If you're driving in Weymouth, you've probably sat in that Route 3 backup wondering what happens if someone rear-ends you during rush hour. Here's the thing about Massachusetts auto insurance that surprises most people: it doesn't work like it does in most states. Massachusetts is a no-fault state, which means after an accident, you file a claim with your own insurance company first—not the other driver's. That's a big shift if you're coming from another state, and it changes how you should think about your coverage.
Add to that the fact that Massachusetts just raised its minimum coverage requirements for the first time since 1988, and you've got a lot to navigate. Whether you're commuting to Boston on Route 3, dropping kids at South Shore schools, or just running errands around Norfolk County, understanding how auto insurance actually works here will save you headaches and money.
What Massachusetts Requires (And Why It Changed in 2025)
As of July 1, 2025, the minimum auto insurance requirements in Massachusetts increased significantly. Your policy now must include bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident (up from 20/40), property damage liability of $30,000 per accident (up from just $5,000), Personal Injury Protection of $8,000 per person, and uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
Why the jump? Those old 20/40/5 limits hadn't budged in 37 years. Meanwhile, medical costs skyrocketed, car repairs got more expensive (hello, backup cameras and sensor-laden bumpers), and jury verdicts climbed. The old $5,000 property damage limit was especially outdated—that barely covers a fender bender these days when the average vehicle repair costs several thousand dollars.
If your policy renewed after July 1, 2025, you're already paying for these higher minimums. For most Weymouth drivers, that meant a premium increase, but here's the silver lining: you're actually protected now. The old limits left many drivers personally liable for damage exceeding their coverage, which could mean garnished wages or liens on your property.
How No-Fault Insurance Actually Works in Weymouth
Massachusetts is one of only 12 no-fault states, and understanding this system is crucial. When you're in an accident—whether you caused it or not—you file a claim with your own insurance company through your Personal Injury Protection coverage. Your PIP pays for medical expenses, up to 75% of lost wages, and replacement services up to $8,000. This applies to you, anyone driving your car with permission, household members, passengers in your vehicle, and even pedestrians you hit.
The no-fault system is designed to speed up claims and reduce litigation. You get your medical bills paid quickly without fighting over who was at fault. But here's the catch: you can't sue the other driver for pain and suffering unless your injuries are serious. To step outside the no-fault system, you must meet specific thresholds—at least $2,000 in medical expenses, or injuries involving permanent disfigurement, a broken bone, or substantial loss of hearing or sight.
Important distinction: the no-fault system only applies to injuries. For vehicle damage, traditional at-fault rules apply. If someone plows into your car in the Route 18 Walmart parking lot, you can absolutely go after their property damage liability coverage to fix your vehicle. And if you're found more than 50% at fault in an accident, Massachusetts' Safe Driver Insurance Plan will hit you with surcharges that can last for years.
Why Weymouth Drivers Need More Than the Minimum
Let's talk about what makes driving in Weymouth different. In 2020 alone, Weymouth saw 1,253 crashes—587 resulted in injuries and 8 were fatal. Rear-end collisions account for 37% of crashes here, which makes sense when you think about the stop-and-go traffic during commute hours. Route 3 gets particularly congested during morning and evening rush as residents head to and from Boston.
Given these conditions, minimum coverage is risky. That $25,000 per person bodily injury limit sounds okay until you realize a serious accident can generate six figures in medical bills. If you cause an accident and injure multiple people, you could blow through your $50,000 per accident limit quickly. Any amount beyond your coverage comes out of your pocket—think wage garnishment, property liens, or bankruptcy.
The good news? Weymouth drivers actually pay less than the national average for auto insurance. The average monthly premium here is around $102 compared to $168 nationally. That means you can afford to boost your coverage without breaking the bank. Consider increasing bodily injury limits to at least 100/300, adding collision and comprehensive coverage if you have a newer vehicle, and exploring umbrella policies for extra liability protection.
What Affects Your Rates in Norfolk County
Insurance companies look at several factors when setting your premium in Weymouth. Your commute matters—if you're driving Route 3 to Boston daily, you're on the road more than someone working from home, which means more exposure to accidents. The frequency and severity of accidents in your ZIP code also factor in, and with over 1,200 annual crashes in Weymouth, that's not insignificant.
Your driving record is huge. Massachusetts uses the Safe Driver Insurance Plan to track at-fault accidents and traffic violations. Get cited for that rolling stop at Washington Street and you could see surcharges for up to six years. The type of vehicle you drive matters too—a loaded SUV costs more to repair and can cause more damage in an accident than a compact sedan, which affects your rates.
Here's what you can control: shop around. Rates vary wildly between insurers even in the same town. According to recent data, State Farm tends to have the most affordable coverage in Weymouth at around $62 per month, but that doesn't mean they're cheapest for your specific situation. Get quotes from at least three companies, and ask about discounts for bundling home and auto, installing anti-theft devices, taking defensive driving courses, or going paperless.
Getting Started: What to Do Next
First, check your current policy. If it hasn't renewed since July 2025, you're still on the old minimums and technically not in compliance. Contact your insurer to update your coverage immediately. Even if you are at the new minimums, ask yourself honestly: is $25,000 enough if you seriously injure someone? Could you afford to pay out of pocket if you're found liable beyond your limits?
Get comparison quotes. The insurance market in Massachusetts is competitive, and companies weigh risk factors differently. What makes you high-risk to one carrier might be acceptable to another. Use online comparison tools or work with an independent agent who can shop multiple carriers at once. Be honest about your driving habits—if you commute daily on Route 3, say so. Lying to save a few bucks will come back to bite you when you file a claim.
Finally, review your coverage annually. Your needs change—maybe you paid off your car loan and can drop collision coverage, or maybe your teen started driving and you need to adjust limits. Life in Weymouth means adapting to South Shore traffic, seasonal weather, and everything else that comes with driving in Massachusetts. Your insurance should adapt too. The few minutes you spend reviewing your policy each year could save you thousands when you need it most.
