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Massachusetts: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 14 topic we track for Massachusetts on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Massachusetts compares.
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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Personal injury | 3 years |
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| Property damage | 3 years |
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| Minimum liability | $25,000 / $50,000 / $30,000 |
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| Fault system | No-fault (PIP pays first; lawsuits limited) |
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| Shared-fault rule | Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more |
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| Acknowledge | No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness |
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| Accept or deny | Reasonable time |
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| Pay | Not set by rule |
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| Dollar limit | $7,000 (no cap for car property damage) |
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| Filing fee | $40 to $150 |
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| Lawyers | Allowed |
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| Total loss rule | Total loss formula |
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| Rule | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) |
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| When you are barred | Barred if you are 51% or more at fault |
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| Report required if | Death, injury, or over $1,000 damage |
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| Deadline | 5 days |
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| Repair attempts or days | 3 attempts or 15 business days |
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| Coverage period | 1 year or 15,000 miles, whichever first |
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| State rate | 6.25% |
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| Combined average | 6.25% |
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| Handheld ban | Yes, all drivers (primary) |
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| Texting ban | Yes, primary |
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| Law type | Universal |
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| Who must wear one | All riders (universal law) |
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Gas tax Single detailed source
| Gasoline | 27.6¢ per gallon |
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| Diesel | 27.6¢ per gallon |
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| Drivers uninsured | 7.9% |
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| UM/UIM coverage | Uninsured motorist required |
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| Legal status | Recreational and medical |
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