Massachusetts Auto Insurance

Massautoquote.com is your site for Massachusetts Auto Insurance!

We are your Online Independent Insurance Agent!

Submit a quote request to us and you will contact you with different rate and coverage options. We will assist you with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and will work as your advocate on all insurance matters. In addition to Massachusetts auto insurance, our agents provide numerous lines of insurance through numerous companies.

Where can you get Massachusetts Auto Insurance Quotes?

We recommend utilizing a Massachusetts Licensed, Independent Insurance Agent. A licensed, professional insurance agency will offer you a broad selection of insurance policies, companies and financial services, customization of coverage for home and business, and advocacy support. Independent agents are committed to providing personalized customer service designed to help you meet your insurance needs. They benefit from access to many leading insurance companies. Massautoquote.com will provide you MA auto insurance quotes from the best companies with the best rates, coverage and services.

How Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates Are Set

The Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner, Nonnie S. Burnes, has announced that starting in April of 2008 Massachusetts is going to allow "managed competition." We at Massautoquote.com believe that Massachusetts moving toward competitive rating is a wonderful thing. Competitive rating will, hopefully, allow more insurance companies to enter the state and be able to charge whatever rates they would like, subject to state approval. In other words, insurance companies will be able to rate appropriately and apply discounts for whatever criteria they decide pertinent. This should mean further discounts for good and experienced drivers. We look at competitive rating as a great opportunity for Mass. auto insurance consumers, quoting websites & for the independent agent community at large. Your local independent insurance agent works for their clients and shop for the best rates using many companies. State seems to have taken some of the value out of the independent insurance agent. Now independent Massachusetts agents can truly shop for the best rates available!
Until April of 2008, however, for better or for worse the price of Massachusetts car insurance is set by the state and decided by the behavior of the state's drivers as a whole. Auto insurance companies in Massachusetts take the cost of providing insurance for Massachusetts drivers (this includes settlements and legal fees) and divides it up among the drivers.
But the cost isn't spread around evenly. Instead, the percentage you pay is decided by things like your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive.
What this means for you as a driver is that you need to make certain that you are selecting the coverage that is best for you and that you are taking advantage of all applicable Massachusetts discounts. Our professional services will provide you with best rates from the best companies while providing you the best service available utilizing the independent insurance agent community.
Fortunately, shopping around has never been easier than using Massautoquote.com. Click here to get your online Mass Auto Insurance Quote!

MA Independent Insurance Agents offer important extras:

• Fast, efficient claim handling available around the clock, 365 days a year
• Countrywide, guaranteed auto repair program
• World-class auto glass repair shops that can provide service at your home or office
• Free Registry of Motor Vehicles service for our clients

Savings Options:

Massautoquote’s agents will review your policy to ensure that you a receiving all available discounts. Some of the savings options that are available include

• Multi-car discount
• Good driver discount
• Driver training credit
• Savings for vehicles with passive restraints, airbags, anti-lock brakes and certain anti-theft devices
• Low mileage discounts

Massachusetts auto insurance regulations require several types of coverage. Make sure you understand what you're paying for.
Our guide:

• Explains Massachusetts auto insurance laws and requirements
• Describes how Massachusetts car insurance rates are set
• Shows you how to save money with multiple quotes

Mass Auto Insurance Laws

Massachusetts is a no fault state, which means that every driver must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. In the event of an accident this policy provides for some of the holder's expenses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

In Massachusetts, the required PIP coverage is $8,000 per person, although some drivers may choose to lower their premium by applying a deductible to the coverage. No fault laws eliminate your right to sue the other driver for damages unless he cost of injuries exceeds your coverage.

Mass auto insurance laws also require standard liability coverage, in the amount of 20/40/5. (That's $20,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $40,000 for all, and $5,000 for any damage that you cause to the other driver's car and/or property.).

Finally, Mass auto insurance laws require uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage. The minimums on their coverage are 20/40, ($20,000 per person injured, up to $40,000 total). This policy helps cover the cost of your injuries should you be in an accident with a driver without liability insurance.

Massachusetts auto insurance companies will also offer optional coverage such as medical payments, collision and comprehensive.

