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.
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)
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Mandatory filing proving continuous coverage for high-risk drivers with DUI convictions, habitual offender status, or uninsured accidents. The SR-22 itself costs $15–$35 to file, but premiums average $200–$400/mo because only non-standard carriers write these policies.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage written by carriers specializing in high-risk drivers after DUI, violations, or license suspensions. These policies cost 150–250% more than standard rates but are often the only option for drivers with SR-22 requirements or recent major violations.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Massachusetts minimums are 20/40/5, but high-risk drivers should carry 50/100/50 or higher to avoid personal liability after a second at-fault accident.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision to protect both you and your vehicle. High-risk drivers with financed or leased vehicles pay 150–250% above standard full coverage rates but avoid total loss exposure.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Mandatory $8,000 minimum coverage in Massachusetts for medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs regardless of fault. Cannot be waived or reduced below $8,000.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Massachusetts requires UM bodily injury at 20/40 minimums unless rejected in writing, and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage unless waived.
