---
title: "Massachusetts Car Insurance Requirements: The Compulsory Coverages and What to Ask Your Agent"
description: "Massachusetts requires four auto coverages, including $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $30,000 property damage. See each minimum, PIP rules and lapse risks."
url: "https://riskado.com/massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements/"
lang: "en"
published: "2026-02-22"
modified: "2026-09-30"
tags: ["car-insurance-requirements","massachusetts-auto-insurance","personal-injury-protection","uninsured-motorist-coverage"]
image: "https://riskado.com/og/blog-massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements.jpg"
---

# Massachusetts Car Insurance Requirements: The Compulsory Coverages and What to Ask Your Agent

Riskado

Feb 22, 2026 · 11 min read · Updated Sep 30, 2026

![A row of parked cars in a Massachusetts commuter rail station lot on an overcast morning](https://riskado.com/blog/massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements/featured.jpg)

Massachusetts requires four compulsory auto [coverages](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/coverage/) on every registered private passenger vehicle: [bodily injury](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/bodily-injury-liability/) to others of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, [personal injury protection](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/personal-injury-protection/) (PIP) of at least $8,000 per person, bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and damage to someone else's property of at least $30,000 per accident. The $25,000/$50,000 and $30,000 figures apply to policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, according to the [Division of Insurance Filing Guidance Notice 2025-A (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/doc/2025-a-new-motor-vehicle-mandatory-coverage-limits/download). You need proof of this insurance to register a vehicle, and coverage for your own car, such as [collision or comprehensive](https://riskado.com/comprehensive-vs-collision-insurance/), is separate.

### Key takeaways

- **Four compulsory coverages**Bodily injury to others, personal injury protection (PIP), bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto, and damage to someone else's property.
- **Liability minimums**At least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to others and for uninsured auto, and $30,000 per accident for property damage.
- **PIP minimum**At least $8,000 per person.
- **Effective date**The $25,000/$50,000 and $30,000 figures apply to policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025.
- **Registration**You need proof of this insurance to register a vehicle.
- **Your own car**Collision and comprehensive coverage for your own car are separate.

## What insurance does Massachusetts require?

The four compulsory coverages and their current minimums, as set by statute and summarized by the [Massachusetts Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/part-ii-what-is-in-my-insurance-policy) (checked October 1, 2026), are:

Massachusetts compulsory auto coverages and minimum limits

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Coverage | Minimum limit | Where the law sets it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bodily injury to others | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34A) |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $8,000 per person per accident | [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34A) and [§ 34M (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34M) |
| Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34A) |
| Damage to someone else's property | $30,000 per accident | [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34O (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34O) |

Before July 1, 2025, the bodily injury and uninsured auto minimums were $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident, and the [property damage](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/property-damage-liability/) minimum was $5,000. If your policy was issued or renewed on or after that date, the [declarations page](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/declarations-page/) should show the newer figures. If you are holding an older declarations page, ask your agent which [limits](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/limit-of-liability/) apply at your next renewal.

Massachusetts minimum limits before and after July 1, 2025

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Coverage | Before July 1, 2025 | Issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bodily injury to others | $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto | $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Damage to someone else's property | $5,000 | $30,000 per accident |

"Per person" is the most the policy pays for one injured person, and "per accident" is the most it pays for all injured people in one crash. When you read a quote, check that each limit is labeled, because the two numbers answer different questions.

![A closed folder of blank insurance papers, a pen and a car key on a kitchen table](https://riskado.com/blog/massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements/coverage-limits.jpg)

Each of the four compulsory coverages carries its own minimum limit.

## What does each compulsory coverage pay for?

Bodily injury to others is liability coverage. It pays for injuries you cause to other people with your car, up to your limits. It does not pay for your own injuries or your own vehicle.

PIP pays specified injury-related expenses for you, your passengers and others covered under the policy, regardless of who caused the crash. Under [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34A), those expenses include reasonable medical, surgical, dental, ambulance, hospital, nursing and funeral costs, certain lost wages, and some replacement services. Wage benefits are generally limited to 75 percent of average weekly wages or salary, subject to the statute's conditions.

Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto protects you and covered passengers if you are hurt by a driver who has no insurance or by a hit-and-run driver, up to the policy limits.

Damage to someone else's property pays for the other person's car, fence, building or other property that you damage in an accident. Despite the name, it does not repair your car. The [Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/optional-auto-insurance-coverages-what-consumers-should-know) treats collision and comprehensive as optional coverages for your own vehicle.

