Selecting the appropriate auto insurance can be a difficult choice, and costs vary greatly depending on factors like where you live, driving history and coverage level. To help make this choice as painless as possible for Massachusetts drivers, we analyzed data from hundreds of them and created this calculator that will provide estimates tailored specifically to you and your circumstances.
Our calculation takes into account various details about your vehicle, driving history and any discounts or exemptions you might qualify for based on year, make, model and model as well as location and credit score. It assumes full coverage including higher than state required liability limits as well as collision and comprehensive protection as well as any discounts you might qualify for and any potential discounts you might be eligible for.
Your driving record is one of the key determinants of your rate, with having no traffic violations or accidents contributing to lower premiums. On the other hand, having had issues on your record can increase premiums significantly – for instance adding a teen driver can boost them up by as much as 2.7x while having had a DUI will make things even more expensive than having no record at all.
Age can also play an influential role. Younger drivers typically pay more, as insurers perceive them to pose more of a risk. However, some states have outlawed using driver age as part of the rating process, potentially cutting your rate by as much as 25 percent.
Your ZIP code, population of your city or town and crime and traffic rates also play a role in your rates, with high-density areas such as Boston incurring higher premiums than Lowell or Cape Cod for similar coverage. These variations can lead to significant variations between rates in densely populated areas with higher crime and traffic rates versus more sparsely populated ones – for instance if you live in Boston and encounter more incidents or crimes there than somewhere like Lowell or Cape Cod.
Some states are taking steps to reduce these inequities by restricting how much weight insurers give drivers’ addresses or demographic data when setting rates. Massachusetts State Senator Pavel Payano recently introduced legislation that would prohibit auto insurers from basing more than 75% of their rating algorithms on ZIP code information alone. As part of this plan, Massachusetts hopes to decrease racial and socioeconomic disparities in auto insurance pricing across the state. Meanwhile, you can find affordable Massachusetts car insurance by shopping around and taking advantage of discounts. Save money by opting for liability-only car insurance coverage instead of full coverage; this will still protect most costs related to an accident you cause. The Massachusetts Division of Insurance can assist with any issues or questions about your current provider; they can be reached at 1-800-828-8490.