Insurance

In Massachusetts, all car insurance is pretty much the same. Everyone is required to have it, so there shouldn't be too much difference.

Rates and policies are standardized in MA so the only reason to shop around is for service. That is, how helpful are they in selecting the optional coverages you need up and how good is the insurer in paying claims promptly and without a lot of hassle. Most are pretty much the same.

There are two basic categories of coverage in MA. One is "compulsory" coverage that everyone is *required* to buy. This includes coverage for damaging someone else's property and some other basic liability. Optional coverages include collision on your car (pays for damages if you get in an accident that is not clearly someone else's fault); additional liability - everyone needs more than the legal minimum of that; theft; glass, etc. Insurance agents can help guide you to what you need for coverage.

There are two ways to buy - direct from a company representative, or from an "independent" agent. The independent agent may give you better service than the company rep office and will know a little about who is more hassle to work with. But, it's not a big difference.

If you tell us what part of MA you will be in, I or someone else can suggest an agent that is close by. You should also be aware that you cannot register a car in MA without insurance, so you need to buy the car, go to the insurance agent, then go register the car and get your plates. Most agents will do that service for you (registration and plates) for less than $20. If you buy the car from a dealer, they will be happy to charge you $50 to $150 to prepare the same papers that your agent will prepare for free... but they do reduce the hassle in going to the insurance office yourself.

There is a MA insurance site and registry site where you can read more:

Insurance:

policy - the only difference in companies is service. That is how much do they help in setting up being _if_ you get in an accident, do they pay claims quickly and easily os The only differences in MA are the