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Drivers in Massachusetts are required to have at least $20,000 in uninsured motorist insurance per person (up to $40,000 per accident). Uninsured motorist insurance covers expenses for the policyholder and their passengers after an accident if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. Uninsured motorist insurance can also apply to hit-and-run accidents.
Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Massachusetts
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI) coverage pays medical bills for the policyholder and their passengers after an accident with an uninsured motorist. UMBI is required in Massachusetts.
In some states, drivers can purchase uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage, which pays to repair or replace the policyholder’s vehicle, but Massachusetts does not offer it. Instead of UMPD, drivers in Massachusetts can use collision insurance, which covers vehicle repairs after an accident.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Massachusetts
Normally, a Massachusetts driver can collect damages from the at-fault driver’s liability insurance after an accident. However, if the other driver is uninsured, getting compensation can be time-consuming or nearly impossible. That’s where uninsured motorist coverage can help. Instead of having to file a lawsuit, you can file a claim with your own insurance company in order to pay your bills and get the repairs or treatment you need without waiting for the courts.
Even though car insurance is required in Massachusetts, an average of 4% of drivers in the state don’t have car insurance. Car accidents in Massachusetts can be extremely expensive, too. For example, fatal accidents in Massachusetts have a total cost of $522 million each year. As a result, uninsured motorist insurance is a smart investment for Massachusetts drivers.
Key Facts About Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Massachusetts
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: $20,000 per person and up to $40,000 per accident
- Uninsured Drivers on the Road: 4%
- Total Crashes per Year: 132,738
- Annual Cost of Fatal Accidents: $522 million
To learn more, check out WalletHub’s guide to uninsured motorist coverage.