Massachusetts Auto Insurance Requirements 2026 | No-Fault Guide

Massachusetts requires 20/40/5 liability plus mandatory PIP and uninsured motorist coverage. Learn the state's no-fault rules, compulsory insurance law, and why minimums may not be enough.

Quick Answer: Massachusetts Minimum Auto Insurance

Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry liability insurance plus Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage. The state has some of the strictest insurance laws in the nation under its "compulsory insurance" law.

Coverage Type	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury (per person)	$20,000
Bodily Injury (per accident)	$40,000
Property Damage	$5,000
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	$8,000
Uninsured Motorist (UM)	$20,000/$40,000

This is commonly written as 20/40/5 plus mandatory PIP and UM coverage. Massachusetts is one of the strictest states—you cannot waive any of these coverages.

What Massachusetts Law Requires

Massachusetts operates under the Massachusetts Compulsory Auto Insurance Law (Chapter 90, Section 34A). This law requires every registered vehicle to carry specific minimum coverage.

The Five Mandatory Coverages

1. Bodily Injury to Others

$20,000 per person
$40,000 per accident
Covers injuries you cause to people in other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists

2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

$8,000 minimum (can purchase higher limits)
Covers your medical expenses and lost wages
Also covers passengers in your vehicle
No-fault coverage—pays regardless of who caused the accident

3. Bodily Injury Caused by Uninsured Motorist

$20,000 per person
$40,000 per accident
Protects you if hit by driver with no insurance
Cannot be waived in Massachusetts

4. Bodily Injury Caused by Underinsured Motorist

Optional but included in most policies
Covers you if hit by driver with insufficient coverage
Same limits as UM coverage

5. Property Damage

$5,000 minimum
Covers damage you cause to other vehicles, buildings, fences, etc.

Additional Massachusetts-Specific Requirements

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage:

Not legally required
BUT required if you have a car loan or lease
Lenders typically require both until vehicle is paid off

Optional Coverages Available:

Increased medical payments coverage
Rental car reimbursement
Towing and labor
Limited collision coverage ($1,000 or $2,000 deductible)

Massachusetts No-Fault System

Massachusetts is a no-fault state with a modified system that's different from most other no-fault states.

How No-Fault Works in Massachusetts

Step 1: Your PIP Covers Your Injuries

Your own insurance pays your medical bills (up to $8,000)
Pays regardless of who caused the accident
Covers lost wages up to 75% of gross income
Maximum payment: $8,000 total

Step 2: You Can Sue for Serious Injuries Unlike pure no-fault states, Massachusetts allows you to sue the at-fault driver if:

Medical bills exceed $2,000
Injuries include: death, loss of body member, permanent disfigurement, loss of sight/hearing, or bone fracture

This "modified no-fault" system gives injured parties more legal options than pure no-fault states like Michigan or Florida.

The Massachusetts Merit Rating System

Massachusetts uses a unique Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP) that affects your insurance rates based on your driving record.

How SDIP Points Work

Violation/Accident	Points	Rate Impact
At-fault accident	4-5 points	30-40% increase
Minor at-fault accident	3 points	20-25% increase
Speeding (10+ mph over)	2 points	15-20% increase
Minor violation	1 point	10% increase

Points stay on your record for 6 years from the violation date.

Clean slate bonus: Drivers with no points for 6 consecutive years qualify for discounts.

Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has some of the nation's strictest penalties for uninsured driving.

Criminal Penalties

First Offense:

Fine: Up to $500
License suspension: Up to 60 days
Registration suspension: Indefinite until proof of insurance provided

Second Offense (within 3 years):

Fine: Up to $1,000
License suspension: Up to 1 year
Registration suspension: Indefinite
Possible jail time: Up to 1 year

Third Offense:

Fine: Up to $2,500
License suspension: Up to 1 year
Mandatory jail time: Up to 1 year
Vehicle impoundment possible

Administrative Penalties

Lapsed Coverage:

$5 per day without insurance (civil penalty)
Minimum charge: $100
Maximum charge: $5,000 annually
Penalty accrues automatically—you'll receive a bill even if you never drove

To Reinstate:

Pay all outstanding fines
Provide proof of current insurance (RMV-1 form from insurer)
Pay $100 license reinstatement fee
May require SR-22 filing for serious violations

Proof of Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts requires electronic proof of insurance through the Massachusetts Auto Insurance Plan (MAIP).

Insurance Verification System

Automatic Reporting:

Insurance companies electronically report all policies to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
If coverage lapses, RMV is notified within 48 hours
You'll receive notification of suspension and penalty charges

What You Must Carry:

Insurance card (physical or electronic)
Vehicle registration
Valid driver's license

Police Verification:

Officers can verify insurance electronically during traffic stops
Fake insurance cards result in criminal charges

Why State Minimums Aren't Enough

Massachusetts minimums are lower than many states and haven't changed since 1970. Here's why they're inadequate:

The Cost Gap Problem

Scenario: You cause an accident injuring two people

Person 1 medical bills: $40,000
Person 2 medical bills: $35,000
Total damages: $75,000

Your policy pays:

Person 1: $20,000 (your per-person limit)
Person 2: $20,000 (your per-person limit)
Total paid: $40,000

You're personally responsible for: $35,000 out of pocket

Victims can sue you for the difference and garnish wages, seize assets, or place liens on your home.

