Required vs. Optional Car Insurance in Massachusetts: What Do You Really Need?

Do you know if your car insurance is truly protecting you?

Many drivers in Massachusetts pay for car insurance every month—but still don’t know which parts of their policy are required and which are optional. If you’re unsure, you’re not alone.

Why is this such a big deal?

Not knowing what’s required by law—and what’s just extra—can lead to two big problems: being underinsured and paying for coverage you don’t need. That’s not just frustrating. It could leave you in serious financial trouble after an accident.

What will you learn here?

In this article, we’ll walk you through the required car insurance coverage in Massachusetts, what optional add-ons are available, and how to tell what’s right for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to check in your policy—and whether you’re missing anything important.

Let’s get started.

What Car Insurance Is Required in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law requires four types of coverage for all drivers. Here’s what they are and what they do:

1. Bodily Injury to Others
   • Covers injuries you cause to someone else in an accident.
   • Minimum required: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident.
2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
   • Covers your medical bills and lost wages—even if the accident was your fault.
   • Minimum required: $8,000 per person.
3. Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto
   • Covers you if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance.
   • Minimum required: $20,000 per person / $40,000 per accident.
4. Damage to Someone Else’s Property
   • Pays for damage you cause to another person’s car or property.
   • Minimum required: $5,000 per accident.

These four coverages are not optional. If you drive in Massachusetts, you must have them.

What Insurance Coverage Is Optional?

While the required coverage helps with the basics, it might not be enough to fully protect you in a serious accident—or cover damage to your own car.

That’s where optional coverages come in. Here are the most common ones:

1. Collision Coverage
   • Pays to repair or replace your own car if you're in an accident—even if it’s your fault.
2. Comprehensive Coverage
   • Covers damage from things like theft, weather, fire, or hitting a deer.
3. Higher Limits of Liability
   • Gives you more protection in case damages go beyond the state minimums.
4. Rental Reimbursement
   • Helps pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired after an accident.
5. Roadside Assistance
   • Helps with flat tires, dead batteries, or towing if your car breaks down.

These coverages aren’t required by the state, but they can save you from big bills and headaches down the line. In fact, if you have a loan or lease, your lender may require some of them anyway.

So, what do you actually need?

That depends on your car, your driving habits, and your budget.

If you’re driving an older car you could replace easily, skipping collision or comprehensive might make sense. But if your car is newer—or your savings wouldn’t cover major repairs—those optional coverages could be a smart investment.

The best way to know? Talk to a local expert who understands Massachusetts laws and your personal situation.

Final Thoughts: Are You Fully Protected?

Massachusetts drivers are required to carry four types of insurance, but that’s just the starting point. Optional coverages like collision, comprehensive, and higher liability limits offer peace of mind—and better protection when you need it most.

At the end of the day, car insurance shouldn’t be a mystery. You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re protected from. Now that you understand the difference between required and optional coverage in Massachusetts, it’s time to take the next step.

💬 Have questions about your current policy—or want to make sure you’re fully covered?

Call our agency 617-298-0655 today. We’ll walk you through your options and help you build a plan that fits your life, your car, and your budget.