Boston, MA Car Insurance

Compare Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Boston.

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By Beth Swanson

Updated October 2, 2023

Reviewed By Nathan Foster

Edited By Ross Martin

Table of contents:

Cheap auto insurance in Boston
Average car insurance cost in Boston
Why is car insurance in Boston so expensive?
Bundling insurance policies
FAQs

How much does car insurance cost in Boston?

Car insurance in Boston costs an average of $914 for a six-month policy, which is about $152 per month. Our 2023 data shows that State Farm is the best option for cheap car insurance in Boston, as it offers an average rate of $356 for a six-month policy.

Bostonians pay more than the state average for car insurance in Massachusetts ($703 every six months) and more than the national average rate of $880. Of our Boston customers, 37% said they're paying too much car insurance. Maybe you're in this camp, too, or perhaps you just want to understand your insurance coverage better. Either way, stick with us to learn more about fair rates in Boston, as well as what goes into calculating these costs, such as credit score, age and even your neighborhood.

Updated: 09/28/23.
Car Insurance in Boston vs. Massachusetts	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Boston Average	$914
Massachusetts Average	$703

The cheapest car insurance companies in Boston

1st place: State Farm

State Farm is the cheapest company we analyzed in Boston, with average rates of $59 per month or $356 for a six-month policy.

2nd place: GEICO

In second place is GEICO, which costs $93 per month, or $560 for a six-month policy.

3rd place: USAA

Finishing out our top three is USAA. On average, a car insurance policy through USAA in Boston costs $828 per six-month policy. This breaks down to $138 per month. However, USAA coverage isn't available to everyone so be sure to check your eligibility.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Boston:

The average cost of a car insurance policy in Boston is $914 per six-month policy — $152 per month.
The cheapest car insurance company in Boston is State Farm ($356).
Boston ranks as the 29th most expensive city for car insurance in Massachusetts.
37% of Zebra customers in Boston said they're paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

Boston car insurance rates by company

Our 2023 research revealed State Farm as the most affordable auto insurer in Boston, with rates around $59 per month ($356 for a six-month policy). Our next cheapest company was GEICO, coming in at $93 per month, or $560 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm	$356
GEICO	$560
USAA	$828
MetLife	$884
Progressive	$918
Plymouth Rock	$1,003
Hanover	$1,059
Allstate	$1,253

Dynamic auto insurance data methodology

Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.

Shop around to save on car insurance

The easiest way to save money on your auto insurance is to compare companies. Let The Zebra help you out! Just enter your ZIP code to get quotes from top companies such as Allstate, State Farm and GEICO (plus many more) so you can find the best, and cheapest, coverage in Boston.

Average car insurance in Boston by rating factor

Rating factors are the ingredients that go into creating your individual auto insurance rate — those little details that give insurance companies insight into who you are as a driver, and how much risk you pose. Most companies generally use the same rating factors, but they may weigh them differently. For instance, Company A might place a higher priority on your age while Company B may focus more on your credit score.

It's important to remember that the best insurance company for you may not stay the same over the years; as your life changes, so do your insurance needs. Be sure to get updated quotes every so often to make sure your coverage still meets your needs and suits your budget as life evolves.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying claims) play a big role in how much you pay for car insurance in Boston, even if you're a fantastic driver with no claims. Sometimes insurance companies simply have to raise rates due to the increased cost of doing business in Boston.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Boston

Age is a very important rating factor in the car insurance world. Insurance companies are all about risk, and when analyzing drivers of different ages and their likelihood of accidents or claims, it has been shown that teen drivers carry more risk than other groups. Therefore, the premiums for younger drivers are significantly higher than those of more experienced drivers. The difference in rates between teens and drivers in their 20s in Boston is $1,810 — this is the largest difference between any two age groups.

There can be some serious sticker shock for young drivers and their parents alike, but remember that it isn't personal, and these prices don't last forever. Insurance companies have to offset the cost of increased claims from this group of drivers, so they are therefore charged the highest rates.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm	$1,055
GEICO	$1,392
USAA	$2,065
Plymouth Rock	$2,430
MetLife	$3,229
Hanover	$3,584
Allstate	$3,794
Progressive	$3,967

Age Bracket	Cheapest Companies	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s	State Farm	$435
30s	State Farm	$356
40s	State Farm	$356
50s	State Farm	$356
60s	State Farm	$312
70s	State Farm	$268

Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for Boston drivers between 20-40 are State Farm, GEICO and USAA

The majority of drivers in Boston are between the ages of 20 and 40. This group pays, on average, $1,040 every six months. By going with one of these three companies, drivers in this age bracket can potentially save up to 38%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Boston

One of the biggest factors in determining your auto insurance rate is the level of coverage you choose. In Boston, 27% of drivers carry the state minimum coverage of car insurance. Although technically meeting the state's requirement, carrying the bare minimum may leave you at risk of being underinsured if you're involved in an accident. Also, Massachusetts differs from other states in that it requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage.

Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (together they're commonly known as "full coverage") will increase your rates, but can provide extra peace of mind behind the wheel. These coverages typically require a deductible, which can be a good thing if you want full coverage but also try to keep your rates more affordable. By opting for a higher deductible, your rates will be less.

There are also extras like roadside assistance that you might consider adding to your policy. Even though your rates will go up slightly, experts at The Zebra recommend carrying it for the peace of mind and protection for yourself and your vehicle.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

According to our data, about half of drivers in Boston own their vehicles outright. Usually, if you're leasing or financing your vehicle there is a certain insurance coverage requirement. But if your vehicle is paid-in-full you might consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage is right for you. We suggest getting the actual cash value of your vehicle via Kelley Blue Book before making a decision. Generally, if your car is worth $4,000 or less then you probably don't need to carry collision coverage. Just keep in mind that in the event of an accident, you'll be paying out-of-pocket for damages.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm	$123
GEICO	$205
Hanover	$213
MetLife	$239
USAA	$249
Plymouth Rock	$269
Allstate	$353
Progressive	$381

Minimum: State liability coverage only
Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.

42% of our customers in Boston opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand state minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Massachusetts' 20/40/5 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $20,000 per person in bodily injury, $40,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for standard car accidents, it might not be enough for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

A few other details about car insurance in Massachusetts:

Uninsured motorist coverage is required (40/20)
Personal Injury Protection coverage is required ($8,000 per person)
MA is a no-fault state

Dive into insurance laws in Massachusetts to make sure you've got the coverage you need.

Boston car insurance rates by credit score

In most states, including Massachusetts, your credit score is another key rating factor in determining premiums. This is due to several reasons. Data shows that drivers with lower credit scores tend to have more lapses in coverage, engage in more risky driving behavior and file more claims in general. Because analysts have connected poor credit with higher risk, the worse your credit the more you'll pay for car insurance.

In fact, Boston drivers with poor credit (300-579) pay 67% more than drivers with excellent credit (800-850). Our data tells us 57% drivers in Boston have a good (680-719) credit score. In 2023, State Farm is the cheapest option for Boston drivers for this credit range.

Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm	$356
MetLife	$884
Progressive	$918
Hanover	$1,059
Allstate	$1,253
USAA	$1,324
GEICO	$1,350
Plymouth Rock	$8,299

Zebra Tip: If you've improved your credit, it's a great time to shop for insurance!

In Boston, our data shows drivers with "Fair" credit pay $836 less for car insurance per year than drivers with "Poor" credit. This could be a savings of about $70 per month. If you've been working to improve your credit (such as paying off a loan) then check your favorite credit monitoring program to see if your hard work could help you save on car insurance.

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

At-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common type of insurance claims, and you'll typically see an increase in your rates after an incident. In 2023, an at-fault accident raised the average car insurance rates in Boston by anywhere from $30 to $101 per month. Since violations can stay on your record for several years, this can add up to a significant amount over time. The cheapest insurance company in Boston after an at-fault accident is State Farm.

The best way to keep your rates low, regardless of where you live, is to avoid accidents and citations. Things like speeding citations and reckless driving charges usually all result in rate increases. Your driving record is important, and as mentioned above, your premium can be affected for three to five years. Depending on the type of incident, it could be even longer, such as with a DUI or DWI.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm	$548
GEICO	$805
USAA	$1,143
Plymouth Rock	$1,408
Progressive	$1,497
MetLife	$1,698
Hanover	$1,859
Allstate	$2,007

Boston car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Boston.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Accident/Violation	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	% Rate Increase	$ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim	$914	0%	$0
None	$914	0%	$0
One comp claim	$936	2%	$22
Two Med/PIP claims	$936	2%	$22
Not-at-fault accident	$937	3%	$23
Two comp claims	$969	6%	$55
Child safety restraint	$1,031	13%	$117
Driving without lights	$1,031	13%	$117
Failure to wear a seat belt	$1,041	14%	$127
At-fault accident - less than $1000	$1,096	20%	$182
Cell phone violation	$1,147	26%	$234
Texting while driving	$1,147	26%	$234
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit	$1,153	26%	$239
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit	$1,154	26%	$240
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit	$1,154	26%	$240
Speeding in school zone	$1,154	26%	$240
Driving too slowly	$1,154	26%	$240
Following too closely	$1,160	27%	$247
Wrong way/wrong lane	$1,160	27%	$247
Failure to stop at a red light	$1,160	27%	$247
Failure to yield	$1,160	27%	$247
Illegal turn	$1,161	27%	$247
Improper passing	$1,161	27%	$247
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit	$1,163	27%	$249
In 65 MPH zone	$1,163	27%	$249
Operating a vehicle without permission	$1,172	28%	$258
Passing school bus	$1,213	33%	$299
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000	$1,470	61%	$556
At-fault accident - greater than $2000	$1,520	66%	$606
Failure to show documents	$1,545	69%	$631
Driving with expired registration	$1,557	70%	$643
Open container	$1,614	77%	$700
Reckless driving	$1,720	88%	$806
Refusal to submit to a chemical test	$1,751	92%	$837
Racing	$1,810	98%	$896
DUI	$1,824	100%	$911
Driving with a suspended license	$1,840	101%	$926
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run	$1,840	101%	$926

Why is car insurance in Boston so expensive?

