If you need auto insurance in Massachusetts, you have many companies to choose from. Whether you need to insure a fleet of business vehicles or just your own car, it is important to determine which company offers the best plan for your needs. Usually in order to get the best deals, you will need to do some research in the insurance industry. However, the time spent finding these deals is worth it, and making the most of auto insurance in Massachusetts will be easier than you ever thought.

There are several ways get the most for your money when looking for Massachusetts auto insurance. Even if you are not a new customer to a company, but a loyal one, there may be ways to save money that you have not yet considered. Check out the following tips:

1. Look for applicable discounts from Massachusetts auto insurance companies.

2. Take advantage of business offers from Massachusetts car insurance providers.

3. Look for companies with accident forgiveness at no cost to you.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine if you qualify for discounts from car insurance companies in Massachusetts

Many Massachusetts auto insurance providers offer an array of discounts. Typically, the most difficult part of the process is determining which discounts you qualify for. Discounts vary from one insurance company to the next, but you can often save money when you insure more than one vehicle or piece of property with the same company, have no accidents for several years, take a defensive driving course, install an anti-theft device, or have a car with safety items like anti-lock brakes. Some insurance agencies even offer discounts to certain companies or industries.

I recommend: Esurance provides several discounts, from lower rates for multiple cars and a great driving record to discounts for taking safety courses and installing safety devices in your car. If your degree or job involves engineering, science or education, you can also obtain a discount from this company. GMAC Insurance offers similar discounts, as well as lower rates for those with other GM or GMAC services and products.

Find out if any insurance companies in Massachusetts offer a business rate

If you need to insure several cars for employees, even saving a few dollars per car is helpful. Ask auto insurance providers in Massachusetts if they offer lower rates for those who insure several cars at once or for small business owners. Some insurance companies might not offer a discount upfront, but they might have a specific category for business customers with more benefits included than normal.

I recommend: Choose the category that your business falls into to obtain a unique insurance plan and rate for your company cars at Allstate. State Farm Insurance and the Jeff Carbone Insurance Agency also offer deals on business auto insurance for many types of cars and industries.

Find decent rates for car insurance in Massachusetts despite an imperfect record

If your driving record is spotty and contains past accidents or moving violations, you might think you can never get car insurance, let alone a low rates. However, Massachusetts is home to myriad auto insurance companies that offer a second chance to drivers with a few past mistakes years ago.

I recommend: If you have been insured with Nationwide for five or more years and have had no accidents for at least three years, you can qualify for accident forgiveness. Progressive extends this offer to those who have been customers for four years and accident-free for three.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Some professional clubs and organizations, such as AAA, can save you money on your Massachusetts auto insurance premium. Consider joining such a club for both the business benefits and lower insurance.

Auto insurance in Massachusetts, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, Massachusetts auto insurance isn't just something that drivers in the "Bay State" should have; it's something they must have.

Massachusetts auto insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in Massachusetts, you need auto insurance in Massachusetts. Here's what kind and how much, according to Massachusetts state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in Massachusetts, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL), personal injury protection (PIP), property damage liability (PDL) and uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage; collision and comprehensive coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in Massachusetts must include PIP coverage of up to $8,000 for the driver of your car to pay for his or her injuries or death in the event of an accident.
3. Auto insurance in Massachusetts must include BIL coverage of at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
4. Auto insurance in Massachusetts must include PDL coverage of at least $5,000 for damage to another person's property in an accident.
5. In Massachusetts, auto insurance must include at least $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) coverage in the event that you’re in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get Massachusetts auto insurance quotes online

If you need Massachusetts car insurance quotes, the Internet is a good starting point. Available from all major car insurance companies in Massachusetts, online quotes offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from Massachusetts auto insurance providers at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit Massachusetts car insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in Massachusetts and all provide competitive Massachusetts auto insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in Massachusetts are AIG, Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in Massachusetts.

Get auto insurance from local Massachusetts auto insurance companies

Rates can vary dramatically among Massachusetts auto insurance providers; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based companies.

I recommend: For auto insurance providers in Massachusetts, try Massachusetts-based companies like Bridge Insurance Associates, Estabrook & Chamberlain Insurance and Steffon, James & Finnegan Insurance Agency. Also consider local programs, such as the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan, which is designed for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in Massachusetts, and the state’s Safe Driver Insurance Plan.

Use an independent agent to find Massachusetts car insurance bargains

Buying auto insurance in Massachusetts via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you auto insurance in Massachusetts, use the “agent locator” feature at the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents or search the member directory at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

Choose Massachusetts auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with Massachusetts car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in Massachusetts. Other good resources are the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, which licenses car insurance companies in Massachusetts, and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which compiles statistics on complaints about auto insurance companies in Massachusetts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum Massachusetts auto insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have Massachusetts auto insurance include driver's license and license plate suspension, cash fines of at least $500 and up to $5,000, and even jail time.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better Massachusetts auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in Massachusetts.

