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Massachusetts SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance

Massachusetts requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, major license suspensions, and uninsured accidents. The filing typically lasts 3 years and costs $15–$35 to file, but high-risk premiums average $200–$400/mo depending on violation type and driving history.

Massachusetts cityscape and street view

Updated April 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires minimum liability coverage of $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage (20/40/5). The state also mandates Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $8,000. Drivers with DUI convictions, major license suspensions, habitual traffic offender status, or uninsured at-fault accidents typically must file SR-22 (or Certificate of Financial Responsibility) with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to prove continuous coverage. SR-22 filing is not insurance itself—it's proof your insurer is monitoring your policy for lapses.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Massachusetts?

High-risk auto insurance in Massachusetts costs significantly more than standard coverage due to violation surcharges, carrier availability, and underwriting restrictions. Drivers with DUI convictions or SR-22 requirements typically pay $200–$400/mo ($2,400–$4,800/year), compared to $120–$180/mo for clean-record drivers. Massachusetts uses a Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) that assigns surcharge points for at-fault accidents and violations, increasing premiums by 30–150% depending on offense severity and frequency.

State Minimum
Covers only the required 20/40/5 liability, $8,000 PIP, and UM/UIM minimums. High-risk drivers in this tier often face immediate policy non-renewal after a claim due to low profit margins for non-standard carriers.
Standard High-Risk
Includes 50/100/50 liability, higher PIP limits, and UM/UIM coverage. Most non-standard carriers in Massachusetts recommend this tier for SR-22 drivers to avoid personal liability exposure and improve renewal likelihood.
Full Coverage
Adds comprehensive and collision with $500–$1,000 deductibles for financed or leased vehicles. High-risk drivers with newer vehicles or loans pay top-tier premiums but avoid total loss exposure and maintain equity protection.

What Affects Your Rate

  • SDIP surcharge points (30–150% premium increase for at-fault accidents and major violations)
  • SR-22 filing requirement and violation type (DUI convictions carry 150–250% surcharges)
  • Non-standard carrier underwriting (fewer carriers write SR-22 in Massachusetts, reducing competition)
  • Time since violation (rates decrease 10–20% annually after 3 years clean driving)
  • Credit-based insurance score impact (Massachusetts allows limited use of credit in underwriting)
  • ZIP code risk tier (Boston, Springfield, and Worcester areas average 15–30% higher rates than suburban zones)

Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Massachusetts

Find Your City in Massachusetts

Boston skyline view from the harbor with sailboats in foreground and downtown buildings on clear day

Boston

urban
Worcester, Massachusetts cityscape and street view

Worcester

urban
Springfield, Massachusetts cityscape and street view

Springfield

urban
Cambridge, Massachusetts cityscape and street view

Cambridge

urban
Lowell, Massachusetts cityscape and street view

Lowell

urban
Aerial view of historic stone courthouse with clock tower surrounded by green lawn in small town center

Brockton

urban
Golden grass stalks in a field backlit by sunlight against a blue sky with white clouds at sunset

Quincy

suburban
Nighttime street view of illuminated convenience store with light trails from passing cars on wet pavement

Lynn

urban

Sources

  • Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (mass.gov/rmv)
  • Massachusetts Division of Insurance (mass.gov/doi)
  • Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, Section 34J (SR-22/Financial Responsibility)
  • Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) regulations

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