Massachusetts auto insurance rates are now filed in the state by the insurance companies under a new market known as Managed Competition.
If you live in Massachusetts, you should take advantage of this because it's designed to save you money.
Here are some tips to help you get competitive quotes.
Prior to deregulation, rates for car insurance were set by the insurance commissioner, and drivers had little choice but to accept the rate they got.
Now, insurance companies can set rates (they still must be approved by the commissioner) which means they can use rates to win your business.
In other words, they are competing for your business and you have the opportunity to save hundreds of dollars.
This is because rates can now vary so much between companies.
The most important thing you can do right now is comparison shop.
You should get at least three quotes from different companies -- even more.
You can contact the various companies that do business in your area via the phone or Internet.
Or,to make quote shopping easier, many people in Massachusetts are using online insurance comparison sites.
At a comparison site you can fill out an online form once with your information and get several quotes back from different companies or agents.
Whichever way you chose, make sure to provide the same information for each quote about your coverages, vehicles and deductibles.
Otherwise you won't be able to accurately compare prices.
One way to do this is to have your current auto insurance policy in front of you when you shop.
The declarations page of your policy should have the limits of liability and deductibles listed out.
You should also get your quotes in writing if you don't get something you can print out online.
And ask each company about available discounts.
Discounts such as multi-policy (insuring your home with the same company for example), good driver, anti-lock brakes and more could save you five percent or higher.