## Is Massachusetts a no-fault state?

Yes, in the sense that PIP pays specified expenses without regard to who caused the accident, which is why the [Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/part-ii-what-is-in-my-insurance-policy) describes Massachusetts as a no-fault state. Fault still matters in other ways. [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34M (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34M) says PIP benefits are granted in place of damages you could otherwise recover in a lawsuit for a Massachusetts accident, with statutory exceptions and limits, and it exempts the at-fault party from tort liability to the extent PIP applies.

Section 34M was amended effective February 24, 2026, so if a claim depends on the exact PIP rules, ask the insurer or an attorney which version of the statute applies to your accident date. A practical question for your agent is how PIP coordinates with your health insurance, since the answer depends on your policy and your health plan.

## Do you need insurance to register a vehicle in Massachusetts?

Yes. Under [M.G.L. c. 90, § 1A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/laws/generallaws/parti/titlexiv/chapter90/section1a), a vehicle generally cannot be registered unless the application includes an insurance certificate or the registrar is otherwise satisfied that the compulsory insurance requirements are met.

In practice, the RMV's [Registration and Title Application (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/doc/registration-title-application-rta-insurance-certification-policy-for-public/download) has an insurance certification section, and your agent or insurer completes it. Agents and insurers can also report policy information electronically through the RMV's [electronic insurance-recording services (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/lists/sdip-web-services-functions). Some transactions still use a paper insurance affidavit or stamp. The form your transaction needs varies, so confirm the exact certification step with your agent or the RMV before you go to register.

### What should a new Massachusetts resident do?

The [Massachusetts Driver's Manual (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/03/21/Drivers_Manual.pdf) says you must register an out-of-state vehicle in Massachusetts as soon as you become a resident, and that the law gives no grace period. A separate 30-day rule in [M.G.L. c. 90, § 3 (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section3) applies to certain nonresidents who take up a regular place of abode, business or employment in the state, which is a different situation from becoming a resident.

Because the right answer depends on your status, confirm your exact transaction requirements with the RMV. The order of steps matters: arrange a Massachusetts policy first, since the registration application needs the insurance certification.

![A sedan without a front license plate parked in a residential driveway beside maple trees](https://riskado.com/blog/massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements/registration.jpg)

Arrange the Massachusetts policy first, because registration needs the insurance certification.

## What happens if your insurance is canceled or lapses?

An insurer that cancels a policy generally must send written notice with the specific reason at least 20 days before the cancellation date, under [M.G.L. c. 175, § 113A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter175/Section113A). A notice for nonpayment must state the amount due and explain that the cancellation will not take effect if you pay by the effective date. The insurer or premium finance company then sends the cancellation information to the RMV. If a premium finance company holds a power of attorney to cancel, [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34K (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34K) requires 10 days' notice by registered or certified mail before that power can be used.

The registration consequence follows quickly. Under [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34H (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34H), the registrar can revoke the registration effective on the cancellation date unless a replacement insurance certificate or applicable appeal protection is filed on time. Once a registration is revoked, [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34P (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34P) allows police to seize the plates unless you show an insurer's reinstatement notice or evidence of a qualifying new policy.

### From a cancellation notice to a revoked registration

1.  Written noticeAn insurer that cancels generally must send written notice with the specific reason at least 20 days before the cancellation date; a nonpayment notice states the amount due.
2.  Cancellation reportedThe insurer or premium finance company sends the cancellation information to the RMV.
3.  Registration revokedThe registrar can revoke the registration effective on the cancellation date unless a replacement certificate or applicable appeal protection is filed on time.
4.  Plates seizedPolice can seize the plates unless you show a reinstatement notice or evidence of a qualifying new policy.

Driving uninsured, or letting someone else drive your uninsured vehicle, violates [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34J (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34J). The penalties include:

- A fine of $500 to $5,000, up to one year in jail, or both.
- Liability to the assigned-risk plan for the greater of $500 or one year's compulsory premium.
- A 60-day license or operating-right suspension for a first conviction.
- A one-year suspension for a second or later conviction within six years.

If you are [switching insurers](https://riskado.com/how-to-switch-car-insurance/), keep the new policy active before you cancel the old one, so the RMV never sees a gap. If you receive a cancellation notice, ask your agent what the reinstatement process looks like and what documents the RMV will need.

