Short answer: Massachusetts requires four compulsory auto coverages. For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025, the minimums are $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury to others, $8,000 of personal injury protection, $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto, and $30,000 for damage to someone else's property.
The four compulsory parts
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance describes the standard Massachusetts auto policy as having compulsory and optional parts. Chapter 275 of the Acts of 2024 raised the minimum limits for policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025:
| Compulsory coverage | Previous minimum | July 1, 2025 and later |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Bodily injury to others | $20,000 / $40,000 | $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Part 2: Personal injury protection | $8,000 | $8,000 |
| Part 3: Bodily injury caused by an uninsured auto | $20,000 / $40,000 | $25,000 / $50,000 |
| Part 4: Damage to someone else's property | $5,000 | $30,000 |
The property damage increase is the biggest change: from $5,000, one of the lowest in the country, to $30,000.
Part 1: Bodily injury to others
Pays for injuries you cause to other people in Massachusetts, including pedestrians and passengers in other cars. It doesn't cover your own injuries. For accidents outside Massachusetts, the optional "Part 5" coverage extends protection.
Part 2: Personal injury protection (PIP)
PIP pays up to $8,000 for medical bills, lost wages and replacement services for you, your household members, passengers and pedestrians, regardless of fault. If you have health insurance, it may become primary for medical costs after a certain amount of PIP is paid. You can choose a PIP deductible in some cases to lower your premium.
The $2,000 tort threshold
Massachusetts is a no-fault state for injuries, but you can sue an at-fault driver for pain and suffering if you cross a threshold. Under M.G.L. c. 231, §6D, you generally need more than $2,000 in reasonable and necessary medical expenses, or an injury involving death, loss of a body member, permanent and serious disfigurement, loss of sight or hearing as defined in the law, or a fracture.
Part 3: Uninsured auto
Pays for your injuries when an uninsured or hit-and-run driver causes them. Underinsured coverage is optional. Many drivers add it because 25/50 still isn't much after a serious injury.
Part 4: Damage to someone else's property
Pays for damage you cause to another person's car or property. At $30,000, the new minimum is far more realistic, but a crash with a newer vehicle or multiple cars can still exceed it.
Common optional coverages
- Optional bodily injury to others (Part 5) for higher limits and out-of-state accidents.
- Underinsured auto for drivers whose insurance is too small.
- Collision, limited collision and comprehensive for your own car.
- Medical payments for additional medical coverage.
Common scenarios
Your policy last renewed in April 2025. It renewed under the old minimums. Your next renewal should apply the new limits.
You're rear-ended and have $1,500 in medical bills. PIP pays, but you probably can't sue for pain and suffering unless another threshold applies.
You hit a new SUV in Boston traffic. Under the new minimum, you have at least $30,000 for its repairs.
A hit-and-run driver injures you. Part 3 can pay for your injuries.
Key terms
- Compulsory coverage: the four parts every Massachusetts policy must include.
- PIP: no-fault medical, wage and replacement services coverage, up to $8,000.
- Tort threshold: the $2,000 medical expense or injury-type test to sue for pain and suffering.
- Part 5: optional bodily injury coverage with higher limits.
Questions to ask your broker
- Has my policy renewed under the July 2025 minimums?
- Should I add underinsured auto coverage?
- Do I need higher Part 5 limits?
- Would a PIP deductible make sense with my health insurance?
Bottom line
Massachusetts' 2025 changes made the compulsory policy stronger, especially for property damage. Most drivers with assets still benefit from higher optional limits and underinsured coverage. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Massachusetts and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Massachusetts?
For policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2025: 25/50 bodily injury, $8,000 PIP, 25/50 uninsured auto and $30,000 property damage.
What were the old Massachusetts minimums?
20/40 bodily injury, $8,000 PIP, 20/40 uninsured auto and $5,000 property damage.
Is Massachusetts a no-fault state?
Yes, for injuries. PIP pays regardless of fault, and lawsuits for pain and suffering require crossing a threshold.
What is the Massachusetts tort threshold?
Generally more than $2,000 in reasonable medical expenses, or certain serious injuries such as a fracture.
Is underinsured coverage required in Massachusetts?
No. It's optional, but uninsured auto coverage is compulsory.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.