Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires minimum liability coverage of 20/40/5: $20,000 bodily injury per person, $40,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage. The state mandates SR-22 filing (officially called a Certificate of Financial Responsibility) after certain license suspensions, DUI convictions, and uninsured accidents. Massachusetts uses a surchargeable event system rather than points—accumulating three or more surchargeable events in five years triggers insurance surcharges and potential license action. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with a $8,000 minimum is also required for all registered vehicles.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Massachusetts?
High-risk auto insurance in Massachusetts costs significantly more than standard coverage due to the state's surchargeable event system and carrier risk pricing. A DUI conviction typically adds $150–$250/mo to premiums, while multiple at-fault accidents or a suspended license can push rates to $300–$400/mo. Rates vary widely by violation type, city, age, and vehicle—urban areas like Boston and Springfield see the highest premiums due to accident frequency and theft rates.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions increase rates 80–150%, at-fault accidents 40–70%, and speeding violations 15–30% in Massachusetts
- Surchargeable event count: Three or more events in five years trigger mandatory surcharges and move drivers toward non-standard or MAIP placement
- SR-22 filing requirement: The filing itself adds $15–$35, but underlying high-risk classification drives most of the premium increase
- City and ZIP code: Boston, Worcester, and Springfield have the highest premiums due to accident density and comprehensive claim frequency
- Time since violation: Rates begin decreasing after 3 years for most violations, with full recovery taking 5–7 years if no additional incidents occur
- Carrier type: Non-standard carriers and MAIP charge 50–100% more than standard carriers for equivalent coverage limits
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Sources
- Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles - SR-22 Certificate Requirements
- Massachusetts Division of Insurance - Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP)
- Massachusetts Safe Driver Insurance Plan - Surchargeable Events Schedule