Compared to other cities in New England, the cost of auto insurance in Boston isn't actually that expensive, but it can still feel that way at times. Car insurance in Boston can seem pricey for several reasons. One reason is that the cost of living in Boston is high, which means that car insurance companies have to charge more to cover their costs, as well. But there's more to it than that — on top of your coverage level, credit history and driving record, there are other factors that impact your rates.

Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance is expensive in Boston, even for the best drivers.

Location

Where you live, specifically, in Boston also affects how much you pay for car insurance — rates can vary across Boston by as much as $270. The area in which you live is one of the biggest factors in your rate, next to age and credit score.

Why does your neighborhood matter? Some areas of the city are more prone to crime or uninsured motorists, which both increase the risk for insurance companies. If you live in a ZIP code with a high-crime rate, you'll probably pay more for auto insurance than someone who lives in a safer neighborhood.

Expensive Boston ZIP codes: 02128, 02127, 02125, 02133, 02111

Cheap Boston ZIP codes: 02222, 02163, 02108, 02115, 02203

Weather

The damage caused by hurricanes and other similar weather-related damage has been known to bankrupt insurance companies. Massachusetts experiences a wide variety of weather, and Boston's location on the water puts it at a higher risk. Because of this risk, it’s expensive for auto insurance companies in Boston to do business, therefore they'll raise their rates to anticipate losses due to Mother Nature.

Flooding is one of those disasters that can happen just about anywhere, but if you've got comprehensive coverage, you'll be prepared. Comprehensive coverage is especially beneficial if you've got a newer or nice vehicle that would be expensive to repair, so we recommend carrying it as a part of your car insurance policy in Boston.

Drivers

Boston is a booming metropolis with plenty of cars on the road. With more cars on the road, more accidents are inevitable. The costs of accident-related claims are typically passed along to other drivers in the area through higher premiums — even for safe drivers.

Our research shows that about 29% of drivers in Boston are not currently insured — which can lead to numerous unexpected repairs and even more serious problems. Luckily, Massachusetts' required UMPD coverage is there to help if you're in a situation with someone lacking insurance

Zebra Tip: Uninsured property damage coverage is there to help

In cities or ZIP codes with high rates of uninsured drivers, we typically suggest carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). But unlike many states, Massachusetts already requires UMPD coverage as part of its state minimum. This coverage will provide assistance to you if a driver damages you or your vehicle without insurance (or not enough insurance). This coverage typically has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. Plus, the rate increase after a UMPD claim can be hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.

Bundling insurance policies in Boston

Car insurance prices may not be getting cheaper anytime soon, but there are still things you can do to save. For instance, bundling your home and auto coverage can save you up to 10% on combined premiums. Be sure to ask about bundling discounts when shopping around for coverage — it is pretty straightforward and can be well worth your time. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.

Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Boston, MA

Updated: 09/28/23.
Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
State Farm	$356
GEICO	$515
MetLife	$748
USAA	$784
Progressive	$801
Hanover	$815
Plymouth Rock	$903
Allstate	$943

Although there are things beyond your control, such as climate or the cost of doing business in Boston, there are still things you can do to help cut auto insurance costs.

The easiest way to save money is simply to compare. Get auto insurance quotes from as many companies as possible to make sure you're getting the most affordable rate that meets your needs — in both coverage and customer service. Shop around every six months to a year, or whenever personal factors have changed, such as celebrating a milestone birthday or improving your credit score.

Some companies are just more expensive than others, and some areas have higher costs than others, so don't be afraid to switch!

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

Frequently asked questions

How much is car insurance in Boston?

The average for a six-month auto insurance policy in Boston is $914 for a six-month policy or $152 per month. This is more expensive than the national and Massachusetts state averages.

What is the cheapest car insurance in Boston?

State Farm is the carrier with the cheapest rates in Boston, coming in at an average of $356 per six-month policy.

How much is car insurance in Boston for teenagers?

Teenagers in Boston pay over $2,990 for a six-month policy or $498 per month. Because car insurance is so expensive for teen drivers who have their own policy, we recommend that young drivers be added to their parents' policies to significantly bring down the cost.

Find affordable rates in minutes!

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.