(Click question for answers)

How do I get my car registered in Massachusetts?
 
Is there an independently prepared consumer report for Massachusetts automobile insurance?
 
Does Massachusetts auto insurance all cost the same?
 
What are the factors in determining my premiums?
 
Do I have to list all licensed drivers that live in my household as operators on my insurance?
 
How do I renew my registration?
 
How often do I need to inspect my vehicle?
 
What is the Junior Operator Law?
 
How do I get a special license plate number?
 
Why is auto insurance so expensive in Massachusetts?
 
What does an actual policy look like and what does the policy actually say word for word about the coverages? 
 
How do I get my car registered in Massachusetts? - You must first buy a Massachusetts auto insurance policy from a licensed Massachusetts insurance agent. The agent will create all the forms you need (within reason) to get this accomplished.
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Is there an independently prepared consumer report for Massachusetts automobile insurance? Absolutely!
http://www.state.ma.us/doi/Consumer/WaysToSave_Contents.html is the site where you can read what the Massachusetts Consumer Affairs Dept. has to say about buying a Massachusetts auto insurance policy. I can do this faster than you can read it but if you want to hear what an independent party has to say then this is the resource for you.
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Does Massachusetts auto insurance all cost the same? There are some variations due to group discounts and bonus credits but the maximum difference is about 15%. Most people can't get more than 6% because they don't belong to a group that gives the biggest discounts. If you qualify for one of these groups through your employer or an association (like a church or credit union) you would probably already know about it. This link shows you all of the groups that are eligible for a discount right now.
http://www.state.ma.us/doi/Consumer/css_auto_group.html
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What are the factors in determining my premiums? The town you live in, your specific driving history, the car you drive and how much coverage you want determine the actual premium.
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Do I have to list all licensed drivers that live in my household as operators on my insurance? Yes! The policy requires that all household members and individuals who customarily operate your car be listed on the policy. If the other operators have a policy of their own then they are deferred and don't cost you anything extra on your policy. If they don't have a policy of their own then the policy may cost you more. It is important to note that the insurance company will not pay for a collision loss if this is done wrong!
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How do I renew my registration? Usually the RMV sends you a renewal form and you just follow the directions but as the RMV will tell you it is your responsibility to remember to renew the registration whether the RMV sends you a form or not. I can create a renewal form for you (that must be taken to the RMV) or you can do it online at https://www.state.ma.us/secure/rmv/express/regform.htm
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How often do I need to inspect my vehicle?
http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/stations/index.htm
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What is the Junior Operator Law? Here is the website with all the facts http://www.state.ma.us/rmv/jol/index.htm
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How do I get a special license plate number? http://www.aib.org/PPInfo/!massaut.pdf is the site where Massachusetts auto insurance consumers can read the actual wording of the policy.
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Why is auto insurance so expensive in Massachusetts? Wow- that's a good question with many answers. Here are a few of them in no particular order. The state of Massachusetts controls the system versus the free market system used in most states. OK I simplified my answer to just one reason but it is the biggest reason. The best drivers pay too much because the other drivers aren't charged enough. Each classification of driver would be equally profitable if market forces were allowed to work their magic and if you are a great driver you would like that system more than the current system. If you have less than a perfect driving record (SDIP step 10 or higher) you would probably pay more under the free market system.
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What does an actual policy look like and what does the policy actually say word for word about the coverages? http://www.aib.org/PPInfo/!massaut.pdf is the site where Massachusetts auto insurance consumers can read the actual wording of the policy.
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