Liability Insurance in Massachusetts: What You Need to Know
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In Massachusetts, all residents who own or drive a vehicle must carry insurance that meets state requirements. However, you may be unfamiliar with Massachusetts liability insurance requirements or what it pays for. Understanding the fundamentals of general liability insurance in Massachusetts can help you decide whether to purchase a basic policy or additional coverages that offer more protection.
Understanding Liability Insurance
Massachusetts requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, which compensates others for medical expenses and property damage if you're at fault for a car accident, up to your coverage limits.
Liability insurance typically includes three components: bodily injury limits for a single individual, bodily injury limits for all parties in one accident, and property damage. States set minimum limits for each component. Drivers must buy a policy that meets those limits, but they can set higher limits at their discretion.
Keep in mind that liability insurance only compensates others for their losses. It does not pay for damages you suffer in an at-fault accident. If you want a policy that covers vehicle repairs when you're responsible for a wreck, purchase collision coverage.
Legal Requirements for Liability Insurance in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts minimum liability auto insurance requirements include:
- $20,000 for bodily injuries to one individual in a single accident
- $40,000 for bodily injuries for all individuals in one collision
- $5,000 for property damage arising from an accident
Your Massachusetts liability insurance policy must also include $8,000 in personal injury protection (PIP). PIP pays medical expenses for you and your passengers and may cover up to 75% of lost wages if you cannot work after an accident. Your PIP coverage kicks in no matter who is at fault in the collision.
Another type of insurance Massachusetts drivers must carry is uninsured motorist coverage. It pays for medical costs and vehicle repairs if an at-fault driver without auto insurance hits you. Your uninsured motorist coverage must include $20,000 for bodily injuries for one person and $40,000 for all individuals in your vehicle.
Since liability coverage requirements may change, it's important to stay informed about insurance news that impacts your responsibilities.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Importance of Liability Insurance
All drivers in Massachusetts are responsible for buying insurance. After all, without insurance, you put yourself and others at risk every time you drive a vehicle.
Protecting Against Claims
Even if you practice safe driving habits, there's always the chance of an accident. One of the most common ticket violations in Massachusetts is speeding, which can increase the risk of an accident. With auto insurance, you have peace of mind your policy will pay for any injuries or property damage you cause up to your coverage limits. There's less risk that an injured party will start legal proceedings against you because your policy compensates them for losses.
Maintaining Compliance with State Laws
Driving without insurance is illegal in Massachusetts. If caught, you may face serious consequences, including a year in jail and a fine between $500 and $5,000. A court may suspend your driving privileges for 60 days and order you to carry high-risk auto insurance. A second violation within six years of an initial conviction for driving without insurance may lead to a one-year suspension of your driver's license.
Evaluating Your Insurance Needs
While all drivers must carry liability insurance in Massachusetts, you may want additional types of insurance for further protection, including collision and comprehensive coverage.
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle if you're in an at-fault accident. It may also cover vehicle damage if you hit a stationary object, like a road sign or a curb. Comprehensive insurance covers vehicle repairs in circumstances outside your control, including theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, and weather-related events.
If you finance or lease a vehicle, your creditor may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision insurance, so always review your loan agreement. Otherwise, it's optional.
How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider
Once you decide on the types of coverages you need, you can start researching Massachusetts car insurance companies to find your policy. Besides policy costs, you'll also want to consider other important aspects, like customer service, coverage options, and available discounts.
Shopping around when buying a car insurance policy is a good idea. Getting quotes from several providers can help you secure an affordable rate. EverQuote offers free custom insurance quote comparisons that save you time. It takes just a matter of minutes to get quotes from multiple providers.
Claims Process and Management
Car accidents are unpredictable and can happen at any time. Knowing what to do in a collision can make it easier to handle.
1. Call for Help
Immediately after an accident occurs, notify the police. If anyone has injuries, you should also request an ambulance. The police will clear the road and help drivers exchange insurance information.
2. Get Evidence of the Accident
You may want to take photos of the accident, including damage to your vehicle and other cars. Pictures may help when you file a claim with your insurance company.
3. Seek Medical Care
Getting checked out by a doctor after an accident is a good idea. Even if you don't have visible injuries, there may be internal damage that a medical professional can treat you for.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most insurance companies allow you to file a claim online through their website. You may need to provide information about the accident's location and other parties involved in the crash. Your insurance company will investigate and cover damages in accordance with your coverage.