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Last Updated on January 24, 2026
Car insurance in Massachusetts is often cheaper than in many other states, but “cheap” is relative. Your premium can change dramatically based on your ZIP code (garaging address), annual mileage, vehicle, and driving history. That’s why two drivers with the same car can get very different quotes—especially across the state.
Another important update: Massachusetts increased several mandatory minimum coverage limits for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025. Higher minimums can mean better protection, but they can also nudge prices upward for drivers who previously carried the bare minimum.
Below, we’ll cover the best car insurance companies in Massachusetts, the updated minimum requirements, and practical ways to lower your premium—whether you drive in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, or a smaller town.
Massachusetts has a mix of strong regional insurers (often sold through local agents) and national companies with robust online tools. The “best” insurer depends on your priorities—lowest price, best claims experience, best bundling discounts, or the most flexible underwriting.
Here are 10 top picks that are commonly competitive for Massachusetts drivers:
| Company | Best For | What To Know In Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Plymouth Rock | Regional value + local agents | Strong pick if you prefer working with a local agent and want an insurer familiar with MA policies and surcharge rules; often competitive for “typical” driver profiles. |
| Safety Insurance | Everyday “standard” drivers | A Massachusetts staple that’s commonly competitive for average commutes, solid driving histories, and straightforward coverage needs; pricing can vary by territory and SDIP. |
| MAPFRE / Commerce | Agent-sold policies + in-person support | Widely available through local agents in MA; a smart quote to compare if you want face-to-face help with coverage decisions and potential bundling savings. |
| Arbella | Bundled households + independent agents | Well-known regional carrier with a big Massachusetts presence; can be a great fit for households bundling policies through an independent agent. |
| The Hanover | Bundling home + auto | Often worth a close look if you’re bundling homeowners/renters with auto or want broader options beyond the state minimums; tends to shine for homeowners. |
| GEICO | Clean drivers + fast online quoting | Frequently competitive for clean records and easy to quote online; “cheapest” can still vary by driver and ZIP—see whether GEICO has the cheapest auto insurance for your situation. |
| Progressive | Online tools + flexible underwriting | A strong comparison quote in MA if you value digital tools and flexible payment options, or you’re trying to stay competitive after a ticket or accident. |
| Travelers | Coverage add-ons + bundle potential | Good option for drivers who want a well-established carrier with multiple add-ons and bundling opportunities—especially if you already carry homeowners or renters insurance. |
| Amica | Customer service + claims support | Known for strong customer service; may not always be the lowest price, but it’s often worth comparing if claims handling and support are top priorities. |
| USAA | Military/veteran families (eligible members) | One of the best values if you qualify; if you’re unsure about access, here’s who is eligible to get car insurance from USAA. |
Massachusetts requires insurance to register a vehicle and legally drive. The required coverage is sometimes called “compulsory” coverage. As of policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, Massachusetts minimum required limits include:
Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state, PIP is a required part of every policy. If you want a deeper explanation of what it covers and how it works, see our guide to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
Uninsured motorist coverage is also required in Massachusetts. Many drivers also choose underinsured motorist coverage for extra protection—here’s the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Finally, remember that Massachusetts minimums are just the legal floor. If you have savings, a house, or significant assets to protect, it’s smart to consider higher limits. If you’re unsure where to start, use this guide on what auto insurance limits you should have.
Massachusetts pricing is heavily influenced by your garaging address (where the car is parked most nights), annual mileage, vehicle type, and driving record. A driver in downtown Boston may pay more than a driver in a quieter suburb—sometimes by a lot.
Massachusetts also uses the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), which applies surcharges or credits based on certain accidents and violations. If you’re dealing with SDIP/insurance points, here’s a helpful walkthrough on how to get rid of points on your driver’s license (and how the system typically works).
If you want lower premiums, focus on the levers that actually move the price in MA:
If you’re shopping for full coverage car insurance, make sure you’re comparing apples to apples (same liability limits, same deductibles, and the same add-ons like rental coverage).
Driving without insurance in Massachusetts is a serious offense. Beyond the risk of paying out of pocket after a crash, you can face steep fines and a license suspension if you’re convicted.
In some situations, drivers confuse “no insurance” with “no proof.” If you were insured but didn’t have your card handy (or your proof wasn’t accessible), you may still be able to resolve the situation differently than an uninsured driver. Here’s a breakdown of how much a ticket for no proof of insurance can cost and what usually matters.
Also, avoid lapses whenever possible—especially if you plan to shop soon. Even a short gap can trigger higher rates with some insurers. If you’re between policies, this guide explains how long you can be without car insurance and what to consider before canceling coverage.
Massachusetts uses the term OUI (Operating Under the Influence), but many drivers still say DUI. Either way, an impaired-driving conviction is one of the fastest ways to increase your insurance costs for years.
If you’re trying to budget after an impaired-driving conviction, start here: how much insurance can go up after a DUI (and why it can vary so much between companies). The best strategy is to compare several insurers, ask about payment-plan options, and keep coverage continuous.
At-fault accidents can raise your premium under Massachusetts’ surcharge system, and the impact can stick around for multiple policy periods. If you’re unsure how insurers treat fault and claims, read what happens with insurance if you are at fault in an accident.
If you’ve had an accident, look for insurers that offer accident forgiveness (if you qualify), consider higher deductibles (if you can afford the out-of-pocket risk), and compare quotes from both regional carriers and large nationals.
Some tickets have a small impact; others trigger surcharges that can meaningfully raise premiums. If you’re shopping with violations on your record, use a multi-quote approach and prioritize companies that still price competitively for your profile. This guide can help you find cheap auto insurance quotes even if you have a speeding ticket.
Young drivers usually pay the highest premiums in Massachusetts. If you’re a teen driver or under 25, you’ll often save the most by comparing multiple insurers, stacking every discount you qualify for (good student, driver training, telematics), and choosing a sensible vehicle.
For more targeted advice and company comparisons, see our guide to the cheapest car insurance for young drivers.
Here’s one Massachusetts-specific advantage: insurers generally can’t use your credit history the same way they can in many other states when pricing private passenger auto insurance. In other words, your premium is far more influenced by where you live, what you drive, and your SDIP/claims history than by your credit profile.
If you’re curious how credit affects rates in other states (and why Massachusetts is different), see whether credit score affects your car insurance rates.
Most Massachusetts drivers won’t need an SR-22 filing for Massachusetts violations. However, you might still run into SR-22 requirements if you’re dealing with an out-of-state suspension or reinstatement that requires a filing in another state.
If you’re navigating that process, it helps to understand typical timeframes and what the filing actually means. Here’s a breakdown of how long an SR-22 lasts and what to expect.
The best car insurance in Massachusetts depends on your location, coverage needs, and driving history—not just the company name. Start by getting quotes from a mix of regional carriers (like Plymouth Rock, Safety, Arbella, MAPFRE/Commerce, and The Hanover) and national insurers (like GEICO, Progressive, Travelers, Amica, and USAA if eligible).
Keep your coverage continuous, choose limits that protect your finances, and compare at least 3–5 quotes whenever you shop. A little time comparing can translate into real savings every year.
