MA Car Insurance Rate Estimator
State Average (Standard)
Brockton (High Risk)
Springfield
Boston – Dorchester/Roxbury
Lawrence
Lynn
Worcester
Revere
Lowell
Fall River
Quincy
Cambridge/Somerville
Newton/Brookline
Plymouth
Amherst/Northampton
Berkshires/Rural
Cape Cod/Islands
Clean Record (Step 99)
1 Minor Incident (Speeding)
1 At-Fault Accident
Multiple Incidents / Major Violation
DUI / Suspended License
State Minimum Only (20/40/5)
Standard (50/100/50 + Collision)
Premium (100/300/100 + Low Deductible)
Estimated Annual Premium:
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Estimated Monthly Payment:
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Risk Factor Score:
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* Note: This is an estimation based on regional averages in Massachusetts. Actual rates depend on credit score (where applicable), specific vehicle VIN, annual mileage, and insurance carrier discounts.
Understanding Massachusetts Car Insurance Rates by Town
Massachusetts is unique in the auto insurance landscape. As a "managed competition" state, insurance carriers have some flexibility in setting rates, but the location where your car is garaged remains one of the single biggest factors in determining your premium. This calculator helps you estimate costs based on the specific risk profiles of different Massachusetts municipalities.
Did you know? In Massachusetts, moving just a few miles from a city center like Dorchester (Boston) to a suburb like Milton can sometimes reduce your auto insurance premiums by over 30% due to differences in accident frequency and theft rates.
How "Garaging Location" Affects Your Premium
Insurance companies divide Massachusetts into distinct territories. Each town—and sometimes different zip codes within the same city—is assigned a rating factor based on historical data. This data includes:
- Traffic Density: Areas with high congestion (like Springfield or Worcester) statistically see more fender benders.
- Theft & Vandalism Rates: Urban centers generally have higher rates of vehicle theft, increasing the cost of Comprehensive coverage.
- Accident Severity: Some towns have higher speed limits or dangerous intersections that lead to more severe (and expensive) injury claims.
High-Risk vs. Low-Risk Towns in MA
Based on insurance data, towns in Massachusetts generally fall into tiered risk categories:
- Tier 1 (Highest Rates): Brockton, Springfield, Chelsea, Lawrence, and certain neighborhoods of Boston (Roxbury, Dorchester). Drivers here can pay premiums 50-100% higher than the state average.
- Tier 2 (Moderate Rates): Worcester, Lowell, Revere, Fall River, and dense suburbs like Quincy or Malden.
- Tier 3 (Lowest Rates): The Berkshires, Cape Cod, and quiet suburbs like Chatham, Wellesley, or Newburyport. These areas have fewer cars on the road and lower claim frequencies.
The Impact of the Safe Driver Insurance Plan (SDIP)
While your town sets the baseline, your driving record applies the multiplier. Massachusetts uses a system called SDIP (Safe Driver Insurance Plan). A "Step 99" represents the best possible rating (Clean in the calculator). However, incidents add points to your record:
- Minor Traffic Violations: Speeding tickets usually add a surcharge that lasts for years.
- Major Accidents: At-fault accidents can increase your premium by roughly 67% on average in MA.
- Criminal Violations: DUIs are treated severely, often tripling rates or forcing drivers into the MAIP (Massachusetts Automobile Insurance Plan) for high-risk drivers.
Coverage Levels Explained
The calculator above adjusts for three common tiers of coverage:
- State Minimum (20/40/5): This meets the legal requirement but is rarely recommended. It covers only $20,000 per person for bodily injury and a mere $5,000 for property damage. In a multi-car accident, $5,000 is often insufficient.
- Standard (50/100/50): A more balanced approach that provides collision coverage for your own vehicle and higher liability limits.
- Premium (100/300/100): Recommended for homeowners and those with assets to protect. It provides $100,000/$300,000 in bodily injury liability and significantly better protection against uninsured motorists.
Tips for Lowering Your Rate
If you live in a high-rate town like Brockton or Springfield, you aren't entirely out of luck. You can lower your premiums by bundling auto and home insurance, opting for a higher deductible (e.g., raising it from $500 to $1,000), and inquiring about "low mileage" discounts if you drive fewer than 5,000 miles per year.