Complete Protection for Your Car

MA auto insurance should be designed to protect you in the event of an accident. Massachusetts auto insurance can provide you liability protection in the event that someone is injured in an accident. Mass auto insurance can protect the value of your vehicle in the event of an auto accident and Massachusetts auto insurance can pay for damage done to other people’s property (autos, telephone pole, walls, fences or homes etc). Massautoquote.com will help you find competitive rates on auto insurance with broad coverage. Independent Insurance agents will work with you to design the type of coverage that best fits your personal needs. Independent agencies will go the extra mile to assist you with any problems that may arise. They will assist you to ensure that your car gets back on the road fast in the event of an accident.

Auto insurance can provide:

• Collision Coverage. Covers auto damage from a collision with another car.
• Comprehensive Coverage. Covers auto damages from causes such as fire, theft, hail, vandalism or many other events.
• Bodily Injury Liability. Protects against a claim or lawsuit if others are injured in an auto accident that you or your family are considered legally responsible.
• Property Damage Liability. Protects against a claim or lawsuit for any damage you may cause by an auto accident to someone else’s auto or property.
• Medical Payments. Pays for reasonable medical expenses, or certain other expenses resulting from an auto accident for you, your family and your passengers.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist. Covers injury resulting from a hit-and-run accident or uninsured driver.

Additional Coverage Options:

• Rental Reimbursement. Covers the expense of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Towing and Labor. Provides towing service for a disabled vehicle.

Getting You On the Road Is Our First Priority!

What to do in case of an accident

When there is an accident, what information should you obtain before leaving the scene?

• The other driver’s name, address and license number as provided on their driver’s license;
  The other driver’s telephone number;
• A description of the other vehicle, including make, model, color and physical damage;
• The other vehicle’s license plate number and insurance carrier as provided on their auto registration;
• The name and address of any witnesses to the accident.

What should you do after an accident has occurred?

• Help any injured persons;
• Report the accident to the local police department;
• Complete a written operator’s report;
• Call your Independent Insurance Agency & let them take care of the rest!

Massachusetts Personal Automobile Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions regarding auto insurance brought to you by The Massachusetts Division of Insurance:

1) Question: Are there any specific time limits for an insurance company to pay for collision or comprehensive claims?

Answer: There are no specific time limits for the settlement of claims. Insurance companies are required by law to pay all claims in a prompt and reasonable amount of time. However, what constitutes "prompt and reasonable" may vary from claim to claim. Claims that require special or extended investigation may take longer to resolve. Inclement weather conditions often cause an increase in the number of claims filed and that can slow the process down as well.

2) Question: My auto was declared a total loss following an accident. Is my company required to give me the replacement cost?

Answer: When your auto is declared a total loss, your insurance company will only pay you the actual cash value of the auto as of the date of the loss, not the cost to replace it. Your auto's value is determined by the following factors: the retail value for an auto of like kind and quality prior to the accident; the price paid for the auto plus the value of prior improvements to the auto at the time of the accident; the decrease in value of the auto resulting from prior unrelated damage which is detected by the appraiser or for which a claim has been paid; and the actual purchase cost of an available auto of like kind and quality. If your auto has substantial value because of its exceptional condition such as an antique, classic, or restored auto, you should have it appraised and then insure it for the appraised value.

3) Question: Do I have to pay an insurance premium after my auto is declared a total loss?

Answer: Yes, the auto is considered insured until the policyholder returns the license plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you don't have your license plate because your auto was stolen or because your auto and plates were destroyed in a fire, you must go to the nearest Registry of Motor Vehicles office and obtain a lost or stolen plates receipt. This receipt must be presented to your insurance company in order to cancel your policy and avoid paying any additional premium.

4) Question: May I keep my auto if I have a collision, limited collision or comprehensive claim and my insurance company declares it a total loss?

Answer: Your insurance company has the option to take title to your auto when it issues payment on your claim. The insurer is entitled to any salvage value your auto may have. You can, of course, negotiate with your company to purchase your auto for the agreed salvaged value.

5) Question: The body shop is repairing my auto after an insured loss. Will my insurance company pay for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?

