How Much Auto Insurance Do You Need in Massachusetts?
In order to register a car in Massachusetts, you must have automobile insurance in place. By law, drivers are required to purchase four specific coverages—known as Compulsory (or Mandatory) Auto Insurance Coverages—at the minimum limits set by the state. You may also choose higher limits or optional coverages depending on your situation.
If you’re moving to Massachusetts from another state, this step is especially important. Your existing auto insurance policy may not meet Massachusetts requirements, even if you’ve been insured elsewhere for years.
This guide explains what coverage is required in Massachusetts, what the minimum limits are, and why many drivers choose more than the minimum.
Massachusetts auto insurance is structured differently than in many other states, which can make coverage options—and quotes—harder to compare at first glance. If you’re new to Massachusetts or reviewing an existing policy, it can help to understand why Massachusetts auto insurance is different than other states.
Massachusetts Compulsory Auto Insurance Coverages
(Required by Law)
Massachusetts requires all registered vehicles to carry the following four compulsory coverages. As of July 1, 2025, the mandatory minimum limits for bodily injury and property damage increased.
Bodily Injury to Others
This coverage protects you—or someone you allow to drive your car—if you are legally responsible for accidentally injuring or causing the death of someone else while operating your vehicle.
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Covers accidents that occur in Massachusetts
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Does not cover injuries to passengers in your vehicle
Required minimum limits:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) helps pay for medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages, and certain replacement services following an auto accident.
Massachusetts is a no-fault state, meaning PIP pays these benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
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Covers you, household members, passengers, and pedestrians
Required limit:
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$8,000 per person
Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto
This coverage helps protect you, household members, and passengers if you are injured by a driver who has no insurance or in a hit-and-run accident.
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Applies when no other Massachusetts policy provides coverage
Required minimum limits:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
Damage to Someone Else’s Property (Property Damage)
Property Damage coverage pays for damage you—or someone you allow to drive your car—cause to another person’s property, such as another vehicle, a building, or a fence.
Required minimum limit:
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$30,000 per accident
💡 Important: These coverages and limits must be in place before the Massachusetts RMV will allow you to register your vehicle.
Why the Minimum Required Coverage May Not Be Enough
The compulsory coverages are designed to meet legal requirements—not necessarily to fully protect you financially.
In real-world accidents:
- Medical costs can exceed minimum bodily injury limits quickly
- Property damage involving newer vehicles or multiple cars can surpass $30,000
- You may be personally responsible for costs that exceed your policy limits
For this reason, many Massachusetts drivers choose higher limits or additional coverages based on their assets, income, and overall risk exposure.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverages to Consider
While not required by law, the following coverages are commonly added to provide broader protection.
Higher Bodily Injury and Property Damage Limits
- May include coverage for passengers
- Can apply to accidents that occur outside Massachusetts
- Helps protect savings and future income if you’re found responsible for a serious accident
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Helps protect you if the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to fully cover your injuries.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: Umbrella Insurance
Even with higher auto liability limits, some accidents can result in damages that exceed standard auto insurance policy limits.
A personal umbrella policy provides additional liability protection above your auto—and often homeowners or renters—insurance. Umbrella coverage is not required by law, and availability, eligibility, and required underlying limits vary by insurer. It’s typically considered as part of a broader insurance review, especially for drivers with greater financial exposure.
→ Learn more about Personal Umbrella Insurance
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage and Umbrella Policies
While umbrella policies provide extra liability protection, they do not automatically increase uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage unless specifically added or endorsed, where available.
UM and UIM coverage are designed to protect you if you’re injured by a driver who has little or no insurance. In Massachusetts, this can be an important consideration given the potential cost of serious injuries.
Some drivers choose to explore excess uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in addition to an umbrella policy, depending on eligibility and insurer options.
→ Why Excess Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision, regardless of fault (subject to a deductible).
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision losses such as:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire
- Falling objects
- Animal contact
- Glass damage
Medical Payments Coverage
Provides additional medical expense coverage beyond PIP, often starting at $5,000.
Other Optional Coverages
Depending on the insurer, additional options may include:
- Rental reimbursement
- Towing and labor
- Roadside assistance
- Accident forgiveness
- GAP coverage
- Pet injury coverage
Some coverages have limitations or requirements. For example:
- A vehicle inspection may be required before collision or comprehensive coverage is added
- Lenders often require collision and comprehensive coverage for financed or leased vehicles
Moving to Massachusetts? Here’s What to Do Next
Choosing the right auto insurance coverage is just one part of getting settled in Massachusetts. Many new residents also need to complete RMV tasks, update policies, or provide insurance documentation as part of the move.
Use the resources below to take the next steps with confidence.
🚘 Vehicle Registration & RMV Tasks
Auto insurance must be in place before the RMV will allow you to register your vehicle or complete certain transactions.
→ Massachusetts RMV Tools & Auto Forms
Access registration services, required RMV forms, and vehicle transfer resources in one place.
🪪 Driver’s License & ID Transfers
New Massachusetts residents are required to transfer their out-of-state driver’s or motorcycle license within the required timeframe.
→ Moving to Massachusetts? How to Transfer Your Out-of-State Driver’s License
🏠 Insurance Planning Beyond Auto
A move often means reviewing more than just auto insurance, including renters, homeowners, and personal liability coverage.
You may want to:
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Review liability limits across policies
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Consider whether umbrella coverage fits your situation
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Make sure coverage reflects your new home and lifestyle
→ Request a Policy Review or Quote
🧾 Proof of Insurance & Policy Changes
RMV transactions, lenders, and landlords may require proof of insurance or updated policy details.
→ Client Self-Service
Request proof of insurance, make policy changes, or schedule a review during normal business hours.
Related Moving to Massachusetts Resources
Part of our Moving to Massachusetts resource series.
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