Recommended Coverage Levels

Insurance experts recommend:

Coverage	State Minimum	Recommended
Bodily Injury	20/40	100/300 or higher
Property Damage	$5,000	$50,000-$100,000
PIP	$8,000	$20,000-$50,000
UM/UIM	20/40	Match your BI limits

Cost difference: Only $15-40/month for significantly better protection.

Special Situations in Massachusetts

Out-of-State Drivers

If you move to Massachusetts:

Must obtain MA insurance within 30 days
Out-of-state policies won't meet compulsory law requirements
RMV will reject registration without proper MA coverage

Assigned Risk Pool

If you can't get insurance in the voluntary market:

Massachusetts Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR)
State-assigned coverage at higher rates
Must have been rejected by at least 2 insurers
Rates 30-100% higher than standard market

High-Risk Drivers (SR-22)

Required after:

DUI conviction
Multiple at-fault accidents
License suspension for insurance violations

SR-22 requirements:

Certificate of financial responsibility filed with RMV
Higher premiums (50-100% increase typical)
Required for 3-5 years depending on violation

How to Get Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Step 1: Compare Quotes

Massachusetts has competitive insurance market. Get quotes from:

Safety Insurance (MA-based, competitive rates)
Commerce Insurance (MA specialist)
Arbella Insurance
Plymouth Rock Assurance
National carriers: Geico, Progressive, State Farm, Allstate

Step 2: Understand Your Quote

Massachusetts quotes include:

All 5 mandatory coverages (cannot be removed)
Optional collision and comprehensive
Any additional coverages you select

Step 3: Discounts Available

Common MA Discounts:

Good student discount (under 25 with B average)
Multi-car discount
Homeowner/renter discount (bundle policies)
Defensive driving course
Low mileage discount
Automatic payment discount
Good driver (no SDIP points)

Step 4: File Your Policy

Once you purchase:

Insurer electronically files with RMV
You receive proof of insurance card
Registration can be completed (if new vehicle)

Massachusetts vs. Other States

Strictest Requirements:

Cannot waive UM coverage (most states allow waiver)
Automatic penalties for any lapse (other states require citation)
No self-insurance option
Electronic monitoring system

Modified No-Fault:

More lawsuit rights than pure no-fault states
Lower PIP minimums than Michigan, Florida, New York
Can sue for injuries over $2,000 (lower threshold than most)

Average Costs:

Massachusetts average premium: $1,600-2,200/year
National average: $1,500/year
Higher due to: High cost of living, urban density, mandatory coverages

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I waive uninsured motorist coverage in Massachusetts?

No. Massachusetts does not allow you to waive UM coverage. This is mandatory under the compulsory insurance law and must be included in every auto insurance policy in the state.

What happens if I let my insurance lapse for one day?

You'll receive a notice from the RMV about your lapsed coverage and be charged $5 per day without insurance (minimum $100). Your registration will be suspended until you provide proof of current insurance and pay all penalties.

Do I need insurance if my car is parked and not driven?

Yes, if the vehicle is registered. Massachusetts requires insurance on all registered vehicles even if not driven. To avoid this, you must cancel your registration and return plates to the RMV.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Massachusetts?

The SR-22 filing fee is typically $25-50, but your premiums will increase 50-100% or more depending on the violation. DUI convictions can double or triple your insurance costs for 3-5 years.

Can I use my regular insurance for Uber or Lyft in Massachusetts?

No. Personal auto policies exclude commercial use. Rideshare drivers need either a rideshare endorsement added to their personal policy or commercial insurance. Uber and Lyft provide coverage during active rides, but gaps exist when the app is on but no passenger is present.

What is the Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP)?

SDIP is the state's merit rating system that assigns points for accidents and violations. Points increase your insurance rates for 6 years from the violation date. Insurers must use the SDIP system—they cannot create their own rating systems.

Do I need insurance for a moped or scooter in Massachusetts?

Yes, if the vehicle requires registration. Mopeds and scooters that exceed 30 mph or don't meet the strict definition of a motorized bicycle must be registered and insured with the same minimum coverages as cars.

How do I prove I had insurance during a coverage gap?

Contact your previous insurer for a coverage declaration letter showing your exact coverage dates. If there was truly no gap, this documentation can help remove penalties. However, if a gap existed, you must pay the $5/day penalty.

Key Takeaways

Massachusetts requires 20/40/5 liability plus mandatory PIP and UM coverage
No-fault system with right to sue for injuries over $2,000 or serious injuries
Cannot waive UM coverage—it's mandatory in Massachusetts
$5 per day penalty for any lapse in coverage, even if vehicle not driven
State minimums are inadequate—consider 100/300/50 or higher
Electronic monitoring system—RMV knows immediately when coverage lapses
Compulsory insurance law is strictly enforced with criminal penalties
SDIP points system affects rates for 6 years after violations

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Massachusetts auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources and state law. This is not legal or insurance advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary.

Always verify current requirements with:

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV)
Massachusetts Division of Insurance
Your licensed insurance agent

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90 Section 34A, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, Massachusetts Division of Insurance, Safe Driver Insurance Plan regulations