Massachusetts Insurance Premiums Surge With Immigrant Population

It is difficult to say with certainty how many "undocumented" immigrants found their way to Massachusetts before the Trump Administration reduced border crossings to a trickle, but there were many. Thousands, even tens of thousands, of illegal and "legally present" foreigners now call Massachusetts home.

The Shrewsbury, Massachusetts-based Molinari Insurance Group says, "Over the past few years, Massachusetts has experienced a significant increase in the number of undocumented immigrants entering the state."

"The surge of illegal immigration in Massachusetts is driving up insurance premiums," according to the firm's website.

A Surge in Undocumented Residents Since 2021

The Molinari Insurance Group says, "Estimates suggest that since 2021, more than 50,000 new undocumented individuals have settled in the Commonwealth, with roughly 15,000 to 17,000 arriving each year," which has "put pressure on many systems – one of which is our state's auto insurance market."

How the Work and Family Mobility Act Changed the Roads

The firm says the Work and Family Mobility Act, which allows some undocumented immigrants to obtain a Massachusetts driver's license, has resulted in increased risks, more accidents (and claims), and "rate hikes for everyone."

A 2024 Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) analysis says, "Together with New York, Texas, Florida, California, and Illinois, Massachusetts has emerged as one of the top destinations for illegal immigrants in recent years, according to government records on immigration court filings and academic research," presenting a "serious challenge to Massachusetts."

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Last year's CIS report stated, "The number of illegal and unadmissible migrants living in Massachusetts is about 355,000, with about 50,000 new arrivals since 2021."

"Illegal and unadmissible immigrants are eligible for certain welfare programs in Massachusetts, despite federal bans on access to certain programs," according to CIS.

The Broader Economic Impact of Immigration in Massachusetts

Some, including Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Shortsleeve, estimate that the total cost of providing housing, medical, food, and other assistance to the new arrivals could cost taxpayers $3 million to $5 million.