![An unopened envelope and a pen resting on a car dashboard beside a set of keys](https://riskado.com/blog/massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements/lapse-notice.jpg)

A cancellation can lead to a revoked registration, so keep coverage continuous.

## Can someone else drive your Massachusetts-insured car?

Usually, yes, if they have your permission. [M.G.L. c. 175, § 113A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXXII/Chapter175/Section113A) requires a Massachusetts liability policy to cover the owner and anyone driving with the owner's express or implied consent. A friend who borrows the car occasionally falls into that category.

Regular drivers are a different matter. The [Division of Insurance's teen-driving guidance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tips-for-teen-driving) says all licensed household members and any other licensed person who customarily drives the vehicle must be listed on the policy. Excluded drivers, policy terms, driver classification and conditions on optional coverages can all affect whether a claim is paid, so ask your agent what happens if an unlisted household member drives.

## What coverage is optional or required by a lender?

The compulsory coverages protect other people and pay PIP benefits; they do not repair your own car. The [Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/optional-auto-insurance-coverages-what-consumers-should-know) lists these common optional coverages:

- **Collision** pays for accidental damage to your car from a collision or upset, subject to the deductible and policy terms.
- **Comprehensive** pays for damage from events such as theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, animal contact and certain glass damage.
- **Limited collision** is a narrower collision-related option.
- **Medical payments** pays medical and funeral expenses under the policy terms.
- **Optional bodily injury to others** extends liability protection, including situations the compulsory bodily injury coverage excludes.
- **[Underinsured motorist](https://riskado.com/massachusetts-uninsured-motorist-coverage/)** coverage pays when the at-fault driver's liability coverage is not enough.
- **[Gap or loan-lease payoff](https://riskado.com/is-gap-insurance-worth-it/)** coverage may address some of the difference between your car's value and the loan or lease balance, depending on the contract.

If you finance or lease, the lender's contract can require coverage that state law does not. [Ford Credit's published terms (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ford.com/finance/apply/ford-usa-terms.pdf), for example, require collision and comprehensive, or fire and theft, for certain financed vehicles, and liability insurance for leases under the stated terms. Your own finance or lease contract controls, so compare it with your policy before you sign.

![A compact sedan parked on a quiet New England street with autumn leaves on the pavement](https://riskado.com/blog/massachusetts-car-insurance-requirements/own-car-coverage.jpg)

Collision and comprehensive, the coverages for your own car, are optional under state law.

## What if no insurer will write your policy?

The [Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP) (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-auto-insurance-plan) is the route for drivers who cannot get coverage in the voluntary market. An agent submits the application, and MAIP assigns the driver to a participating insurer under the plan rules. MAIP is not an insurance company itself; it places you with an insurer that is.

## How do you verify an agent or file a complaint?

The Division of Insurance [Consumer Resources (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/consumer-resources) page links to license searches for insurance companies, agents and agencies. Check the producer or agency there before you rely on them to arrange coverage. Complaints go to the Division's Consumer Services Unit, reachable through [How to Contact the Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/how-to-contact-the-division-of-insurance) or at CSSComplaints@mass.gov. The unit can try to resolve complaints within its jurisdiction, but it cannot pick an insurer or agent for you.

If you are comparing agencies, Riskado's [Massachusetts agency directory](https://riskado.com/agencies/massachusetts/) lists agencies by city and by category, so you can find people to talk to. Treat a listing as a starting point and verify the license yourself on the [Massachusetts insurance license lookup (opens in a new tab)](https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/?jurisdiction=MA).

## Questions to ask your agent

These questions follow the topics the [Massachusetts Consumer Bill of Rights for automobile insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-consumer-bill-of-rights-for-automobile-insurance) and the [Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/part-ii-what-is-in-my-insurance-policy) address:

1.  Which four coverages are compulsory for this vehicle, and what limit is shown for each?
2.  Is each limit per person or per accident?
3.  Does the policy reflect the minimum limits in effect since July 1, 2025?
4.  Who is listed as a household member, customary operator or occasional permissive driver?
5.  What happens if an unlisted household member drives?
6.  What does PIP pay, and how does it coordinate with my health coverage?
7.  Does the policy cover driving outside Massachusetts?
8.  Which optional coverages protect the car itself, and what deductibles apply?
9.  Does my lender or lease contract require specific physical-damage coverage?
10.  Are there exclusions, driver restrictions or excluded operators?
11.  What notice will I get if a payment is late or the policy is canceled?
12.  How will my insurance be reported to the RMV?
13.  If voluntary coverage is not available, can you explain MAIP?
14.  What is your Massachusetts producer license number and the agency's legal name?

