If you’re a Cambridge driver, you’re in luck. The average monthly cost of car insurance in this Boston suburb is $104 — lower than the Massachusetts overall average of $119 and the national overall average of $144.
The city’s low population density, compared to other major cities like Boston or Worcester, and the area’s robust public transportation system may partly contribute to its cheaper rates. Fewer vehicles and more public transportation means fewer drivers on the road. This leads to reduced traffic congestion, lower accident rates, and fewer claims filed.
Here’s what you should know about comparing rates and finding affordable auto coverage in Cambridge.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Cambridge
Three of the cheapest car insurance companies in Cambridge are Travelers, Safeco, and Liberty Mutual. But your personal insurance rates will vary based on your situation and needs. For example, a safe driver will see better rates than a driver with a moving violation like a speeding ticket or an at-fault accident.
Start your search with the insurers in the table below. Rates shown are for the state of Massachusetts.
Best insurer for young drivers: Travelers
Best insurer for safe drivers: Safeco
Best insurer for military members: Liberty Mutual
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Cambridge
The cost of auto insurance in Cambridge depends on various factors, including your driving record, claim history, ZIP code, vehicle make and model, and chosen coverages. Massachusetts prohibits insurers from using your age, gender, and credit history when determining premium rates.
While most insurance factors are out of your control, you still have ways to lower your insurance costs:2
Compare prices. Drivers who shop before their insurance policy is renewed could see savings of around 30%. Use a quote-comparison tool to compare rates in one place and make sure you’re getting the best deal on the coverages you need.
Look for discounts. Insurance companies offer many discounts to reward you with better rates. Check your insurer’s website to find deals you qualify for — you might qualify for more than you’d think. Some insurers offer you a discount for bundling different insurance policies together, such as bundling your homeowners or renters insurance with auto insurance.
Enhance your driving skills. Taking a defensive driving course improves your safety on the road. It’ll minimize your chances of getting into an accident and can even score you a discount.
Raise your deductible. The higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premium. Before choosing a deductible, be sure you can pay if you need to file a claim.
Review your coverage. If your insurance policy is unbalanced, you could have an excessive amount of coverage in one area and be underinsured in another. Speak with a licensed insurance agent to see if you have the right coverage amounts for your needs.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Cambridge: Midvale Home & Auto
Liability-only car insurance includes your state’s minimum car insurance requirement. If you’re at fault in an accident, it pays for the injured party’s medical bills and property damage. But it doesn’t cover yours.
In Cambridge, liability car insurance costs $86 per month, on average. Take a look at the average monthly cost of liability insurance with different insurance companies in the table below.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Cambridge: Travelers
While liability-only car insurance covers the affected driver’s property damage, full coverage takes care of you. Full-coverage insurance protects your vehicle, regardless of fault.
If you commute regularly, live in a “high-risk” area, or own a valuable car, it’s a good idea to carry full-coverage auto insurance. If you have a loan or lease on your car, your lender will probably require you to carry full coverage. This insurance can save you from a financial headache when the unexpected happens.
Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $121 per month for drivers in Cambridge. Below, you’ll find the average monthly cost of insurance for several insurers in the city.
Car insurance requirements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is a no-fault state. This means that drivers must go through their own insurance company for medical coverage after a car accident, regardless of fault.3 To satisfy this requirement, drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
The state also requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury. This coverage pays for your and your passenger’s medical expenses if an uninsured driver is at fault in an accident.
Here’s a look at the following minimum-coverage requirements in Massachusetts:1
You may want to consider adding the following optional coverages to your policy for more financial protection:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Driving incidents refer to speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and more. Since these incidents signal to insurers that you’re more likely to file a claim, drivers with moving violations experience higher rates than drivers with clean records.4 If you have multiple traffic infractions or a severe violation like operating under the influence (OWI), some companies may refuse to insure you.
Average cost of car insurance by age
Although age has a significant influence on your car insurance premiums, Massachusetts prohibits insurers from using age as a determining factor for the cost of your insurance. But teen drivers typically see the highest rates on their auto policy due to their lack of experience on the road and increased risk of reckless driving.
Fortunately, insurance costs tend to wane by age 25 and continue to decrease each year. Senior drivers in their 70s may face elevated rates as age-related factors can impair driving abilities, but will still pay lower-than-average premiums.
The table below shows how car insurance rates can change in Cambridge by age group.