Save On Auto Insurance In Massachusetts: Tips And Tricks

Car insurance in Massachusetts is moderately priced compared to other states. The average cost of car insurance in the state is $466 for minimum coverage and $1,737 for full coverage per year. However, there are ways to save on auto insurance in Massachusetts. For instance, keeping a clean driving record, bundling insurance policies, and choosing a higher deductible can help reduce insurance premiums. Additionally, insurance companies offer various discounts for things like being a good student, having safety features in your car, and driving a low number of miles annually. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance providers can also help find the cheapest car insurance rates.

Raise your deductible

One way to save on auto insurance in Massachusetts is to raise your deductible. A deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your car sustains damage that requires $1,500 worth of repairs, and you have a $500 deductible, you would pay the first $500 yourself, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $1,000.

Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could save you a few hundred dollars a year. However, it's important to ensure you have enough money in the bank to cover the unexpected expense of a higher deductible. Your financial situation and driving habits should be considered when deciding on a deductible amount. If you can afford a higher out-of-pocket cost in the event of a claim and want to lower your premium, a higher deductible might be suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer lower out-of-pocket expenses at the time of a claim, opt for a lower deductible.

Additionally, the value of your vehicle should be considered when deciding on a deductible. It may not be prudent to have a high deductible on a car valued at only a few thousand dollars, as you could end up paying a significant portion of the car's worth in the event of a loss. It's also worth noting that if your deductible exceeds the amount of repairs needed for your car, it doesn't make financial sense to file a claim. For example, if your repair bill is $800 but your collision deductible is $1,000, you would be responsible for the entire repair bill because the repair costs are lower than the deductible amount.

Before raising your deductible, consult with your Massachusetts independent agent to determine the best options for your specific situation.

Keep your driving record clean

Keeping your driving record clean is one of the most effective ways to save on auto insurance in Massachusetts. A clean driving record means having no or minimal violations, accidents, points, or fines on your driving record. This indicates that you are a low-risk driver, which insurance companies reward with lower premiums.

To maintain a clean driving record, obey all traffic laws, including speed limits, and practice safe driving habits. Avoid speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), or failing to stop at traffic lights or signs. These violations can result in points on your record, leading to higher insurance rates or even license suspension.

In addition to safe driving habits, consider taking a defensive driving course. These courses provide valuable crash avoidance techniques and can lead to insurance discounts. Review your driving record regularly and address any errors with your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Contest any citations you feel are unjustified, and consider expungement for more serious offenses with the help of a traffic lawyer.

Remember, a clean driving record gives you more options for insurance coverage and can result in significant savings on your auto insurance premium.

Pay annually instead of monthly

One way to save on auto insurance in Massachusetts is to pay annually instead of monthly. Many Massachusetts insurance companies, like MAPFRE, offer discounts if you pay for your insurance for the year in full at renewal instead of in monthly instalments.

For example, the average cost of car insurance in Massachusetts is $466 for minimum coverage and $1,737 for full coverage per year. This equates to $40 per month for minimum coverage and $97 per month for full coverage. Therefore, by paying annually instead of monthly, you can save on the overall cost of your car insurance.

Additionally, you may save money by signing up for auto-pay and choosing e-billing and electronic delivery of policy documents.

Sign up for autopay

Signing up for autopay is a great way to save on your auto insurance in Massachusetts. Here are some reasons why you should consider enrolling in autopay and how to go about it:

First and foremost, autopay can help you save money on your insurance premiums. Insurance companies like MAPFRE and Safety Insurance offer reduced installment billing charges when you sign up for autopay. This means you'll be paying less overall for your insurance by simply choosing a more convenient payment method.

The autopay program offers convenience and peace of mind by automatically debiting your checking or savings account each month. You get to choose the date for the payment, anywhere from the 1st to the 28th of the month, ensuring that you can set it up according to your preference and financial situation.

Additionally, autopay enrolment is easy and can be done online. For Safety Insurance, you can log in to your account, go to the Auto Pay screen, and click the link at the bottom of the screen to continue to New AutoPay Setup. Here, you'll confirm your payment details, and you'll be all set.

It's important to note that autopay only allows payments from checking or savings accounts, and payments from foreign bank accounts or PayPal are not considered valid forms of payment.

By signing up for autopay, you can save money, ensure timely payments, and enjoy the convenience of automatic billing. It's a simple step that can make managing your auto insurance in Massachusetts more efficient and cost-effective.

Take a defensive driving course

Defensive driving courses are an effective way to save on auto insurance in Massachusetts. These courses offer valuable crash avoidance techniques, helping drivers to improve their skills and reduce the risk of collisions. The National Safety Council (NSC) offers a range of Massachusetts RMV-approved defensive driving courses, including the Driver Retraining Program (DRP) and the 4-hour Driver Attitudinal Retraining Program. These courses are mandated for drivers who have accumulated multiple surchargeable events or violations within a specified time frame. Successful completion of these courses can help drivers avoid license suspension and may even lead to auto insurance discounts.

In addition to the NSC, MAPFRE Insurance has partnered with In Control to offer policyholders an auto insurance discount upon completion of their defensive driving course. AAA also provides defensive driving courses in Massachusetts, available both in-person and online, with a course certificate mailed upon completion. These courses can enhance driving skills and potentially lead to insurance savings.

It is important to consult with a Massachusetts independent agent or insurance representative to understand the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining insurance discounts through defensive driving courses. They can provide valuable advice and help identify additional savings opportunities.

By enrolling in a defensive driving course, drivers in Massachusetts can not only improve their safety on the road but also potentially reduce their auto insurance costs. It is a worthwhile investment of time and effort to explore this option and consult with experts to maximize potential savings.

Frequently asked questions