279 for 18-year-olds. If you're looking for other options, you may consider Amica Mutual, Geico, and USAA.
Amica Mutual Insurance stands out with above-average scores, excellent customer service, and professional claims handling. The company also offers car rental insurance and many discounts to young drivers. It's a great choice if you're a young driver looking for affordable car insurance in Massachusetts.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Older Drivers
Insurance companies often consider older adults to be safe drivers due to their extensive experience behind the wheel. As a result, they have cheaper car insurance rates than teen drivers who are new on the road. The average annual insurance rate for male and female seniors in Massachusetts is $1,329.
Geico offers the best car insurance rates for seniors aged 65-85. On average, if you're an older driver, you can pay an annual rate of $1,197 to insure a car with the company. Geico also offers a wide variety of discounts than many drivers can take advantage of.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Drivers with Offenses
Insurance companies might consider you a risky customer if you have many traffic offenses on your driving record. A high-risk driver typically has a history of at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, infractions, and DUI convictions. In Massachusetts, you can pay 35% more for insurance premiums if you have traffic offenses.
USAA has the best auto insurance in Massachusetts for drivers with offenses. The company boasts an average annual rate of $2,379, good customer service, and several discounts for high-risk drivers. It has branches in most states, making it accessible to drivers nationwide. Note that USAA is only available to military personnel, veterans, and their family members.
Amica Mutual is another popular choice for drivers with traffic infractions and speeding tickets on their records. Although it has a slightly higher rate, the company has excellent service ratings and accident forgiveness coverage. So, regardless of a less-than-perfect driving record, you can accumulate advantage points to lower your deductibles when filing a claim.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Drivers with New Cars
Experts recommend buying a full coverage car insurance policy if you have a new car. It includes liability insurance, collision insurance, comprehensive insurance, and medical payments insurance.
Allstate Insurance has the best auto insurance in Massachusetts for drivers with new cars. You can pay $1,449 annually to insure a new car with the company. You'll enjoy friendly customer service and claims handling process. Allstate also has a customized policy that guarantees a replacement if you lose a new car in an accident.
Best Auto Insurance in Massachusetts for Military Drivers
USAA offers the best auto insurance for military drivers in Massachusetts. The company boasts high-quality, tailor-made policies for military officers, veterans, and their close family members. The state-minimum coverage at USAA is $283 per year, while the full coverage with 100/300/100 liability limits is $679 per year. However, a higher liability limit for the full coverage costs $761 annually.
USAA also offers generous discounts to help customers save on insurance costs. For example, if you keep your car within the military base, you can get a discount for safe vehicle custody. You can also get a loyalty discount for being a longtime customer.
Geico is another company with military-friendly insurance in Massachusetts. Although it has slightly higher rates, it offers discounts on premiums for military drivers. The most common discounts include emergency deployment, membership, multi-policy, and safe driver discounts.
How Can You Find the Best Car Insurance in Massachusetts?
Buying car insurance can be a big expense. As a result, you should consider many factors to ensure you're making the right choice. The following tips will help you find the best car insurance in Massachusetts.
Determine Your Coverage Needs
First, consider your coverage needs. You can choose liability coverage or full coverage, depending on your situation. Liability-only insurance covers bodily injury to other road users and damage to other people's property. However, full coverage offers more protection, including basic liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
You must have minimum liability coverage in Massachusetts to register and drive a vehicle. Specifically, your insurance must have bodily injury liability coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident and property liability coverage of up to $5,000. Additionally, you need personal injury protection of at least $8,000 and uninsured motorist coverage of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. Your preferred insurance company should also be able to offer liability coverage within the required limits.
Shop for the Best Offers
Since insurance costs vary, you should get quotes from at least three companies. The process may be time-consuming, but it's the best way to understand different prices, coverage options, and find the cheapest policy for your personal situation.
Many companies provide instant quotes directly through their websites. Others, however, use insurance agents to sell policies. Once you get multiple quotes, compare them until you find the best offer.