Before the conversation, gather the VIN, registration details, garaging address, the names of every licensed household member, and any lienholder information. Commercial and business vehicles fall under separate rules and are worth a separate conversation with an agent who writes commercial auto.

**Quiz: Check what you know about Massachusetts car insurance requirements**

1. How many compulsory auto coverages does Massachusetts require?
   - Two
   - Four **(correct answer)**
   - Six
2. What is the minimum property damage limit for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025?
   - $5,000 per accident
   - $30,000 per accident **(correct answer)**
   - $50,000 per accident
3. Which coverage pays specified injury-related expenses regardless of who caused the crash?
   - Personal injury protection (PIP) **(correct answer)**
   - Damage to someone else's property
   - Collision
4. Is collision coverage one of the compulsory Massachusetts coverages?
   - Yes, for every registered vehicle
   - No, collision and comprehensive are optional coverages for your own car **(correct answer)**
   - Only for vehicles older than ten years
5. What is MAIP?
   - An insurance company owned by the state
   - The Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan, which assigns drivers who cannot get voluntary coverage to participating insurers **(correct answer)**
   - A discount program for new residents

## Frequently asked questions

### Do the new limits apply to my current policy?

The $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and uninsured auto limits and the $30,000 property damage limit apply to policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, according to [Filing Guidance Notice 2025-A (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/doc/2025-a-new-motor-vehicle-mandatory-coverage-limits/download). A policy renewed after that date should already carry them. Check the declarations page or ask your agent.

### Does property damage coverage pay to fix my own car?

No. Compulsory property damage coverage pays for damage you cause to other people's property. Damage to your own car falls under optional collision or comprehensive coverage, according to the [Division of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/optional-auto-insurance-coverages-what-consumers-should-know).

### Can my registration be revoked even if I meant to renew?

Yes. Under [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34H (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34H), revocation can take effect on the cancellation date unless a replacement certificate or applicable appeal protection is filed on time. Paying a nonpayment deficiency by the effective date stops the cancellation itself.

### Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Massachusetts?

Yes. Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto is one of the four compulsory coverages, with minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident under [M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A (opens in a new tab)](https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXIV/Chapter90/Section34A). Underinsured motorist coverage is a separate, optional coverage.

### Who can help if no company will insure me?

An agent can apply on your behalf to the [Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (opens in a new tab)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-auto-insurance-plan). MAIP assigns eligible drivers to participating insurers.

## Before you call an agency

The minimums tell you what the law requires to put a car on the road; they are not a measure of [how much coverage fits your situation](https://riskado.com/how-much-car-insurance-do-i-need/). Bring your current declarations page, your lender contract if you have one, and the list of questions above. A licensed agent can show you how the compulsory coverages, any optional coverages and your lender's terms fit together on a single quote, and you can check every limit against the figures here before you sign.

### Terms used in this guide

Tap a term to see what it means.

**Compulsory coverage.** One of the four auto coverages Massachusetts requires on every registered private passenger vehicle.

## More articles

- [DC Car Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage, Uninsured Motorist, PIP Offers and What to Ask Your Agent](https://riskado.com/dc-car-insurance-requirements/): DC requires 25/50/10 liability plus uninsured motorist coverage on every registered car. See the PIP offer, DMV rules, lapse fines and what to ask an agent.

- [Georgia Car Insurance Requirements: Minimum Limits, Proof of Insurance in GEICS, What Full Coverage Means and the Uninsured Motorist Offer](https://riskado.com/georgia-car-insurance-requirements/): Georgia requires 25/50/25 liability on every registered car, reported to the state through GEICS. See what full coverage means, the UM rules and lapse fees.

- [Florida Car Insurance Requirements: PIP and Property Damage Minimums, When Bodily Injury Liability Is Required, Proof of Insurance and What Full Coverage Means](https://riskado.com/florida-car-insurance-requirements/): Florida requires $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability on registered cars. See when bodily injury liability applies, proof rules and lapse fees.

- [Alabama Car Insurance Requirements: The 25/50/25 Minimums, Proof of Insurance, the Uninsured Motorist Offer and How Alabama Fault Rules Affect a Claim](https://riskado.com/alabama-car-insurance-requirements/): Alabama requires 25/50/25 liability, insurance before registration and an uninsured motorist offer. See proof rules, the 20-day deadline and MLI notices.

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