Massachusetts insurance laws
Insurance regulations, rate filing requirements, department info, and recent bulletins for Massachusetts. Updated Mar 31, 2026.
Department of Insurance
Massachusetts has a highly regulated insurance market with strong consumer protections and parity requirements. The Division of Insurance actively oversees rates, forms, and insurer solvency while enforcing strict mental health parity laws. The state operates managed competition for auto insurance and maintains comprehensive coverage mandates across all lines.
Auto Insurance
Notable Laws
- M.G.L. c. 90, § 34A - Compulsory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements and minimum coverage limits
- M.G.L. c. 175, § 113L - Mandatory uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provisions
- M.G.L. c. 175, § 4E - Prohibition on use of credit information in underwriting or rating private passenger auto insurance
- M.G.L. c. 175, § 113B 1/2 - Prohibition on premium surcharges for at-fault accidents not meeting minor or major accident criteria
- Chapter 275 of the Acts of 2024 - Increased minimum coverage limits effective July 1, 2025 (BI from $20k/$40k to $25k/$50k; PD from $5k to $30k)
Homeowners Insurance
Notable Laws
- M.G.L. c. 175, § 193P - Requires 45-day written notice of non-renewal with specific reasons; notice must be sent to insured and agent
- M.G.L. c. 175, § 187D - Cancellation for non-payment requires 10-day notice; other mid-term cancellations require 20-day notice
- M.G.L. c. 175, §§ 4A-4C - Annual reporting requirements for cancellations and non-renewals; prohibits discrimination in provision or renewal
- M.G.L. c. 175, § 99 - Standard form and content requirements for fire insurance policies; policies cannot exceed 7-year term
- Bulletin 2025-02 (April 30, 2025) - Guidance on underwriting actions based on aerial imaging; insurers must allow policyholders to address concerns
Recent Bulletins
Requirements for 2026 Licensure of Pharmacy Benefit Managers
Establishes licensing requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operating in Massachusetts for the 2026 calendar year, including application procedures and compliance obligations.
View bulletinCoverage for Vaccines
Clarifies health insurance carriers' obligations to cover vaccines as preventive services with no cost-sharing under federal and state law.
View bulletinUnderwriting Actions Based on the Use of Aerial Imaging
Provides guidance to property insurers on using aerial imagery in underwriting decisions; requires insurers to allow policyholders opportunity to address concerns before taking adverse action.
View bulletinGuidance for Massachusetts Domestic Insurers on Managing the Financial Risks for Climate
Directs domestic insurers to assess and manage climate-related financial risks to ensure long-term solvency and market stability.
View bulletinThe Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems in Insurance
Establishes framework for insurers' use of AI in underwriting, pricing, and claims; requires transparency, fairness testing, and human oversight of AI-driven decisions.
View bulletinRecent Law Changes
An Act Enhancing the Market Review Process
Comprehensive health care oversight legislation expanding Health Policy Commission authority over provider and insurer transactions; directs Division of Insurance to consider affordability in rate review; creates primary care task force.
Health insurers must justify rate increases with greater scrutiny on affordability; material health care transactions require enhanced regulatory review.
Effective: 2025-01-15
An Act Relative to Motor Vehicle Insurance
Increases mandatory minimum auto insurance coverage limits: bodily injury from $20,000/$40,000 to $25,000/$50,000 per person/accident; property damage from $5,000 to $30,000.
All Massachusetts drivers must carry higher minimum coverage limits, resulting in increased premiums but better protection for accident victims.
Effective: 2025-07-01
An Act Addressing Barriers to Care for Mental Health
Comprehensive mental health reform eliminating prior authorization for acute behavioral health treatment; mandates annual mental health wellness exams; requires real-time bed availability tracking; strengthens parity enforcement.
Health insurers must cover mental health services without prior authorization barriers and provide annual wellness exams; reduces administrative burden for mental health providers.
Effective: 2022-11-08
An Act Relative to Step Therapy and Patient Safety
Regulates step therapy protocols requiring evidence-based clinical criteria; mandates exception process for contraindicated drugs or patient stability; requires 3-business-day (24-hour urgent) response times.
Health insurers must provide transparent step therapy exception processes, reducing delays in access to medically necessary prescription drugs.
Effective: 2023-10-01
An Act Relative to Life Settlements and Stranger Originated Life Insurance
Establishes comprehensive regulatory framework for life settlement industry; prohibits stranger-originated life insurance (STOLI); requires licensing of life settlement providers and brokers; prohibits policy transfers within first two years.
Life settlement providers and brokers must obtain licenses and comply with disclosure requirements; policyholders receive enhanced consumer protections.
Effective: 2013-04-08
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