Massachusetts requires registered vehicle owners to carry auto insurance to protect all drivers and passengers on the state roadways. This coverage is a contract between you as an insured and the insurer (providing insurance agency) for financial assistance during a covered auto incident.
Massachusetts requires registered vehicle owners to carry auto insurance to protect all drivers and passengers on the state roadways. This coverage is a contract between you as an insured and the insurer (providing insurance agency) for financial assistance during a covered auto incident.
The Guide to Getting Auto Insurance in MA
Auto insurance coverage in Massachusetts is mandatory, and you must show proof of insurance when registering your vehicle. Know what evidence you need. There are a few things to know when shopping for insurance policies.
Basic Elements of an Auto Insurance Policy
An insurance agency provides car insurance, and as an insurer, you purchase the coverage you need or want. You agree to pay a premium (which is the cost of the policy) to the insurer and obey the stated rules of the contract. The insurer then must pay for expenses incurred for eligible, covered incidents up to a certain threshold. It is your policy limit. Eligible expenses vary by covered loss, accident, or the type of policy taken out on your vehicle.
The Coverage Available for an Auto Insurance Policy
Different types of auto insurance provide different coverages. The state of MA requires you to carry four specific coverages and at certain minimum policy limits. These include:
· Bodily injury to other
· Damage to another person’s property
· Bodily injury involving an uninsured auto
· Personal injury protection
Though not required, you can extend your financial protection by adding comprehensive collision coverage.
Bodily Injury
Your liability insurance policy will only cover expenses associated with injuries to the other driver or passengers. State law requires a minimum of $20,000 per person or $40,000 per accident.
Property Damage
Paying for property damage also falls under an auto liability policy, but again, it only pays for the repairs or replacement of the other driver’s vehicle. It could also pay for someone else’s mailbox if you backed into it or for a bicycle if you hit someone riding their bike. State law requires at least $5,000 per accident for these situations.
Personal Injury Protection
Your injuries are eligible for financial assistance from your auto insurance through PIP. It goes into effect regardless of who is at fault for the accident. The state minimum is $8,000 per person per accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Although auto insurance in MA is not optional, some drivers take to the roads without legally registering their vehicle or having the necessary insurance coverage. In these cases, uninsured/underinsured coverage helps pay for the expenses of bodily injury associated with an accident. The state minimums are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident.
Using Auto Insurance to Your Advantage
Complying with MA’s auto insurance laws protects you from legal action and potentially losing your license. Still, it doesn’t guarantee that you are financially secure in the event of an accident. Although there are minimum limits to maintain with your coverage, these limits may not come close to taking care of the expenses you face.
Your auto insurance is the most effective when it addresses the most significant risks you face. It often means increasing your limits or extending your coverage to include more covered incidents.
About E.J. O’Neil Insurance Agency
Since 1898, E.J. O’Neil Insurance Agency has provided homeowners with reliable coverage and high-quality customer service. Today, we offer a variety of policies, including commercial, boat, automobile, homeowners, motorcycle and renters insurance. Quotes are free by phone or online request, and we can provide notary and other services at our location. We pride ourselves on caring for customers when they need it most, proving it with over $3.2 million in claims paid over 12 months. To find the right coverage for your need, call 413-594-4757 or visit us online.