Answer: If the repair of the damaged part impairs the operational safety of the auto, the insurance company will pay to replace it with an OEM part. For non-safety parts, unless your claim occurs during the first 15,000 miles on the auto’s odometer, you are not entitled to OEM parts. For autos with more than 15,000 miles, state regulation allows for the replacement of damaged parts with used, reconditioned or after market parts. You can insist on OEM parts, but you will have to pay the difference in cost.

6) Question: An object damaged my windshield and I am unable to determine where it came from. Am I covered for this loss?

Answer: Yes, if you have comprehensive insurance you are covered for the full amount of the loss, unless you opted for a $100 deductible for glass breakage. The $300, $500, or $1000 deductible, or whatever you may have selected for comprehensive coverage, does not apply to a glass loss.

7) Question: Can my insurance company deny a claim for damages to my auto if the principle place of garaging listed on my application is false?

Answer: Yes. If you or someone on your behalf gives false, deceptive, misleading or incomplete information on any application and if such information increases the insurance company's risk of loss, your company may then refuse to pay claims under any or all of the Optional Insurance coverage on the policy. Such information includes the description and place of garaging of the vehicles to be insured, the names of the operators required to be listed and the answers given for all listed operators. In the event that you have moved since you filled out your initial application, promptly notify your insurance company and the Registry of Motor Vehicles of your new address.

8) Question: Is my insurance company required to notify me of its decision to cancel my policy?

Answer: Yes. Your company must send you a notice at least 20 days prior to the effective date of the cancellation. A notice sent by regular mail with a certificate of mailing receipt obtained from the Post Office is considered sufficient. Certified or registered mail with a return receipt is no longer required.

9) Question: What can I do if I actually receive a cancellation notice?

Answer: You can pay the exact amount called for on the notice or, if you feel that the cancellation is unjust, you may submit a written appeal to the Board of Appeals at One South Station, Boston, MA 02110-2208. This must be done prior to the effective date of cancellation.

10) Question: Who is liable for the storage charges on my damaged auto when there is a dispute as to the amount of the claim payment?

Answer: The insurance company is responsible for paying storage charges until it makes a reasonable offer to settle the claim. However, if the consumer disputes the amount offered and the company revises its offer, this does not necessarily mean that the original offer was unreasonable. Disputes over what is reasonable can be resolved with your company through the process described in your insurance policy. You can also submit a written complaint to the Division of Insurance if you are unable to settle the dispute.

11) Question: May an insurance company request a down payment in advance when I purchase or renew an auto insurance policy? And is it possible to pay my premium monthly?

Answer: Your insurance company may request up to a 30 percent down payment of the annual premium prior to the renewal or issuance of your policy. Many companies offer an installment payment plan for the balance of the premium. You should check with your agent or company to see what options are available to you.

12) Question: If I own an auto with collision and comprehensive coverage, will my insurance apply to a rental or borrowed private passenger auto?

Answer: Yes. Your collision and comprehensive insurance coverage are transferable to a substitute rented or borrowed private passenger auto that is damaged while it is being operated by you or members of your household with the consent of the owner. There is no coverage under your policy for family friends or significant others. You should be aware that your coverage is available only if you rent or borrow a private passenger auto in the United States or Canada. You should also be aware that your policy does not provide coverage for a borrowed or rented truck. If you are renting a truck, you should check with the rental company regarding the purchase of collision and comprehensive insurance. If you are borrowing a truck, make sure you determine whether or not the owner has purchased collision or comprehensive coverage. If the owner does not have insurance, you may be personally liable for any damage to that truck which is the result of your negligent operation. If the use is for business rather than pleasure, call your agent first. Business use is usually not covered under your personal auto insurance policy.

13) Question: How do I go about switching insurance companies without paying a penalty?

Answer: Once you receive an invoice reflecting new (not estimated) rates and any applicable new deviations or discounts, you have 30 days to change insurance companies without paying a "short rate" penalty. If you make a change within this 30 day period, you will pay your former insurance company on a pro-rata basis at its newly established rates until the date the coverage with your new insurance company begins. If you choose to switch insurance companies outside of the 30 day period, you will be subject to a short rate penalty which decreases as your policy year progresses.

