Mapfre Insurance: Vehicle Registration Services

MAPFRE Insurance offers a range of insurance services for vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, watercraft, boats, yachts, and recreational vehicles. They are the leading car insurance provider in Massachusetts and also offer coverage in seven other US states and Puerto Rico. While MAPFRE does not directly register vehicles, they do provide the necessary insurance coverage to register a vehicle in Massachusetts. This includes bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage, all of which are mandatory in the state. Obtaining car insurance from MAPFRE is one of the steps required to register a vehicle in Massachusetts.

Registering a used car in Massachusetts

Obtain a Bill of Sale

A Bill of Sale is a formal document signed by both the seller and the buyer, outlining the details of the vehicle sale, including the price and date. In Massachusetts, this document is typically only necessary for registration if the vehicle is exempt from the Certificate of Title due to its age. In such cases, the bill of sale and the previous owner's registration are required for registration. While the bill of sale may not be mandatory in other cases, it is still recommended for the buyer's records.

Obtain the Certificate of Title

The Certificate of Title establishes ownership of the vehicle. Both the seller and buyer must complete the "Assignment of Title" section of the vehicle's Certificate of Title. This includes the seller's name, address, and signature; the buyer's name, address, and signature; and the odometer reading. If there is a lien on the vehicle, ensure that the lienholder information is accurate and up-to-date.

Get Car Insurance

In Massachusetts, it is mandatory to have car insurance to operate a registered vehicle. The minimum insurance requirements in the state include $20,000/$40,000 bodily injury liability coverage, $5,000 property damage coverage, $8,000 personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, and $20,000/$40,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage.

Complete an Application for Registration and Title

Within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle, you must complete a Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Registration and Title Application. This can be done through a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent or directly at the RMV. Be prepared to meet identification requirements with a state-issued driver's license, Massachusetts identification, or Social Security Number.

Get a Massachusetts License Plate

To obtain a Massachusetts license plate, submit the registration fee, title fee, and sales tax to the RMV. The standard registration fee for a passenger vehicle is $60 for two-year plates, and the title fee is $75. The sales tax in Massachusetts is 6.25%. After completing the necessary steps, you will receive new plates, a registration certificate, a registration decal for the plates, and a new title.

Pass Vehicle Inspection

Within 7 days of registering your vehicle, you must have it inspected at a registered inspection station. This inspection ensures that your vehicle meets Massachusetts' safety and emissions regulations. The inspection typically costs $35 for most vehicles and $15 for motorcycles. Once your vehicle passes the inspection, an inspection sticker will be placed on the windshield, valid for one year.

Mandatory car insurance coverage in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles registered to operate in the state, except for mopeds with a maximum speed of under 30 mph. The penalties for violating this law can be severe, with fines of up to $500 for a first offence, or even a year in jail, although this is unlikely for a first offence. For a second offence, the fine can increase to $5,000 and the likelihood of a jail sentence is greater.

There are four types of car insurance coverage that are compulsory in Massachusetts:

• Bodily Injury to Others: This protects you, or someone you allow to drive your car, from legal liability if you accidentally injure or cause the death of someone else while operating your car. It only covers losses if the accident occurs in Massachusetts and does not cover the injury or death of a passenger in your car. The minimum coverage required is $20,000 per person and $40,000 if more than one person is hurt.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This covers medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages, and replacement services up to a limit of $8,000. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means that no matter who causes the accident, PIP will pay these expenses for you, anyone you let drive your car, anyone living in your household, passengers in your vehicle, and pedestrians.
• Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto: This protects you, anyone you let drive your car, and household members and passengers (who are not covered under another similar Massachusetts policy) against losses caused by an uninsured or unidentified ("hit and run") driver. The minimum coverage required is $20,000 per person and $40,000 total for all people injured by the uninsured auto in the accident.
• Damage to Someone Else's Property: This coverage pays for damage to another person's property when you, a household member, or another driver you allow to use your car, accidentally damage another person's property. The minimum coverage required is $5,000.

