A Massachusetts auto insurance policy is comprised of twelve parts of coverage:
1. Bodily Injury to Others - Covers injuries to someone else resulting from an accident occurring in the state of Massachusetts.
2. Personal Injury Protection - The benefits under this part are commonly known as 'PIP' or 'No-Fault' benefits. PIP benefits include medical expenses, lost wages, and replacement cost services.
3. Bodily Injury Caused by an Uninsured Auto - This coverage pays damages for bodily injury resulting from certain accidents caused by uninsured or hit-and-run autos. “Uninsured” means that the at-fault driver has no insurance.
4. Damage to Someone Else's Property - This coverage pays for damages to someone else whose auto or other property is damaged in an accident.
5. Optional Bodily Injury to Others - This coverage pays for damages to people injured or killed in accidents if you or a household member is legally responsible for the accident. Unlike part 1, this coverage does provide coverage for injuries to guest occupants and for accidents occurring outside of Massachusetts.
Although this coverage part is considered optional, it is actually the backbone of your insurance protection. Liability suits can become large very easily.
6. Medical Payments - This coverage pays for reasonable expenses for necessary medical and funeral services to yourself and your passengers incurred as the result of an accident.
7. Collision - This coverage pays for any direct and accidental damage to your auto caused by a collision.
8. Limited Collision - This coverage will pay in some situations for direct and accidental damage to your auto caused by a collision.
9. Comprehensive – This coverage pays for losses that are not a result of damage caused by a collision such as theft, vandalism and others.
10. Substitute Transportation - This coverage reimburses you, up to the limits shown on the declaration page, in certain situations if your auto was in a collision and is being repaired or replaced.
Coverage is provided if your auto cannot be used because of damage or loss, including theft, that is covered under Comprehensive.
11. Towing and Labor - This coverage pays for towing and labor costs, up to the limit shown on your coverage selections page, incurred each time your auto is disabled.
12. Bodily Injury Caused By An Underinsured Auto - This coverage pays for damages for bodily injury as the result of certain accidents caused by an underinsured motorist. “Underinsured” means that the at-fault driver does not enough insurance to compensate you fully for the injuries caused by them.
The state of Massachusetts requires you to purchase parts 1 - 4 while parts 5 - 12 are considered optional. Based on your personal situation, we would work with you to devise the best plan to suit your needs.
It may seem like there’s a lot to understand about auto insurance. If you have any questions, just give us a call at 800-922-8381. We’ll help you steer you in the right direction.