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Massachusetts DUI & Violation Insurance Guide

Massachusetts requires 25/50/30 liability coverage and is a no-fault state.

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Massachusetts at a Glance

25/50/30

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

No-fault

Each driver's own policy pays their injuries first, whoever caused the crash

Required

PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

No

A defensive driving course does not remove points here

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Massachusetts

Most Massachusetts auto insurance carriers will non-renew your policy after a DUI conviction or serious violation — they typically wait until your policy term ends rather than canceling immediately, giving you 30–90 days to find replacement coverage. The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) requires you to maintain SR-22 filing for 3–5 years after license reinstatement, depending on the violation. You must carry at least the state minimum liability limits (20/40/5) continuously during this period, and your insurer must file proof of coverage electronically with the RMV.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

SR-22 is not a type of insurance — it is a certificate your insurer files with the Massachusetts RMV proving you carry the required minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing; you will typically need to obtain coverage from a non-standard insurer that specializes in high-risk drivers.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers — those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. Most standard carriers in Massachusetts will not offer you coverage immediately after a DUI or serious violation.

Liability Insurance

This is the legal minimum you must carry during your SR-22 filing period, though higher limits reduce your financial exposure. Any lapse in liability coverage during the SR-22 period triggers RMV notification and can result in immediate license suspension.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is the category of coverage available to drivers with DUIs, suspensions, multiple violations, or poor driving records. In Massachusetts, high-risk policies are typically offered through the Massachusetts SDIP (Safe Driver Insurance Plan) surcharge system, which assigns points to violations and increases premiums accordingly. A first-offense DUI typically carries a 5-year surcharge period.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive and collision coverage are not legally required in Massachusetts, but if you have an auto loan or lease, your lender will require them. Some non-standard carriers offer liability-only policies to reduce upfront cost.

What Drivers Pay in Massachusetts

$226–$268/mo

Typical monthly rate in Massachusetts, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type and severity (first-offense DUI vs. repeat offense vs. refusal)
  • SDIP surcharge points assigned to the violation (typically 5 points for DUI, active for 6 years)
  • Prior driving history and whether you have additional violations within the surcharge period
  • Whether you maintained continuous coverage or had a lapse before or after the violation
  • Carrier availability — Massachusetts has fewer non-standard carriers than many states, limiting competitive pricing
  • Geographic location within Massachusetts — urban areas like Boston have higher base rates than rural counties
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