In addition to the mandatory coverages, drivers in Massachusetts can also choose from a variety of optional coverages, such as collision and comprehensive coverage, medical payments coverage, and coverage for substitute transportation. It is important to carefully consider your insurance needs and choose the coverages and limits that best fit your financial situation and protect you in the event of an accident.

How to obtain a Certificate of Title

MAPFRE Insurance provides guidance on how to register a used car in Massachusetts, which includes obtaining a Certificate of Title. Here is a detailed guide on how to obtain a Certificate of Title:

A Certificate of Title is a legal document that proves ownership of a vehicle, land, or property. It is a formal record that includes essential details about the owner and the property. Obtaining a Certificate of Title is a crucial step when purchasing a used car or property, as it establishes your legal ownership.

Steps to Obtain a Certificate of Title:

• Understand the Requirements: Before initiating the process, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of the state or territory where the property is located. In the case of vehicles, the requirements may vary depending on the state of registration.
• Identify the Relevant Authority: Certificates of Title are typically issued and held by the state's or territory's land registry or an equivalent government body. In the case of vehicles, it could be a motor vehicle registry.
• Gather Necessary Documents: Depending on the nature of the property and the location, you may need to provide various documents. For vehicles, this could include a bill of sale, the previous owner's registration, and proof of insurance. For real estate, you may need to provide proof of ownership, such as a sales contract or deed.
• Complete the Application: Visit the website or office of the relevant authority to obtain the application form for a Certificate of Title. Fill out the form accurately, providing all the required information. Be prepared to meet identification requirements, such as providing a driver's license, government-issued identification, or a Social Security Number.
• Submit the Application and Supporting Documents: Submit your completed application along with any necessary supporting documents to the appropriate authority. Ensure that you keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.
• Pay the Required Fees: Obtaining a Certificate of Title typically incurs fees, which may vary depending on the state or territory. In Massachusetts, for instance, the title fee for a vehicle is $75, while in South Australia, the fee for a copy of a title search is approximately $28.25.
• Receive the Certificate of Title: Once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive your Certificate of Title. In some cases, you may receive it via email in a digital format, while in other cases, you may need to collect it in person.

It is important to note that the specific process and requirements may vary depending on the state or territory and the nature of the property (vehicle, land, or other personal property). Always refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by the relevant authorities when obtaining a Certificate of Title.

Minimum car insurance requirements in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, drivers must carry a minimum amount of car insurance coverage before getting behind the wheel. The minimum car insurance requirements in Massachusetts include liability insurance, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the minimum requirements:

Liability Insurance:

• Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This covers injuries to other drivers and passengers in an at-fault accident.
• Property Damage Liability Coverage: $5,000 per accident. This covers damage to another person's property, such as repairs to other vehicles or personal belongings.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP):

$8,000 per person, per accident. PIP covers medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages, and replacement services resulting from an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage:

Bodily Injury: $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. This protects you if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

It is important to note that Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means your insurance will cover your damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident, up to your policy limit. Additionally, you must carry proof of insurance at all times while driving and provide it to law enforcement officials upon request.

Vehicle inspection requirements in Massachusetts

To register a vehicle in Massachusetts, an inspection is required within 7 days of registration. This inspection ensures that the vehicle meets the state's safety and emissions standards. The Massachusetts Vehicle Check program is a combined safety and emissions inspection program. All vehicles driven on Massachusetts roads must pass an annual safety inspection.

The Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program was introduced in October 2008 and provides a combined safety and emissions inspection. Vehicles with onboard diagnostic systems manufactured after the 2008 model year must pass an annual emissions test. The inspection fee is typically $35 for most vehicles, but commercial inspections may cost more.

The safety inspection covers 14 key components of a vehicle, including the exhaust system, steering and suspension, glazing, glass and windshield wipers, lights, and more. The emissions test checks for problems with the emissions control system, which can add pollutants to the air and reduce fuel economy.

It is important to note that driving a motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker is a traffic violation in Massachusetts and may result in fines and affect insurance rates.

Frequently asked questions