Massachusetts law requires all drivers to carry specific types and amounts of car insurance. The state operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your own insurer pays for your medical expenses regardless of fault. This guide explains the minimum coverage, optional protections, and consequences for driving uninsured in 2025.
Basic Legal Coverage Limits in Massachusetts
Massachusetts drivers must carry the following minimum insurance limits:
- Bodily Injury to Others: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $5,000 per accident
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $8,000 per person
- Uninsured Motorist: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident
PIP covers your medical bills, lost wages, and funeral expenses regardless of who caused the accident.
Optional Coverages to Enhance Protection
To go beyond the legal minimums, many drivers in Massachusetts opt for:
- Collision: Pays to repair your vehicle after an at-fault accident
- Comprehensive: Covers damage from theft, fire, vandalism, floods, and falling objects
- Underinsured Motorist: Fills the gap if the at-fault driver’s coverage is insufficient
- Extended Medical Payments: Supplements your PIP coverage
- Rental Reimbursement and Roadside Assistance
Lenders typically require full coverage (collision and comprehensive) for leased or financed vehicles.
Penalties for Not Having Insurance
Massachusetts imposes strict penalties for driving without required insurance:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
- License suspension for up to one year
- Mandatory $500 reinstatement fee
- Possible jail time (up to one year for repeat offenders)
- Requirement to carry SR-22 insurance for several years
How To Show Proof of Insurance
Drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times and present it when requested during a traffic stop, crash investigation, or vehicle registration. Massachusetts also uses electronic verification during vehicle registration and renewals.
Quick Compliance Checklist for Massachusetts Drivers
- ✔ Carry at least 20/40 bodily injury liability
- ✔ $5,000 property damage liability
- ✔ $8,000 in PIP coverage
- ✔ Uninsured motorist coverage of 20/40
- ✔ Keep valid proof of insurance with you
- ✔ Avoid lapses to prevent license suspension
Real-World Example
You’re rear-ended while stopped at a light in Boston. Even though the other driver caused the crash, your own PIP coverage immediately pays your medical bills up to $8,000. But if you had declined underinsured motorist coverage and the other driver only carried the minimum property damage limit, you could be left covering repairs to your vehicle. That’s why many Massachusetts drivers choose optional add-ons for more complete protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Car Insurance
Is car insurance required in Massachusetts?
Yes. All registered vehicles must have active insurance that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum coverage levels.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Massachusetts?
Minimum required coverages include 20/40 bodily injury liability, $5,000 property damage, $8,000 PIP, and 20/40 uninsured motorist coverage.
Is Massachusetts a no-fault insurance state?
Yes. The state follows a no-fault system for medical expenses, which are covered under your PIP policy regardless of fault.
Does Massachusetts use electronic insurance verification?
Yes. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) electronically verifies coverage during registration and renewals.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in Massachusetts?
You could face license suspension, steep fines, and potentially jail time. A $500 reinstatement fee is also required before regaining driving privileges.
Curious how Massachusetts compares? See insurance laws in neighboring states:
Rhode Island,
Connecticut, and
New Hampshire.
Official Resources