Key Takeaways
- The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) regulates all insurance activities in the Commonwealth
- The Insurance Commissioner is APPOINTED by the Governor and serves at the pleasure of the Governor
- Massachusetts does NOT require pre-license education - one of the states without this requirement
- Insurance law is found in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 175 (Insurance) and Chapter 176 (Health Insurance)
- The DOI handles licensing, consumer complaints, rate review, and market conduct examinations
Last updated: January 2026
Massachusetts Regulatory Agencies
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The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) is the state agency responsible for regulating the insurance industry in the Commonwealth.
Division of Insurance (DOI)
The Division of Insurance is responsible for:
- Licensing insurance producers and companies
- Reviewing and approving insurance rates
- Approving policy forms
- Handling consumer complaints and inquiries
- Conducting market conduct examinations
- Enforcing insurance laws and regulations
DOI Leadership
The Insurance Commissioner is:
- APPOINTED by the Governor
- Serves at the pleasure of the Governor
- No fixed term limit
- Oversees all DOI operations
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Selection Method | Appointed by Governor |
| Term | Serves at pleasure of Governor |
| Agency | Division of Insurance (DOI) |
| Reports To | Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation |
Exam Tip: Remember that Massachusetts is NOT one of the 11 states that elects its insurance commissioner. The Commissioner is APPOINTED by the Governor.
Massachusetts Insurance Code
Massachusetts insurance law is contained in the Massachusetts General Laws (M.G.L.):
Key Chapters
| Chapter | Subject |
|---|---|
| Chapter 175 | Insurance (general provisions) |
| Chapter 175I | Portable Electronics Insurance |
| Chapter 176 | Health Insurance |
| Chapter 176A | Non-Profit Hospital Service Corporations |
| Chapter 176B | Medical Service Corporations |
| Chapter 176D | Unfair Methods of Competition and Unfair Practices |
| Chapter 176G | Health Maintenance Organizations |
Chapter 175 - Producer Licensing
Chapter 175 is particularly important for licensing exams as it contains:
- Agent and agency licensing requirements (Section 162L-177H)
- Appointment procedures
- Continuing education requirements
- Prohibited practices
- Disciplinary procedures
Contact Information
- DOI Consumer Hotline: (617) 521-7794
- Licensing: (617) 521-7794
- Website: mass.gov/doi
- Address: 1000 Washington Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02118-6200
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Test Your Knowledge
How is the Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner selected?
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Test Your Knowledge
Which Massachusetts General Laws chapter contains the primary insurance code?
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Test Your Knowledge
Which agency is responsible for issuing insurance producer licenses in Massachusetts?
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