Car Insurance in Boston
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Bustling in Beantown
Rich in history and culture, Boston stands as one of America's most vibrant cities. Nearly 670,000 people live within the city limits and almost 4.9 million people live in the greater metropolitan area, accounting for almost two-thirds of the state's population. Boston is the cultural and financial center of New England, making it a great place to be for both work and play. Whether you work for companies such as General Electric or Liberty Mutual or attend elite institutions such as Harvard and MIT, Boston's the place to be.
When you have to commute around a major metropolitan area, the potential for car accidents increases sharply. Consider these Boston-area characteristics that factor into the potential for collisions:
- City of walkers: Boston is one of the nation's most walkable large cities. The potential for collisions with pedestrians (including jaywalkers) is higher than in other areas.
- Narrow and one-way streets: Boston has many narrow streets, leading to increased traffic congestion. Also, one-way streets can be confusing to some drivers, raising the potential for serious accidents involving other cars, pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Construction: Boston is still a growing city, and road construction projects can lead to detours and lane closures, increasing the potential for accidents.
- Winter weather: Boston is subject to cold and stormy winters, creating hazardous conditions such as low visibility and icy roads.
With fatal pedestrian crashes on the rise both in Boston and statewide it's more important than ever for drivers to be financially responsible for the damages caused by a collision, which can include the loss of life. Most people cannot afford to pay for these damages, so having car insurance in Boston is essential.
Exploring Car Insurance Requirements
To operate a vehicle in Massachusetts, you're required to carry the following coverage:
- Bodily injury to others: This covers the injury or death of others (not in your vehicle) as a result of an in-state collision. You must have at least $20,000 for one person and $40,000 for two or more.
- Personal injury protection: This pays for medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages and replacement services up to $8,000, regardless of who is at fault.
- Bodily injury caused by uninsured auto: If you're involved with a hit-and-run or a driver who has no insurance, this coverage pays for the medical bills of you and other passengers. You'll need at least $20,000 for one person and $40,000 for all involved.
- Property damage: You need at least $5,000 to cover damage by your vehicle to someone else's property.
A serious accident can cause damages that exceed these minimums, so you should consider higher coverage levels, as well as other benefits such as comprehensive coverage (protects from theft and vandalism), rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance. VIU by HUB can help you sort through your available options.
Buying Car Insurance in Boston
The average annual car insurance premium in Boston is nearly $1,112 per year, which matches the state average but is lower than the national average of $1,548. In the Bay State, the following factors will affect your premium:
- Age: Younger and less experienced drivers pay higher rates for auto coverage.
- Driving record: Drivers without DUIs, speeding tickets or other violations pay less for insurance.
- ZIP code: Living in parts of Boston with higher rates of auto thefts and uninsured drivers will result in a higher premium.
VIU by HUB is here to help you understand what factors affect your premium, as well as available discounts. Get the best car insurance in Boston for you and your household by calling us today.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.
Sources
SmarterTravel: The 10 Most Walkable Cities in America
Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in MA