Check the Company's Financial Strength
Car insurance should provide adequate financial protection in the event of an accident. However, if the company doesn't have solid financial strength, you may not get a fair payout on your claim. It's important to research a company's financial stability before buying a policy. You can find valuable financial information via financial rating agencies like AM Best.
Consider the Company's Reputation
It's a good idea to purchase insurance from a reputable insurer. You can visit the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website to verify whether the company has a practicing license. A valid license shows that the company meets industry standards and complies with the relevant state laws.
Afterward, check the company's website for feedback from past clients, including complaints about their services. Alternatively, you can find honest customer reviews from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. You can also ask your friends and relatives about their experiences if they have bought insurance coverage from the company. Be cautious of negative reviews, as they may be a sign that the company isn't trustworthy.
Review the Policy Details
An insurance policy may contain clauses with hidden legal implications. For example, your policy may have a time frame within which you can file a claim after an accident. If you file a claim after an agreed time limit, the company may reject it. Ensure you review the policy and understand every clause. If you have questions about the policy, ask an agent before signing the document.
Avoid Insurance Lapse
An insurance lapse occurs when you have a legally registered car but don't have valid auto insurance. Many factors can cause an insurance lapse; for example, if you have too many traffic infractions on your driving record, an insurer may cancel your policy, leading to a lapse. You can also have an insurance lapse if you don't pay your premiums consistently. Insurers consider a coverage lapse as a warning sign and may charge you higher rates. So, if you want the best coverage, pay your premiums consistently or buy non-owner car insurance.
Explore Insurance Discounts
Insurance companies offer discounts to reduce premium rates. If you want affordable car insurance in Massachusetts, ask for discounts on your policy. Consider the following discount offers:
Low Mileage Discount
Some companies offer discounts to drivers who cover less than 7,500 miles per year. So, if you don't drive often, this discount may save you money on your monthly premiums. Usually, a tracking device installed on your car will record your mileage and send the data to the company so you get the discount at the end of the year.
Safe Driver Discount
A safe driver discount encourages drivers to practice safe driving habits. For example, your insurer may reward you with a discount if you consistently drive within the required speed limits or have an accident-free driving record. You can also get a discount for maintaining a perfect driving record for three to five years.
Good Student Discount
Good student discounts are available to young students aged 16-24 who excel in their studies. Students in high school or college can qualify for a discount on their car insurance under the program. They only need to provide proof of excellent academic performance, usually a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Defensive Driving Discount
Taking a defensive driving course gives you the opportunity to improve your driving record and overcome past traffic violations. The program focuses on practicing safe driving habits, understanding traffic laws, and providing general car knowledge. Once you complete the course, you can qualify for a discount on your premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Massachusetts?
Yes. Car insurance is a mandatory requirement in Massachusetts. State insurance laws require drivers to have valid car insurance to drive a car. In addition, drivers must show proof of car insurance when asked by law enforcement.
What Is the Recommended Car Insurance Coverage in Massachusetts?
Car insurance coverage depends on your unique needs. However, if you want to drive a car in Massachusetts, ensure you meet the state's minimum coverage requirement. Thus, you should buy minimum liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.
What Should I Consider When Looking for the Best Car Insurance Company in Massachusetts?
Consider the availability of coverage options and respective prices. In addition, check the company's reputation regarding customer service and claims handling. You can find honest reviews from Google reference sites or ask accredited agents for the best service providers in Massachusetts.
What Is the Best Auto Insurance?
Many insurance companies provide car insurance in Massachusetts, but your preferences and expert tips will help you find the best. Generally, State Farm is the best overall insurance company in Massachusetts, Amica Mutual has the best customer service, and Chubb Insurance provides the best minimum coverage. Geico has the best coverage for senior drivers, while USAA remains the preferred choice for military members.
Steven Glass
Insurance Editor
Steve Glass is a retired insurance professional with over 34 years of experience in the Property & Casualty insurance industry. Over the course of his career he led teams that handled Homeowners and Commercial property and casualty claims, Auto Medical claims, Auto Bodily Injury Claims, Catastrophe claims and Insurance Subrogation recovery efforts. He also has experience as an Insurance Subrogation Arbitrator.