If you need auto insurance in Massachusetts, you can find it from several insurance companies. Whether you need to insure a fleet of business vehicles or just your own car, it is crucial to determine which company offers the best plan for your needs. Before you start your search for auto insurance, it is useful to know the auto insurance in Massachusetts basics, such as your state's minimum requirements. Being insured for higher amounts decreases your chances of being forced to pay out-of-pocket expenses for an accident.

Several factors can affect the Massachusetts car insurance coverage you need, as well as the cost for it per month. That is why it's important to keep the following in mind:

1. Find out how much auto insurance you need in Massachusetts.

2. Know the information required by most companies before trying to obtain an accurate quote.

3. Compare Massachusetts car insurance quotes online.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Ensure that you obtain the minimum amount of car insurance in Massachusetts

Before accepting a new insurance plan, you should know exactly how much coverage you need. When it comes to car insurance, Massachusetts requires a minimum amount for each driver. The minimums are 20/40/05, which means that you are covered up to $20,000 for each individual injury in an accident, with $40,000 allowed per accident, while the total that insurance would pay for property damage is $5,000. This state also requires uninsured motorist coverage, with a minimum of $20,000 per person and a total of $40,000 per accident.

I recommend: Get information about the basic Massachusetts auto insurance requirements as well as quotes from CarInsurance.com and Auto Insurance In-Depth.

Know required information ahead of time before going to Massachusetts auto insurance companies

Before you seek quotes on car insurance, you will need to know certain information. Many companies will ask for your vehicle make, model and year before offering you insurance, so make sure you know this information. Your address, especially your zip code, also has to do with how much your premium will cost.

I recommend: Liberty Mutual Insurance requires a zip code prior to entering the rest of the site. InsureMASS requires other information, such as the amount of miles driven in a year, number of years with a license and car type.

Obtain Massachusetts car insurance quotes online

Most Massachusetts auto insurance providers are willing to provide you with a quote through email. Simply fill out basic information regarding your insurance needs, and you can often receive your quote the next business day. This allows you to price shop and compare quotes from car insurance companies in Massachusetts without ever leaving your office chair.

I recommend: Amica is one of the many auto insurance providers in Massachusetts that requires some basic information before sending a quote. Massquotes requires similar information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Fortunately for residents, auto insurance companies in Massachusetts are required to provide anyone with insurance, no matter his or her driving record or credit. However, you can get a lower premium when you can display a clean driving record and good credit history.

All drivers must purchase auto insurance in Massachusetts to avoid hefty fines. However, business owners do have a choice in the level of insurance that they purchase to cover their vehicles. They can purchase the bare minimum coverage for PIP, BIL and UM, or they can choose a higher amount of coverage. More coverage can mean higher premiums, but you'll end up paying less in the event of an accident. Take the time to make sure that you understand the popular insurance words and how they apply to auto insurance in Massachusetts.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM)

In most cases, both parties in an accident will have car insurance, which will take care of expenses. However, Massachusetts require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage in the event that one party does not have insurance. This will cover expenses in hit-and-run accidents as well. Drivers should have at least 20/40 coverage.

I recommend: Read the article at Insurance.com to understand uninsured motorist coverage and why you need it.

Bodily injury liability (BIL)

Bodily injury liability, sometimes abbreviated as BIL or just BI, is insurance coverage for any harm that you cause to a person in the event of an accident. Massachusetts law requires you to have at least 20/40 coverage.

I recommend: Visit the Car Insurance Guide for more information on BIL and why you need it.

Personal injury protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection goes beyond covering medical damages to also cover things such as income loss or child care expenses. Massachusetts is one of the few states that requires PIP, at a level of up to $8,000.

I recommend: Read more about personal injury protection from Allstate.

Property damage liability (PDL)

Property damage liability covers the amount of damage caused to personal property during an accident. In Massachusetts, drivers should carry at least $5,000 for property damage liability.

I recommend: Progressive discusses property damage liability for commercial customers.

20/40/5

A number sequence such as 20/40/5 represents a state's required level of insurance. The first number is the maximum BIL for one person in an accident. The second number is the maximum BIL for the entire accident. The third number is for property damage. Massachusetts has a 20/40/5 requirement, which means that a driver must have at least $20,000 BIL for one person, $40,000 BIL for the whole accident and $5,000 for property damage. Some calculations do not include the property damage requirement and may look like 20/40.

I recommend: Insure.com discusses how to read the liability limits and notes the required limits by state.

Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan (MAIP)

If a driver cannot get insurance through a typical insurance company, he or she can obtain it through the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan, or MAIP. This is a reinsurance plan designed to reduce the risk for auto insurance companies that provide insurance to high-risk drivers. All companies that provide auto insurance in Massachusetts must accept MAIP.

I recommend: Learn more about the Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan through the Massachusetts Government website.