State Requirements
Massachusetts requires minimum liability coverage of $20,000 bodily injury per person, $40,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage (20/40/5). The state uses electronic insurance reporting through the Massachusetts Insurance Information Bureau—no paper SR-22 form is required. High-risk drivers with DUIs, major violations, or at-fault accidents face automatic surcharges through the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP), which adds points-based premium increases for 6 years. Uninsured Motorist coverage is mandatory and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required at $8,000 minimum, creating higher baseline costs than most states.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance in Massachusetts costs $2,800–$5,200 annually on average, compared to $1,400–$2,200 for clean-record drivers. The state's Safe Driver Insurance Plan adds mandatory surcharges for violations: $1,000–$2,500 annually for DUI (for 6 years), $260–$520 for at-fault accidents, and $100–$350 for speeding violations. These surcharges are non-negotiable and apply regardless of which carrier writes your policy.
What Affects Your Rate
- Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) surcharges based on violation type—6 years for DUI, 5 years for major at-fault accidents
- Territory rating zones—Boston, Worcester, and Springfield urban areas cost 30–50% more than western Massachusetts rural towns
- Years since violation—DUI surcharges decrease after year 3 if no additional incidents occur
- Carrier tier—standard market carriers rarely accept DUI risks; expect assigned risk pool (CAR) or non-standard carriers like Safety Insurance or Plymouth Rock
- Vehicle value and type—older vehicles under $5,000 may allow dropping collision, reducing premiums by $800–$1,400 annually
- Credit-based insurance score—Massachusetts allows limited credit use; poor credit can add 15–25% to high-risk quotes
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Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Bodily injury and property damage coverage for at-fault accidents. Massachusetts minimums (20/40/5) are among the lowest in the nation—one serious crash exhausts limits quickly.
SR-22 Insurance (Not Applicable)
Massachusetts does not require SR-22 forms. The state uses real-time electronic insurance monitoring through the Massachusetts Insurance Information Bureau instead.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Massachusetts mandates UM coverage matching your liability limits—cannot be waived.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Mandatory no-fault medical coverage paying up to $8,000 for injuries regardless of who caused the crash. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle in an at-fault crash. Required by lenders if vehicle is financed or leased; optional for owned vehicles.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies from carriers specializing in high-risk drivers—DUIs, multiple violations, license suspensions, or assigned risk pool placements through Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR).