While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that this information is accurate, it is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. You are urged to contact your agent, broker, company or the Division with your specific situation.

This information was compiled to help consumers answer some of the most frequently asked questions about personal automobile insurance. Additional questions or comments should be made to the Division of Insurance

More Mass Car Insurance Help
If you want more help designing your Mass auto insurance policy, talk to licensed, independent insurance agent. Also, check out our "Money Saving Tips".

To find out more about Mass auto insurance laws and regulations, visit the state's official website of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance.

Partial listing of Massachusetts Auto Insurance Companies:

Amica
Arbella
Commerce
Electric
Encompass
Hanover
Liberty Mutual
Massachusetts Homeland
Metropolitan
National Grange Mutual
Norfolk & Dedham
Plymouth Rock
Premier Quincy
Mutual Safety
State Farm
USAA

Massachusetts Transportation Agencies:

• Massachusetts Highway Dept- Highway department information with links to state and federal transportation sites.
• Massachusetts Turnpike Authority - Includes authority phone numbers and construction information.
• Fast Lane - Make traveler faster and more convenient on the Mass Pike's Boston Extension, including the Ted Williams Tunnel, the Sumner and Callahan Tunnels and the Turnpike east of Route 128.
• Massport - Information about Logan, Hanscom, and Worcester airports
• The Massachusetts Statewide Transportation Management Association Council - Information about shuttle buses between MBTA stations and major office complexes, ride sharing, transit pass purchases, and links to other commuting resources.
• CA/TPage - Information about the Central Artery/Tunnel Project • Department of Conservation and Recreation - Information about DCR parks, activities, and seasonal events. • MBTA - Includes schedules, maps, and fare information for buses, subways, and commuter rail
• Department of Conservation and Recreation - Information about DCR parks, activities, and seasonal events.
• MBTA - Includes schedules, maps, and fare information for buses, subways, and commuter rail
• Caravan for Commuters - Statewide commuter services agency with online links to carpools, vanpools, buses, boats and public transit.
• Massachusetts Park & Ride Lots - Information and locations about park-and-ride lots throughout the Commonwealth operated by The
• Massachusetts Highway Department, Massachusetts Turnpike Transportation Authority, and the MBTA.
• Steamship Authority - Complete Ferry schedules and fare information to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Includes Vehicle reservations and maps to terminals and parking.
• Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority - This site contains a complete listing of public and private transportation options for the traveler.

Travel and Tourism

• The Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau - Information you needed to plan a trip to Boston; over 1,000 points of interest, event listings and descriptions, family friendly things to do.
• Cape Cod Commission- Travel information and tourism database.
• Allcapecod.com - A complete Cape Cod Information for visitors and residents including lodging, transportation, dining, shopping and community departments.

Massachusetts Regional Government Sites

• City of Boston - Official city page
• Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles - Includes branch hours and online registration renewal.

Regional Boston Transportation Links:

• Brockton Bus Company - Includes schedules, maps, and fare information - Alternative parking and shuttle service for Logan Airport
• Harbor Express - High speedwater shuttle to Logan Airport and downtown Boston. Ample, secure parking.

Online Links:

• boston.com - The Electronic Publishing arm of the Boston Globe. Updated SmarTraveler traffic and transit info every two minutes.
• City Search - City Search's Guide to Boston including up-to-the-minute traffic and transit information continuously updated 7 days a week.

Television Links:

• WCVB TV - Boston's ABC affiliate with SmarTraveler traffic reports during the local news every weekday morning and afternoon.
• New England Cable News - The nation's largest regional news network, with with SmarTraveler regional New England traffic reports every weekday morning and afternoon.

Auto Links

The inclusion of, or linking to, other web sites does not imply our endorsement of or responsibility for those web sites, but has been done as a convenience to our web site visitors.

Automobile Insurance Bureau of Massachusetts (AIB)
A.M. Best Company
Commonwealth Automobile Reinsurers (CAR)
Insurance Service Office, Inc.
Moody's Investors Service
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
DOI - Service of Process
Standard & Poor's Insurance Ratings Services
Kelly Blue Book Values
NADA Book Values
Carco Pre-insurance Inspection Site Locations
Checkpoint Pre-insurance Inspection Site Locations