Massachusetts Lawyer Blog

Massachusetts competitive auto insurance is about to begin and become available to Massachusetts consumers.

An insurance premium comparison website has been made available for Massachusetts consumers looking to lower their car insurance bills under the new program. The interactive website allows you to compare estimates of premiums for new private passenger automobile policies sold in Massachusetts.

The site was rolled out as part of an introduction to managed competition beginning April 1, 2008 in Massachusetts. The consumer focused website asks several questions before providing results as well as discounts companies may offer.

One of the seven questions makes a distinction between types of auto insurance coverage: "mandatory" or "standard."

Mandatory coverage is the least amount required under Massachusetts law (Bodily Injury ($20,000/$40,000); Personal Injury Protection; Uninsured Motorist ($20,000/$40,000); Property Damage ($5,000)).

The "Standard Policy” offers more protection: Bodily Injury ($100,000/$300,000); Personal Injury Protection; Uninsured Motorist ($100,000/$300,000); Property Damage ($100,000); Collision and Comprehensive ($500 deductible), and is recommended over the required minimum.

The site states, "[a]ccidents can often result in damage that exceeds these [Standard] limits." At least a $100,000 bodily injury policy limit makes a lot more sense than $20,000. Whether you are being sued or if you are injured in a car accident, you will be more protected.

When the other side in your case has no (or too little) insurance – then your insurance policy may be available to compensate you for your damages. Even when you were not at fault, your insurance company may end up paying you for injuries caused by someone else. This was discussed earlier in my Hit and Run post discussing "uninsured" issues.

In the end, the better policy protects both you and others on the roads. Contact me if you’d like to discuss the options available to you when you’ve been injured in car, bus, or truck accident in Massachusetts. We are experienced in these cases and we can help you with the insurance issues they raise. Let our attorneys know if we can help you discover the insurance that may be available to compensate you for your injuries, pain and suffering, or loss.